Accelerated Learning Access Powered by DSN and Funded by Mastercard Foundation
Learn At Home (LAH) is a flagship initiative by Data Science Nigeria (DSN), developed in response to the massive learning disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With strategic funding support from the Mastercard Foundation, DSN launched this nationwide, tech-enabled education resilience program, delivering localized, inclusive content to over 8.18 million learners across Nigeria.
The project embodies DSN’s deep technical capability in AI, platform engineering, and education innovation—making learning accessible, equitable, and impactful for all, especially in low-income and underserved communities.
The Challenge: A Learning Crisis in a Low-Connectivity Environment
When COVID-19 forced school closures nationwide, millions of students—particularly those in rural and economically disadvantaged communities—were left behind. Traditional e-learning platforms failed to reach this segment due to infrastructural and digital access constraints. DSN’s Learn At Home reimagined education delivery by leveraging low-tech, high-impact solutions rooted in local context and accessibility.
DSN’s 4-Pillar Innovation Framework
1. Localized Content Development
– Curriculum-aligned materials based on the NERDC national standards
– Multilingual delivery in English and major Nigerian languages (Hausa, Kanuri, Yoruba, Igbo)
– Micro-class formats, exam-readiness series, and peer-to-peer inspirational content
– Adapted for audio, video, and mobile consumption
2. Inclusive, Multi-Modal Delivery
– Interactive radio lessons with SMS quizzes
– Audio-only websites for basic phones
– Zero-rated USSD learning interfaces
– Offline access via neighborhood kiosks (USB, SD card transfer)
3. Community-Based Learning Ecosystem
– Real-time Telegram support desks for learners
– Girls in STEM campaigns
– Peer-to-peer student communities and home-to-home support agents
– Dedicated study centres and special programs for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
4. Scalable Infrastructure and Institutional Integration
– Post-program adoption by public schools and government education boards
– Free, zero-rated learning content access via MTN Ayoba
– Long-term integration into government humanitarian interventions in IDP communities
Tangible Impact at National Scale
Supported by independent research from Media Monitoring Services and Market Equation, Learn At Home delivered extraordinary results:
– 8.18 million+ learners reached through all platforms
– 1,042,125+ students engaged via nationwide radio
– 240,515+ active participants in interactive learning quizzes
– 65,893+ unique users on the audio web portal
– 16,392 jobs created in content development, tutoring, and field operations
– 39% of direct beneficiaries were female
Evaluation Highlights:
– 97% of students found the content “extremely helpful”
– 91% said the program supported their learning progress
– 95% agreed the content was easy to understand and follow
Creating Jobs Through Education Innovation
In addition to its learning outcomes, Learn At Home serves as a robust job creation engine, aligning with DSN’s national impact mission. The initiative supports pathways to 2.5 million new jobs across:
– NYSC-to-teacher transition and onboarding
– STEM-focused, on-demand tutoring in public and low-cost private schools
– Curriculum development and localized content production
– Retail and distribution networks for last-mile learning access
Institutional Endorsements and National Recognition
Learn At Home has been embraced and institutionalized by several government agencies and public stakeholders, including:
– Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB)
– Kano State Ministry of Education
– The Office of the Vice President (for IDP educational support)
– Featured on NTA Network News as a model for national education response
A Future-Ready Education Model
DSN is evolving Learn At Home into a long-term national education support system, advancing:
– AI-driven curriculum standardization
– Continuous teacher upskilling in digital pedagogy
– Scalable, offline-compatible learning systems
– Contextualized content for the future of work in STEM
DSN’s Vision: No Learner Left Behind
Learn At Home is proof that impactful innovation doesn’t have to be complex — it just has to be relevant, accessible, and community-driven. With support from the Mastercard Foundation, DSN is redefining what’s possible for education in Africa, creating lasting change at scale, and building a future where every learner has the tools to thrive.
Global Recognition
A testament to its global relevance and innovation, one of the products from the Learn At Home initiative was recognized by the International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI) under the auspices of UNESCO. It was listed among the **Top 100 global AI-powered projects** that are addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This recognition underscores the project’s impact, ingenuity, and alignment with global efforts to transform education through technology.
