RismadarVoice Reporters
October 21, 2026
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Airtel Africa and the Federal Government have expanded their digital education partnership, with the initiative reportedly reaching nearly 2,000 schools, approximately one million learners and more than 20,000 teachers across Nigeria.
The initiative is designed to improve access to quality education through internet connectivity, digital learning resources and technology-based teaching methods, particularly for children in underserved communities.
The partners disclosed the progress in a statement issued on Wednesday following a joint assessment visit to schools and youth development programmes in Lagos and Abuja.
The delegation, led by Garreth Spillane, Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Airtel Africa, visited Government Senior College, Agege, and St George’s U.N.A. Primary School, where students and teachers demonstrated the use of digital tools in classroom learning.
At Yaba College of Technology, the delegation assessed youth development programmes, including Passport to Earning and the Youth Agency Marketplace, known as YOMA.
The platforms provide access to digital skills training, entrepreneurship opportunities, mentorship and employment-related resources.
A central feature of the partnership is the removal of data costs associated with selected educational platforms.
Through an arrangement known as zero-rating, eligible Airtel subscribers can access designated learning resources without standard mobile data charges.
The supported platforms include the Nigeria Learning Passport and other government-backed educational services intended to improve digital literacy and access to learning materials.
The partners said the initiative had also strengthened teachers’ ability to incorporate technology into classroom instruction, with more than 19,000 educators reportedly receiving digital literacy training.
UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nigeria, Rownak Khan, described the programme as an important step towards reducing inequalities in educational opportunities.
She stressed that digital learning should benefit children regardless of their location, financial circumstances or physical abilities.
Khan also called for greater attention to girls, children with disabilities and learners in communities with limited educational infrastructure.
Representing Airtel Africa, Spillane reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding school connectivity and removing financial barriers to digital education.
He maintained that internet access must be accompanied by relevant learning materials and effective teacher training to produce meaningful educational outcomes.
The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, welcomed collaboration between government institutions and development partners.
She identified teacher development, digital content quality and children’s online safety as priorities for improving technology-driven education.
During the Abuja engagement, the delegation also discussed sustainable funding, improved school connectivity and stronger education data systems with government representatives.
The partnership forms part of a five-year collaboration launched in 2021 to improve digital education across 13 African countries.
Across the continent, Airtel Africa reported that the initiative had connected more than 3,000 schools and provided free data access to dozens of educational platforms.
The partners reiterated their commitment to expanding digital learning opportunities and helping young Nigerians develop practical skills for further education, employment and entrepreneurship.
