The urgent need for accurate data to address gaps in Nigeria’s education sector, President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive for the conduct of a thorough census of all schools and teachers across the country. The directive, issued on Thursday, aims to gather detailed information on various aspects of the education system to facilitate effective planning and policymaking.
The comprehensive census will cover all levels of education, from primary to tertiary institutions, and will assess the current conditions of schools, including infrastructure and facilities. It will also provide insights into the number of teachers, their qualifications, training, and support, as well as demographic data on students, including gender and exam performance.
Under the leadership of Mamman Tahir, the Federal Ministry of Education will play a key role in overseeing the census process, utilizing a dedicated portal or dashboard to collect and disseminate the gathered information. This initiative is part of the broader policy framework known as DOTS (Data Repository, Out-of-School Children Education, Teacher Training and Development, and Skill Development and Acquisition), aimed at revitalizing the education sector.
According to the presidency, the data obtained through the census will inform targeted interventions for teacher training and development, as well as support initiatives to improve learning outcomes and enrollment rates. The establishment of a dedicated portal will enable real-time monitoring by federal, state, and local government authorities, facilitating informed decision-making and intervention strategies.
Additionally, the census will address challenges related to out-of-school children, particularly girls, and those with specific learning needs or disabilities. By tracking the progress of students and identifying at-risk populations, the government can implement tailored interventions to ensure inclusive and equitable access to education for all.
The Federal Ministry of Education has already begun implementing initiatives to address the issue of out-of-school children, with approximately two million beneficiaries already benefiting from government policies and programs. This census represents a significant step towards enhancing the education system and ensuring the academic security of Nigeria’s children.
