The Nigerian Government has inaugurated a 25 man High-power Implementation Committee for the Nigerian Education Data Initiative (NEDI) to reposition the Nigerian education sector as a beacon of excellence.
The Minister of Education, Dr.Maruf Alausa who inaugurated the Committee in Abuja Nigeria, said the transformative initiative is designed to close the gap of missing or unified data in the education sector and provide comprehensive data for national development.
“For too long, our education system has been hindered by the absence of a unified and comprehensive data framework. It has been fragmented, inconsistent, with incomplete data, spread across various institutions, agencies, and States.
“This has also impeded our ability to make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and measure progress with accuracy. Today, we are saying unequivocally: this must change.
“We are embarking on an ambitious journey to establish a centralised, harmonised databank with a unified platform that will consolidate all critical education data in Nigeria,” he said
He said the databank will not merely house information but serve as the foundation for evidence-based decision-making and policy development, enabling the ministry to deliver quality education that meets the aspirations of every Nigerian child.
“This databank will consolidate records from primary school to tertiary institutions, leveraging the National Identity Number (NIN) as a unique identifier for every student. This framework will enable us to track, in real-time, the educational journey of every Nigerian child, ensuring no one is left behind,” he said.
According to him, the databank will encompass School Locations and Infrastructure, Student Information, Parental Data, Teachers and Educators data, Examination and Assessment Records across States and education levels, University and Tertiary Education Data, School Grading System with key performance and indicators funding priorities among others.
He said the initiative is a game-changer because with accurate, reliable, and accessible data, the ministry will Identify gaps and make targeted interventions where they are needed most.
“Monitor progress in real time and address emerging challenges proactively. Foster transparency and accountability in resource allocation and policy implementation. Collaboration with development partners, private stakeholders, and donor agencies through actionable insights,” said the Minister
He urged members of the Implementation Committee to carry out the critical mandate by designing and executing a roadmap for the successful realisation of NEDI.
“Develop a framework for the Nigerian Education Databank, harmonize data systems across agencies and institutions, ensure data security, integrity, and confidentiality. Establish protocols for data access and usage.
“I urge you to approach this assignment with the utmost dedication, professionalism, and a sense of purpose. The future of Nigeria’s education system depends on your ability to deliver on this mandate,” he said.
Dr. Alausa assured of the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the initiative, promising to provide the necessary resources and institutional support to ensure that NEDI succeeds in transforming the nation’s education system.
The minister doubles as the chairman of the committee whose membership is drawn from the education ministry, JAMB, NBTE, NUC and UBEC, NMDA, Nursing Association while Mr. Abubakar Isah from the ministry will serve as the program coordinator.
All the members were presented with their letters of engagement.
Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad on her part said the initiative promises far-reaching benefits, from enhancing policy planning and fostering transparency to simplifying administrative processes and supporting groundbreaking research and innovation.
“Together today, we are laying the foundation for a data-driven education ecosystem that meets the needs of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow,” she said.
The committee is expected to submit its report by the end of the third quarter of this year.
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