FG to Conduct National Learning Assessment Every Three Years Under Education Reform
The Federal Government has commenced a nationwide National Learning Assessment to evaluate the literacy, numeracy and cognitive abilities of pupils across primary and secondary schools.
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Federal Government has launched a nationwide National Learning Assessment to evaluate literacy, numeracy and cognitive skills among Nigerian students, providing data to drive education reforms and reduce learning poverty.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the exercise would generate reliable data to guide evidence-based reforms and help reverse the country’s growing learning poverty.
Alausa spoke to journalists 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).
He explained that the assessment targets pupils in Primary Three, Primary Five, Junior Secondary School Two (JSS2) and Senior Secondary School Two (SSS2), with tests covering English Language, Mathematics, Basic Science and non-cognitive skills.
The minister said the exercise is aimed at determining the level of learning among Nigerian students and providing the empirical evidence required to improve teaching and learning nationwide.
“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,” the minister said.
He further noted that the assessment forms a critical component of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and will serve as the country’s benchmark for measuring learning outcomes every three years.
He observed that Nigeria had not institutionalised regular national learning assessments, explaining that while the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) conducted one in 2023, the previous assessment by the Federal Ministry of Education was held in 2019.
To ensure sustainability, he said the ministry had directed UBEC to make dedicated budgetary provisions for the exercise, beginning with the next assessment cycle 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.
