In a major advancement to enhance educational standards, the federal government has unveiled an innovative digital program to strengthen the quality assurance of basic and secondary education. The Federal Education Quality Assurance Service Cloud Server (FEQAS-collect) was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, at the Digital Resource Centre of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Abuja. This digital system is expected to streamline the collection, analysis, and reporting of educational data, bringing new levels of efficiency to the national educational sector.
Sununu emphasised that introducing the cloud server would transform how the Federal Ministry of Education assesses and monitors educational quality across the country. This Technology aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of education quality assurance measures by streamlining the functions of the Federal Education Quality Assurance Service Department. This effort represents an important step in updating educational supervision, enabling a more robust and quicker assessment of the educational setting and schools’ overall performance. Launching this system is not just an enhancement of technology; it signifies a pivotal change in the management and use of educational data.
Digital tech now provides an effective solution to address school issues.
By implementing FEQAS-collect, the data collection and administration processes will be optimised, minimising the chances of human errors and delays that have affected the system in the past. The innovative method will promote improved cooperation and documentation throughout all sectors of the education system, from community schools to the national level. This platform will also provide adaptability, growth potential, and strengthened Security protocols, ensuring that information is handled effectively and well-protected. Also, Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary at UBEC, pointed out the difficulties associated with the conventional manual quality assurance system.
Dependence on such processes frequently resulted in inefficiencies, such as postponed evaluations and reporting errors. Implementing digital technology now offers a way to address these issues effectively. UBEC Collect, a system created in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), is changing the approach that quality assurance officers (QAOs) take when conducting assessments. This tool is now in active use by officers in the Commission, in addition to State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) and Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs), representing an advancement in monitoring educational standards.
Technology is crucial in tackling the issue of learning poverty nationwide.
Bobboyi expressed his positive outlook regarding the future of quality assurance in education due to this innovative technological development. He observed that this new system has enhanced staff Productivity by allowing them to deliver prompt and precise feedback to educational institutions and stakeholders. He emphasised the critical role of technological progress in tackling the issue of learning Poverty in the nation. The platform seeks to enhance the clarity of assessments related to students’ achievements, which is essential for gaining insights into educational results. This understanding is vital for refining instructional methods and optimising learning environments.
On her part, Helen Okoro, the Director of Quality Assurance at UBEC, emphasised the collaboration between FEQAS and the Quality Assurance Officers at UBEC to improve school assessment and supervision. She highlighted that incorporating digital tablets in evaluations is designed to lighten the burdens faced by field officers and guarantee comprehensive coverage of all aspects of school assessments. This process guarantees assessments are conducted more effectively and thoroughly, providing an overview of the educational landscape. The launch of FEQAS-collect represents a significant advancement for the education system.
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Lastly, the manual processes that once slowed down school evaluations are now replaced by a system that promises speed, accuracy, and collaboration. Schools, educational authorities, and other stakeholders can expect a more organised and efficient flow of information, making it easier to identify areas needing improvement and take corrective action. The government aims to enhance educational standards by implementing this innovative platform. Once the system is fully functional, educational disparities in various regions will narrow. On the other hand, this initiative will promote a stronger education system that addresses the demands of an expanding youth population.