Education Specialist Urges Prioritisation of Digital Learning For Youths

To secure a desirable secure future for the country, there is need to prioritise digital learning for the younger population, an education specialist has advised.

Education Specialist with Bauchi Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Ado Abdulrahman Ibrahim, who gave this advice, added that education becomes most effective when young people are not only learners, but active partners in shaping the system

Speaking today at the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of Education with the theme ‘The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education’, he said digital education promotes self-reliance and confidence-building among the youth, and that young people should seek education at all costs.

He promised that UNICEF would continue to support the state government in ensuring that a conducive atmosphere for quality education is provided in the state.

Project Coordinator of Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Bauchi State, Ladi Hamma Mohammed, who gave a goodwill message, stated:

“This year’s theme highlights the transformative role of young people as co-creators of education systems that are inclusive, innovative, and responsive to contemporary challenges.

“In a rapidly changing world driven by digital advancement and artificial intelligence, the active participation of youths, particularly girls, is critical to shaping learning environments that promote equity, creativity, and lifelong learning.

“The sub-theme draws attention to the urgent need to safeguard and advance girl-child education amid emerging technologies.

“While artificial intelligence presents immense opportunities for improving access, quality, and delivery of education, it also calls for deliberate efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure that girls are not left behind. Empowering the girl child with relevant digital skills, safe learning spaces, and equal opportunities remains fundamental to sustainable development.

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“AGILE Bauchi remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting government efforts to improve access to quality education for adolescent girls, strengthen education systems, and promote skills development that prepare young people for the future of work in a technology-driven world.

“As we mark this important day, I call on all stakeholders, government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, educators, parents, civil society organisations, and development partners, to continue investing in youth engagement and girl-child education, while responsibly harnessing technology to enhance learning outcomes.

“Together, let us empower our youths and girls to not only participate in education but to actively shape its future.”

Earlier, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Education, Dr Lawal Mohammed Rimin-Zayan, had described education as the foundation of national development.

Presenting a keynote address at the event, he said for the country’s education system to remain strong and future ready however, that it must reflect the voices, creativity, and energy of the youth it serves.

“This year’s theme reminds us that young people today are innovators, digital creators, peer educators, and community leaders.

“When we involve them in school governance, learning design, innovation, and advocacy, education becomes more meaningful and responsive to real-life challenges”, he stated.