The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, with the Universal Basic Education Commission and New Globe, have called for urgent steps to address gaps in foundational learning, declaring an education crisis in the country.
They made the call during the State-Level Workshop on Foundational Learning and Out-of-School Children, held in Abuja on Thursday.
The NGF pointed out that a significant number of children in primary schools do not possess sufficient foundational literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills required for academic advancement and the development of more complex abilities.
Kwara State Governor, in a speech read by NGF Education Advisor, Leo The Great, stated, “Nigeria is faced with a crisis. We are dealing with some out-of-school children. However, enrollment in school for most children does not translate into actual learning.
”Foundational skills are not merely the end goal of an educational system; they are also critical building blocks for achieving other educational objectives, including retention and progression from one level to the next.”
He disclosed that nationwide data indicates a 66% out-of-school rate among primary school-age children in Nigeria, noting that the poor quality of education has led to high dropout rates, as well as low transition and completion levels.
NGF Chairman added, “As critical stakeholders in the education ecosystem, we understand that there is now a focus standing on the provision of quality education, especially for foundational learning, to enhance the success of globally tested learning methodology and technology.”
He said, “Specifically, basic education and the course of national governance in Nigeria are underfunded. Lack of characterisation of the issues of conditional training, absence of appropriate learning materials and independent training and literacy, lack of familiarity with recent research in the operations of conditional training and digital literacy skills. Also, weak local capacity and monitoring and evaluation of conditional training disruptions and outcomes, insufficiency of available points, low level of awareness and support from families and communities for conditional training skills, and lack of commitment among state and non-state actors in addressing these challenges are key factors in developing the education sector and in feeding on basic proficiency in numeracy and literacy in Nigeria.”
The Forum emphasised that learner progress is vital within the Nigerian community, stressing the importance of prioritising conditional training in state education systems.
