FG launches mobile learning initiative to boost teacher training across five African countries

By Taiwo Scholarstica

The Federal Government has partnered with the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (UNESCO-IICBA) and the Pan-African University (PAU) to introduce a mobile learning initiative aimed at improving the professional development of teachers, with a particular focus on female educators and school leaders across Nigeria and four other African countries.

The initiative was launched on Monday with the commencement of a three-day Master Training Programme in Abuja. The programme is designed to equip teachers and school administrators with mobile-based learning tools that will enhance teaching quality and strengthen education delivery.

According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the programme is themed, “Empowering Female Teachers and School Leaders through Integrating Mobile-based Learning in the Pan-African Virtual and Electronic University (PAVEU) Initiative,” and will hold from July 21 to July 23, 2026.

The project is funded by the Government of Japan as part of UNESCO-IICBA’s broader efforts to improve access to continuous professional development for educators across Africa through technology-driven learning.

The ministry’s statement partly read, “The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (UNESCO-IICBA) and the Pan-African University (PAU), has commenced a three-day Master Training Programme to strengthen teacher professional development through innovative mobile learning technologies.

“The programme, themed ‘Empowering Female Teachers and School Leaders through Integrating Mobile-based Learning in the Pan-African Virtual and Electronic University (PAVEU) Initiative,’ is being held in Abuja from 21 to 23 July 2026.

“Funded by the Government of Japan, the UNESCO-IICBA initiative targets five African countries—Algeria, Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria and South Sudan—and seeks to expand access to quality continuous professional development, particularly for female teachers and school leaders, through flexible and technology-driven learning.”

The ministry said the programme seeks to address challenges that have long hindered teachers from accessing regular professional development, including poor infrastructure, distance, and limited time.

It added, “The initiative leverages mobile technology to overcome barriers such as time constraints, geographical limitations and inadequate infrastructure, enabling educators to access quality learning resources anytime and anywhere through a low-data, offline-friendly platform.”

The government noted that the adoption of digital learning aligns with its ongoing education reforms aimed at improving teacher quality and raising learning standards across the country. It stressed that expanding access to continuous training for teachers remains a key priority in achieving better educational outcomes.

The ministry also highlighted Nigeria’s collaboration with international development partners to strengthen teacher education and promote the integration of technology into classrooms as part of efforts to modernise the education sector.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the initiative, the ministry said, “The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to improving teacher quality through digital innovation, noting that accessible professional development is essential to strengthening learning outcomes and building a resilient, inclusive and future-ready education system.”