FG Launches Nationwide Learning Assessment To Tackle Learning Poverty

The federal government has launched a nationwide learning assessment, aimed at measuring pupils’ literacy, numeracy and cognitive skills as part of efforts to improve the quality of education and address learning poverty across Nigeria.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the initiative on Friday, after monitoring the exercise at selected schools in Kuje, Abuja, including Government Secondary School, Government Junior Secondary School, Kuje Central, and Topaz Model Primary School.

According to the minister, the assessment targets pupils in primary three, primary five, Junior Secondary School 11 and Senior Secondary School 11.

It covers English Language, mathematics, basic science and non-cognitive skills to evaluate students’ learning outcomes nationwide.

Alausa said the exercise, conducted under the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative, would provide critical data to guide education reforms and serve as a benchmark for measuring progress every three years.

He noted that previous national learning assessments were conducted in 2019 by the Federal Ministry of Education and in 2023 by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), stressing the need for a more consistent approach.

The minister disclosed that UBEC has been directed to make budgetary provisions to ensure the assessment becomes a regular exercise beginning in 2029.

Expressing concern over Nigeria’s learning poverty, Alausa said many children are unable to read age-appropriate texts by the age of 10, adding that the assessment would help identify learning gaps and support targeted interventions.

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He also revealed that the ministry has harmonised various assessment models into a single national learning assessment framework to enable consistent monitoring and comparison of learning outcomes over time.

Following inspections of public and private schools in Kuje, the minister commended the Federal Capital Territory Administration for the condition of its public schools, citing clean environments and improved facilities.

While acknowledging the role of private schools in expanding access to education, he called for stronger regulation to ensure they meet minimum standards and provide quality learning environments.

Also speaking, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, reaffirmed the administration’s support for the initiative, noting that more than 120 public schools in the territory have been renovated as part of efforts to improve education infrastructure.