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Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, recently addressed a critical gap in the country’s education system: the absence of reliable, coordinated, and authentic data across all sectors of education.
He pointed out that the lack of such data hampers efforts to make informed decisions and implement effective policies, ultimately limiting the government’s ability to improve education outcomes.
He stressed that the situation demands immediate attention, with a concerted effort to create a robust data framework that can support comprehensive reforms and track progress.
Addressing the audience at the 2024 Basic Education in Nigeria Boot Camp (Ben-B) summit in Lagos, Dr. Tunji Alausa discussed the adverse effects of the country’s lack of solid educational data.
He noted that this data void has resulted in fragmented government and partner interventions, often applying blanket solutions that do not adequately meet the diverse needs of Nigeria’s education system. Alausa called for a concerted effort to collect accurate data, which would enable the development of more focused and effective interventions in the future.
The three-day summit, which started on Monday, was titled, ‘Improving Access to Inclusive Quality Education for All children in Nigeria, Addressing the Challenges of Out-of-School Children.’
He explained, “A typical example is the citing of different figures for out-of-school children by governments and various bilateral partners. Also, there is the acclaimed regional variation in learning capacities and the state of learners across the country. Such data will assist in the determination of the trends, patterns, inclusiveness, and clear weaknesses in the System and enable appropriate high-level decision-making.”
Dr. (Mrs) Folake Olatunji-David, the Director of Basic Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, read Dr. Tunji Alausa’s speech at the event, where he outlined the government’s proactive steps toward addressing the education of out-of-school children.
Alausa explained that the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with four key agencies and international development partners, is already implementing the policy on Out-of-School Children’s Education.
Read also: Investing In Education Vital For SDG Targets – VC
He also emphasized the importance of the Almajiri and Out-of-School Commission, which the ministry is helping to launch, as part of the broader effort to reach marginalized children across the country.
Dr. Tunji Alausa mentioned that approximately two million beneficiaries have been reported as a result of the ongoing initiatives. Meanwhile, Mrs. Joy Onoja, representing Dr. (Mrs) Folake Olatunji-David, the Director of Public Basic Education, explained that the primary goal of the Bootcamp was to bring together key stakeholders in Basic Education to engage in meaningful discussions about the policy, practices, and implementation challenges that are affecting the sub-sector.
The event aimed to create a platform for collaboration and exchange of ideas to address the critical issues in education.
“Ensure responsiveness of state ministries of Education (SMoEs) in compliance with National Education Policy decisions and programmes. Harmonise and coordinate resources and activities in the Basic Education sub-sector towards the achievement of national goals and aspirations. Monitor the progress of states and ensure reporting to the Federal Ministry of Education for proper coordination. The summit will review the implementation status, that is assess the extent to which recommendations have been implemented, identify best practices, share successful strategies and experience, address implementation gaps, refine strategies, foster collaboration, inform policy decisions, monitor progress and identify resource gaps.”
Olatunji-David added that despite concerted efforts, key challenges in the subsector still existed, such as an insufficient supply of classrooms and infrastructural amenities, low levels of learning outcomes, low enrolments, and in some cases, high enrolments that might overcrowd classrooms, staffing issues, and inefficient utilisation of resources.
Also speaking, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner for Education, Mr Tola Alli-Balogun, maintained that improving access to inclusive quality education for all children in Nigeria required a multifaceted approach.
“It demands that we address the root causes of poverty and inequality, improve the quality of education, prioritize the safety and security of children, and challenge discriminatory attitudes and practices. We can ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
