The Federal Government has commenced a nationwide learning assessment aimed at addressing Nigeria’s learning crisis by measuring pupils’ literacy, numeracy and cognitive skills across basic and secondary schools.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the exercise would provide critical data to guide reforms and improve learning outcomes nationwide.
The minister spoke 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, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to Alausa, the assessment covers Primary Three, Primary Five, Junior Secondary School Two (JSS2) and Senior Secondary School Two (SSS2), with pupils and students tested in English Language, Mathematics, Basic Science and non-cognitive skills.
“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,” he said.
The minister explained that the exercise forms part of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative and would serve as a benchmark for tracking learning outcomes every three years.
He noted that Nigeria had not consistently conducted national learning assessments, recalling that the last assessment by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) took place in 2023, while the previous one organised by the Federal Ministry of Education was held in 2019.
Alausa disclosed that the Federal Government had directed UBEC to make dedicated budgetary provisions to ensure the assessment becomes a regular national exercise beginning in 2029.
“Learning assessment should be conducted every three years. We have now put robust processes in place, and UBEC has been directed to make dedicated budgetary provisions so the assessment becomes a regular national exercise beginning from 2029,” he said.
The minister expressed concern over the country’s high level of learning poverty, noting that many Nigerian children are unable to read age-appropriate texts by the age of 10.
He said the assessment would help government identify learning gaps and implement targeted interventions to improve educational outcomes.
According to him, the ministry has harmonised previously existing assessment models into a single standardised National Learning Assessment to ensure consistency and enable comparisons of 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 added.
Speaking after inspecting both public and private schools in Kuje, Alausa commended the learning environment in public schools within the FCT, describing them as clean, well-maintained and conducive for learning.
He also acknowledged the role of private schools in expanding access to education but stressed the need for stronger regulation to ensure compliance with minimum standards.
“Private schools have helped us keep many children in school. Without them, we would have far more out-of-school children. What we need is to encourage them while strengthening regulation to ensure they meet the required standards and provide conducive learning environments,” he said.
The FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, described the nationwide assessment as a significant step towards improving learning outcomes across the country.
Hayyo said the FCT Administration had renovated more than 120 public schools, including Government Secondary School, Kuje, and pledged continued support for policies aimed at improving the quality of education.
“We appreciate the Honourable Minister for this initiative. The FCT Administration has renovated over 120 public schools, including Government Secondary School, Kuje, and we will continue to support every policy that will improve the quality of education in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.”
