Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country, with an estimated population of 230 million people as of 2024, 60% under the age of 25 and 44% younger than 15. It has the fastest-growing population among the world’s 10 most populous countries. Despite its large demographic, Nigeria’s literacy rate stands at only 77.62% as of 2021. Additionally, the country’s poverty rate was estimated at 38.9% in 2023, making it home to the world’s second-largest population living in poverty, following India. These statistics underscore the critical need to enhance access to and the quality of education in Nigeria. Improving literacy rates is vital not only for reducing poverty but also for aligning with the United Nations (U.N.) Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on quality education.

The NLP and Its Partnership with TECNO

In 2022, Nigeria launched its Learning Passport program to address low literacy rates and the educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to support Sustainable Development Goal 4. The Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) is an online e-learning platform that provides children with access to curriculum-aligned content in local languages. It is available anytime and anywhere, featuring content from Nigeria’s national curriculum along with global educational resources. The platform, which aligns with UNICEF’s global education strategy, offers both online and offline content to enhance accessibility for children, especially those in remote or underserved areas with limited internet access.

As of July 2024, the technology brand TECNO has partnered with UNICEF Nigeria to further develop the NLP. Currently, the NLP operates in 19 of Nigeria’s 36 states, ranking it second among countries participating in the U.N.’s broader “Learning Passport” program. This partnership with TECNO aims to expand both the availability and reach of online and offline content, making the program more accessible throughout the country and extending it to additional states.

Educational Opportunities as a Solution to Poverty

The importance and positive impact of TECNO’s partnership with UNICEF Nigeria and its support of the NLP can be highlighted by the inextricable relationship between education and poverty. Adequate education enhances literacy, cognitive and social skills, potentially providing qualifications that lead to better job opportunities, thus helping lift individuals out of poverty. Additionally, poverty itself can restrict access to consistent, quality education. For instance, those in poverty might lack the financial resources needed for full-time education, including transportation to schools or the ability to afford necessary equipment and resources. necessary equipment and resources.

Extreme poverty often forces individuals to prioritize earning an income over education just to survive. Research conducted by UNESCO underscores the significant role education plays in alleviating poverty. A study found that completing secondary school could more than halve global poverty and achieving basic literacy for all students could help nearly 171 million people escape extreme poverty. These findings highlight the profound and positive impact that improved education quality and access can have on reducing poverty both in Nigeria and worldwide.

Education as a Catalyst for Economic Growth

Quality education is a significant driver of economic growth, as research from Stanford and Ludwig Maximillian Universities reveals that from 1960 to 2000, 75% of global GDP growth was linked to improved math and science skills. Emphasizing education is a crucial strategy for combating poverty, as it enhances individuals’ prospects for securing stable economic futures when they enter the workforce. Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO, supports this view, stating, “Investing in education is an effective strategy for breaking the inter-generational transmission of poverty and contributing to social and economic development.”

The Importance of the NLP and TECNO’s Partnership

This direct link between enhanced access to and quality of education underscores the significance of the NLP program and its beneficial impact on education in Nigeria, which will consequently help reduce poverty rates over time. Therefore, the anticipated growth of the program, stemming from TECNO’s partnership with UNICEF Nigeria, will further amplify the NLP program’s positive effects on education and poverty rates as beneficiaries mature and engage actively in the country’s economy.

TECNO’s partnership with UNICEF Nigeria and its support of the NLP bring Nigeria one step closer to making education accessible to all children, enhancing their prospects and breaking the cycle of inter-generational poverty. The ongoing support and development of the NLP exemplify Nigeria’s continuous efforts to tackle poverty within its borders.

Looking Ahead

The partnership between TECNO and UNICEF Nigeria aims to expand the reach of the NLP, enhancing educational access for millions of children across the country. By providing curriculum-aligned content both online and offline, this initiative directly addresses the educational challenges exacerbated by poverty. As the program grows, it is expected to play a vital role in improving literacy rates and reducing poverty, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s economic and social development.

– Archie Day

Archie is based in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

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