The federal government of Nigeria has launched a mobile learning programme to strengthen teachers' professional development across five African countries. The initiative introduces digital training designed to improve access for teachers, especially female educators and school leaders. A three-day training programme in Abuja will mark the start of the education partnership with UNESCO and the African Union.
Partnership with UNESCO and Pan African University
The Federal Ministry of Education announced the initiative in a press release shared on its X page on Monday, July 20, 2026. The programme is being implemented in partnership with the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (UNESCO-IICBA) and the Pan African University (PAU). According to the ministry, a three-day Master Training Programme is taking place in Abuja from July 21 to July 23, 2026.
Focus on Female Teachers and School Leaders
The training is themed "Empowering Female Teachers and School Leaders through Integrating Mobile-based Learning in the Pan-African Virtual and Electronic University (PAVEU) Initiative." It is designed to strengthen teachers' professional development through mobile learning technologies. The initiative is funded by the Government of Japan and covers five African countries: Nigeria, Algeria, Cameroon, Kenya, and South Sudan.
Mobile Platform with Low Data and Offline Access
The ministry said the programme will allow teachers to access professional development through a mobile platform that works with low internet data and offers offline access. It said the initiative aims to remove barriers such as time constraints, long distances, and inadequate infrastructure by enabling educators to access learning materials "anytime and anywhere."
Improving Teacher Quality and Learning Outcomes
The ministry said improving access to professional development through digital technology is part of its efforts to improve teacher quality. It stated that making training more accessible is essential to "strengthening learning outcomes and building a resilient, inclusive and future-ready education system."
