The Federal Government has intensified efforts to address Nigeria's learning challenges by launching a nationwide learning assessment designed to evaluate pupils' literacy, numeracy, cognitive abilities and overall academic performance across the country.
DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS reports that the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the exercise would provide reliable data needed to drive reforms and improve the nation's education system.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday after monitoring the National Learning Assessment at Government Secondary School, Kuje; Government Junior Secondary School, Kuje Central; and Topaz Model Primary School, Kango, the minister explained that the assessment covers Primary Three, Primary Five, Junior Secondary School Two (JSS2), and Senior Secondary School Two (SSS2).
According to him, the exercise focuses on English Language, Mathematics, Basic Science and non-cognitive skills to determine the quality of learning among Nigerian students.
"We are conducting this National Learning Assessment to determine the level of understanding of our students in key subjects and to measure their literacy, numeracy and cognitive development," Alausa stated.
He explained that the assessment forms a major part of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative and will serve as a benchmark for monitoring learning outcomes every three years.
The minister noted that Nigeria has not consistently carried out national learning assessments. He recalled that the last assessment was conducted by the Universal Basic Education Commission in 2023, while the previous exercise by the Federal Ministry of Education took place in 2019.
Alausa disclosed that the Federal Government has established a more structured process to ensure regular assessments, adding that UBEC has been directed to make dedicated budgetary provisions so that the exercise becomes a routine national programme beginning in 2029.
He expressed concern over the country's learning poverty, revealing that many Nigerian children are still unable to read age-appropriate texts by the age of 10.
According to him, the findings from the assessment will help the government identify learning gaps and implement targeted interventions aimed at improving educational outcomes nationwide.
The minister further revealed that the ministry has harmonised various assessment models into a single standardised National Learning Assessment framework to ensure consistency and make it easier to compare learning outcomes over time.
"We have customised different learning assessments into one standardised National Learning Assessment. This will allow us to consistently measure progress as we transform the education sector and ensure every Nigerian child receives quality education," he said.
Following inspections of both public and private schools in Kuje, Alausa praised the quality of infrastructure and learning environment in public schools within the **Federal Capital Territory>, particularly their cleanliness, maintenance and greenery.
He said he was impressed by the healthy appearance of students and the well-maintained school facilities, commending the FCT Administration for its commitment to quality education.
While acknowledging the significant role private schools play in expanding access to education, the minister stressed the need for stronger regulatory measures to ensure they comply with minimum educational standards and provide conducive learning environments.
He noted that private schools have contributed greatly to reducing the number of out-of-school children and should continue to receive support alongside effective regulation.
Also speaking, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, applauded the Federal Ministry of Education for introducing the nationwide assessment, describing it as a major step toward improving learning standards across the country.
Hayyo reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to supporting the initiative, disclosing that more than 120 public schools have been renovated under the current administration, including Government Secondary School, Kuje.
He added that the FCT Administration would continue to support policies aimed at improving the quality of education in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Adedeji Tolulope
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