President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for a comprehensive overhaul of the education sector to enhance learning, skill development, enrollment rates, and the academic safety of Nigeria’s children. One of the key initiatives under this overhaul is a nationwide census of all schools from primary to tertiary levels.

A statement released by the president’s special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, outlines the approved policies known as DOTS: Data Repository, Out-of-School Children Education, Teacher Training & Development, and Skill Development & Acquisition.

The statement highlights the lack of coordinated data in Nigeria’s education sector and emphasizes the importance of the census to gather information about schools, their conditions, infrastructure, teachers, students, and more. This data will inform government interventions, especially in teacher training, gender-specific needs, and monitoring student progress in real-time through dedicated portals.

Regarding out-of-school children, the Federal Ministry of Education is already working on initiatives benefiting approximately two million children, with plans to further enhance these efforts through the system-wide policy.

Additionally, there will be a focus on training teachers in digital skills to incorporate technology into classrooms and a National Skills Framework to equip students with the necessary skills for the 21st-century economy.

The statement concludes by expressing confidence that these initiatives, once fully implemented, will significantly improve Nigeria’s education system, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.