In an era where technology continues to redefine how children learn and interact, Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF are taking proactive steps to ensure that digital transformation in education does not come at the cost of child safety. On October 7, the two partners jointly trained more than 150 public school teachers across Nigeria on Online Child Safety and Digital Protection, a key initiative under the ongoing Airtel–UNICEF Reimagine Education Programme.
The virtual training brought together educators from multiple regions, equipping them with the essential knowledge and tools to safeguard students in an increasingly connected world. The programme is part of Airtel and UNICEF’s shared mission to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide — not just by expanding access to online learning, but also by ensuring that teachers and students can navigate the internet safely and responsibly.
Building Safer Digital Classrooms
The training sessions covered a range of critical topics designed to help teachers understand both the opportunities and risks of the digital age. Airtel’s IT team led sessions on Digital Privacy and Protection, providing practical guidance on data management, cyber hygiene, and how to identify potential threats to learners’ digital wellbeing.
UNICEF experts facilitated discussions on Children’s Rights in the Digital Age, highlighting the need to balance access to information with safety, respect, and inclusion. Participants explored real-life scenarios, learned how to spot online grooming, and discussed best practices for guiding students’ online behavior.
Teachers also received resources to take back to their classrooms — from digital literacy guides to activity templates — enabling them to replicate the training with their students.
Empowering Teachers to Protect the Next Generation
Feedback from participants reflected a strong sense of empowerment and renewed confidence. According to post-training surveys, 99% of teachers reported that they now felt better equipped to protect students from online risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and digital exploitation.
For many teachers, the session marked their first structured introduction to online child protection. “As educators, we often focus on digital access, but this training helped us understand the importance of safety and privacy. It’s not just about connecting children to the internet — it’s about teaching them to use it wisely,” said one participant from Kaduna State.
The initiative also emphasized the role of teachers as digital mentors. By equipping them with both technical skills and ethical awareness, Airtel and UNICEF are helping schools foster a culture of responsible digital citizenship from the ground up.
The Reimagine Education Programme: Bridging Access and Safety
Launched as a partnership between Airtel Africa and UNICEF, the Reimagine Education Programme aims to transform education through connectivity, technology, and innovation. In Nigeria, the programme has connected hundreds of schools to the internet, enabling digital learning for thousands of students.
However, Airtel and UNICEF stress that connectivity alone is not enough. As online classrooms expand, the focus must also include privacy, security, and mental wellbeing. The online safety training reflects this holistic approach — ensuring that every student benefits from the digital revolution in a safe, supportive environment.
Speaking about the initiative, Airtel Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to using technology as a force for good. “We believe the internet should be a place of opportunity, not risk, for every child,” the company stated. “Through partnerships like this, we are not only expanding access to education but also ensuring that teachers have the tools to guide children safely through the digital world.”
Towards a Safer Digital Future
As Nigeria accelerates its digital education agenda, initiatives like the Airtel–UNICEF training will play a critical role in shaping responsible online behaviors and sustainable digital ecosystems. By empowering educators, the partnership ensures that technology serves as a bridge to opportunity — not a gateway to harm.
Through continued collaboration, Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF hope to reach more schools, extend connectivity, and deepen digital literacy and protection across the country. Their shared vision is clear: a generation of learners who are not only connected but also protected.
