Nigeria’s Federal Government has raised alarm over the enduring challenges hindering Basic Education in Nigeria, citing the recruitment of unqualified teachers and inadequate supervision as key factors. According to the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad, these issues have stifled progress in delivering quality Education at the foundational level, leaving millions of children at a disadvantage. Speaking at a high-level meeting organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Abuja, Ahmad expressed the administration’s determination to address these barriers and revitalise the basic education sector. The minister emphasised the importance of focusing on critical factors like Teacher quality, effective school governance, and the provision of instructional materials, noting that a comprehensive approach was essential for reversing the current trends.
The meeting brought together education secretaries from all 774 local government areas in the country, with UBEC leading a training programme designed to enhance their managerial and supervisory capacities. This initiative, held concurrently across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, was aimed at equipping local government officials with the skills needed to improve school administration and learning outcomes. Ahmad praised UBEC’s efforts, describing the training as a timely intervention in the fight to rescue Nigeria’s basic education system. She noted that local education secretaries, being closest to schools and their communities, play a vital role in the implementation of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme. By empowering these officials, the government hopes to build a foundation for long-term improvements in the education sector.
Learning poverty and the need for coordinated action.
Moreover, Dr. Ahmad highlighted the constitutional responsibility of local governments to oversee primary education, stressing the need for well-trained and competent managers at the grassroots level. She linked the challenges in the sector to systemic issues such as poor supervision and lack of accountability, which have led to what is now widely referred to as “learning poverty.” This term describes the alarming trend of primary school children underperforming in schools, a problem heightened by the significant number of out-of-school children. Ahmad described this dual challenge as one of the most pressing crises facing Nigeria’s education system, calling for immediate and coordinated action. She emphasised that reversing these trends requires not only addressing enrolment rates but also ensuring that children who are in school receive quality education.
Furthermore, the minister disclosed that ongoing programmes under the Ministry of Education would be reviewed and realigned to achieve better coordination and efficiency. Among these is the Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, which is tasked with reducing the number of children not attending school. Ahmad reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to addressing structural issues such as poor teacher quality, inadequate infrastructure, and the lack of learning materials. She also stressed the importance of strengthening school governance and enhancing supervisory mechanisms to ensure that resources are utilised effectively. By prioritising these areas, the Federal Government aims to create a system where every child has access to quality basic education, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Federal government’s commitment to Universal Basic Education.
Dr. Ahmad also drew attention to the broader framework guiding the administration’s education policies, noting its inclusion in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She said the Federal Ministry of Education was undertaking a comprehensive analysis of the sector to identify critical gaps and devise targeted interventions. This approach, she stated, reflects the government’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s unique educational challenges while ensuring that reforms align with global best practices. Ahmad further assured stakeholders that the Federal Government would continue to support local and state governments in achieving the goals of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme, which remains central to improving access and quality at the foundational level.
Also in attendance, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, Executive Secretary of UBEC, emphasised the importance of the recent autonomy granted to local governments, which enables them to take on additional responsibilities, including the direct distribution of Federal Intervention Funds. He expressed confidence that this shift would enhance education delivery at the grassroots level. Bobboyi also described the training for local government education secretaries as essential for improving the management of primary schools. He highlighted the necessity of openness and responsibility in resource management, calling on participants to guarantee that funds are properly channelled to enhance administration and boost educational standards across Nigeria.
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As Nigeria grapples with the dual crises of out-of-school children and declining educational outcomes, the Federal Government’s focus on strengthening basic education governance and Infrastructure offers a glimmer of hope. By empowering local education managers and improving key elements of the education system, stakeholders are optimistic that these measures could mark a turning point in addressing the learning crisis. However, achieving meaningful progress will require sustained effort, transparent resource allocation, and unwavering collaboration among all levels of government. It is not merely about policies on paper but ensuring their practical implementation in classrooms and communities across the nation. With targeted interventions and the active involvement of educators, parents, and community leaders, there is a genuine opportunity to transform primary Education in Nigeria and secure a brighter future for the nation’s children.