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Nigeria’s Education on Life Support – NGF, Stakeholders Demand Urgent Overhaul
The 36 state governors, under the umbrella of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and NewGlobe, have declared a national education crisis, calling for urgent reforms to address gaps in foundational learning....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
This declaration was made at the State-Level Workshop on Foundational Learning and Out-of-School Children, held Thursday in Abuja. Despite interventions, Nigeria still struggles with a persistent out-of-school children crisis and low learning outcomes in public schools.
The NGF highlighted that a large number of children in primary school lack the basic literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills needed to thrive academically and build more advanced competencies.
According to NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, foundational learning should not be seen as the final goal of education but as the bedrock for broader achievements, such as improved student retention and seamless academic progression.
Speaking through NGF Education Advisor Leo The Great, AbdulRazaq stated, “Nigeria is in crisis. While many children are enrolled in school, most are not actually learning. Foundational literacy and numeracy levels are alarmingly low.”
He revealed that 66% of Nigerian children of primary school age are out of school, citing poor education quality, high dropout rates, and limited transition into higher education.
The NGF emphasized the need for quality education that integrates proven learning methodologies and technology, stressing that the education workforce remains understaffed and undervalued.
He outlined several challenges: underfunding, inadequate teacher training, insufficient learning materials, lack of digital literacy, and weak monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. He also noted poor community support and weak state-level commitment to educational reforms.
AbdulRazaq stressed that learner progress must be prioritized, calling on policymakers at federal and state levels to adopt evidence-based solutions that target foundational learning and reduce the number of out-of-school children.
He reaffirmed NGF’s commitment to supporting states through capacity building, strategic collaboration, and sustainable funding from both public and private sectors.
Speaking on behalf of UBEC, Executive Secretary Dr. Aisha Garba, represented by Deputy Secretary (Technical), Rasaq Akinyemi, acknowledged the deep-rooted structural challenges in Nigeria’s education system.
Garba said, “Basic education is central to national development. The quality of learning must be improved to ensure all children receive the education they deserve. Millions are still out of school, and many parents lack the skills needed to support their children.”
She noted that in response, the federal government—supported by the World Bank and other partners—has launched multi-million dollar programs aimed at closing learning gaps and improving basic education across states.
“Several states have already begun implementing community-based programs and other innovative solutions, such as integrating energy, health, and learning initiatives, to enhance outcomes,” she said. “No child should be left behind.”
NewGlobe Vice President for Policy and Partnerships, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, acknowledged that while access to education has improved, many children, especially in rural communities, still aren’t learning effectively.
She said, “The real crisis isn’t just about children being out of school—it’s about those in classrooms who are learning nothing. Assessments show even Primary 6 pupils struggle with basic reading and math. This points to a system-wide learning crisis.”
Ugochukwu warned that if a child cannot read by age 10, they are four times more likely to drop out, placing them at higher risk of crime, unemployment, and intergenerational poverty.
She stressed that foundational learning is the most accurate predictor of future academic success, urging swift and decisive action to prevent further educational decline.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has described moves to prosecute former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed over alleged culpable homicide as an attempt to reopen the 2018 Offa robbery tragedy for political purposes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State have restated their support for Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, who represents Kogi West in the Senate, while also calling for unity within the party ahead of future elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
A heated political exchange has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential race, as camps backing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s rivals push back against his claims of superior popularity, especially in the North.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso rejected Atiku’s assertion that he remains the dominant northern vote-getter, insisting that such claims do not reflect today’s political realities.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement, aligned with a potential Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, dismissed Atiku’s influence in the North as largely elite-driven, arguing that Kwankwaso enjoys more genuine grassroots support.
Former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi also reacted, faulting Atiku’s position and questioning the logic of relying solely on regional identity as a basis for presidential ambition.
Atiku, in a recent interview, had maintained that none of his northern rivals, including Kwankwaso, can match his electoral strength, while downplaying Kwankwaso’s influence beyond Kano State.
His remarks sparked criticism across political circles, with some opposition figures describing them as arrogant and dismissive of other contenders.
Kwankwaso’s camp, however, maintained that both Kwankwaso and Obi have more “organic” support bases compared to politically induced followership, warning that such comments could deepen divisions within the ADC coalition.
Amaechi also argued that the ADC presidential ticket should be determined through a competitive primary rather than consensus, insisting that all aspirants should be tested at the ballot.
The growing disagreement highlights rising tension within the opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections, as key figures intensify positioning for the party’s presidential ticket.
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