Dr. Tunji Alausa Warns of Learning Crisis as National Assessment Begins

Dr. Tunji Alausa Warns of Learning Crisis as National Assessment Begins
Begins Nationwide Test to Measure Pupils’ Literacy, Numeracy Skills
Says UBEC has been directed to make dedicated budgetary provisions so that the assessment becomes a routine national exercise beginning from 2029

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has raised concern over Nigeria’s growing learning poverty, revealing that a significant number of children are unable to read age-appropriate texts by the age of 10.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that according to the minister, the Federal Government has begun a nationwide learning assessment to identify learning gaps and generate data that will drive reforms across the country’s education sector.

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Alausa disclosed this 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.

Dr. Tunji Alausa Warns of Learning Crisis as National Assessment Begins

According to the minister, the exercise is designed to evaluate pupils’ literacy, numeracy and cognitive skills, providing government with reliable data on the quality of learning in Nigerian schools.

The assessment covers Primary Three, Primary Five, Junior Secondary School Two (JSS2) and Senior Secondary School Two (SSS2), with tests focusing on English Language, Mathematics, Basic Science and non-cognitive skills.

“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,” Alausa said.

He explained that the assessment forms part of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative and will serve as a national benchmark for monitoring learning outcomes every three years.

The minister noted that Nigeria has not consistently conducted national learning assessments, recalling that the last exercise by the Federal Ministry of Education was held in 2019, while the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) conducted another in 2023.

Dr. Tunji Alausa Warns of Learning Crisis as National Assessment Begins

To ensure continuity, he said UBEC has been directed to make dedicated budgetary provisions so that the assessment becomes a routine national exercise beginning from 2029.

Alausa said the government has also harmonised different assessment models into a single national framework that will allow for consistent measurement and comparison of learning outcomes over time.

“We have customised different learning assessments into one standardised National Learning Assessment. This will allow us to consistently measure progress as we transform the education sector and ensure every Nigerian child receives quality education,” he said.

Speaking on school infrastructure after inspecting public and private schools in Kuje, the minister commended the learning environment in public schools across the FCT, describing them as clean and well maintained.

He also acknowledged the role of private schools in expanding access to education but stressed the need for stronger regulation to ensure they meet minimum standards.

“Private schools have helped us keep many children in school. What we need is to encourage them while strengthening regulation to ensure they provide conducive learning environments,” he added.

Also speaking, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, described the nationwide assessment as an important step towards improving educational standards across the country.

Dr. Tunji Alausa Warns of Learning Crisis as National Assessment Begins

He disclosed that the FCT Administration has renovated more than 120 public schools, including Government Secondary School, Kuje, as part of ongoing efforts to improve access to quality education.

Hayyo reaffirmed the FCT’s commitment to supporting education reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.