By: Vitalis Ugoh Calabar
The media and other critical stakeholders drawn from three states have ended a one-day meeting on “Media Dialogue on Communications Results for uptake on Nigeria Learning Passport – NLP”, has ended with a resolution to work with UNICEF/States to achieve target results.
The states are Benue, Cross River and Enugu.
Speaking on the objectives of the one- day meeting, held at hotel Fildelma, Independence Layout Enugu state, UNICEF Communications Officer, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha Ogwe, said the objectives are to “identify media networks in the three states, set agenda for NLP as well as to generate stories on NLP from the states.
The three focus states are Benue, Cross River and Enugu.
UNICEF, she said, “stands for United Nation’s Children’s fund,.
It is operating in 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence.
Ogwe said at the end, it is expected that the media will use available veritable media channels to increase demand and awareness for NLP in all the states of the Federation.
Cross River is expected to register 27,000 target between June – December, 2023.
Also speaking at the One-,day meeting, Dr. Agatha Nzeribe, Education Specialist, UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, said “NLP is a new solution designed to close learning gaps”.
She said in Nigeria education overview, everything is planned for life. Three out of four in Nigeria cannot read. There are challenges in accessing quality education and training pathways.
There are limited quality education, lack of quality curriculum, lack of quality learning resources and tools, hence there is an alternative way to education.
Nzeribe described this great opportunity of NLP as once in a generation opportunity to transform education in Nigeria for our children.
It is for Remediation, digital/remote learning/partnerships private/public, community and parental engagement, integrated safe school services(education, health WASH)”.
Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) has come to stay in Nigeria. It targets children, parents and everybody giving them opportunity to learn. Learning Passport is there to get you started. It is in all fields. Youths and adolescent skills.
“NLP provides continuous access to education for all children, youth and teachers, he added”.
Among others, the media are to chunk out articles on NLP, produce Tv program,Jingles, Blog, Op-Eds,Tv/ Radio interview, social,media posts,Paid campaign and WhatsApp messaging.
UNICEF, she disclosed had made huge investments on NLP therefore the children must register.
Mr. Celestine Ngwu, an expert on digital program from Enugu Ministry of Education took the participants through the processes of registration by use of phone/email for our children.
The meeting was organized by the Enugu Universal Basic Education/ Ministry of Education and coordinated by UNICEF.
