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Towards generating credible students' data in the country, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday inaugurated the Nigerian Education Data Initiative (NEDI).
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, who doubles as the Chairman of the 25-Member NEDI Team, at the venue of the inauguration of the Implementation Committee in Abuja, said the initiative will not only ensure availability of credible data of students from primary schools to tertiary institutions, but also provide figures for planning.
According to him, it is a transformative and collective mission to reposition the Nigerian education sector as a beacon of excellence.
He said "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.
The Nigerian Education Data Initiative, he said, is a bold response to tackle the longstanding challenges.
The Minister added "Through NEDI, 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.
"At its core, this databank will not merely house information but serve as the foundation for evidence-based decision-making and policy development, enabling us to deliver quality education that meets the aspirations of every Nigerian child."
Highlighting the vision of NEDI, the Minister said "The vision for NEDI is as audacious as it is necessary, to build a robust Nigerian Education Databank that provides a 360-degree view of our education system.
"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."
The key areas of focus for NEDI, he said included the databank to encompass a wide range of data categories that reflect the realities and complexities of our education system.
"Key components include: I. School Locations and Infrastructure. Comprehensive data on school locations, physical infrastructure, and the availability of essential facilities-classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and ICT resources-will guide strategic investments, particularly in underserved regions.
"II. Student Information
Detailed records of students, including their demographics, academic performance, and the integration of the NIN, will enable us to monitor educational trajectories and implement targeted interventions where necessary.
"III. Parental Data
By collecting information on parents and guardians, including their socioeconomic profiles, we will strengthen the partnership between schools and families, fostering greater accountability and community involvement.
"IV. Teachers and Educators
Data on teacher qualifications, certifications, years of experience, and will enable us to prioritise teacher training and equitable distribution, ensuring that every student has access to quality education.
"V. Examination and Assessment Records
Integrating examination results and assessment records will provide insights into learning outcomes and help identify areas for improvement across States and education levels.
"VI. University and Tertiary Education Data
This will include enrolment rates, graduation statistics, courses offered, accreditation status, and lecturer profiles, empowering us to plan and optimise resources in higher education effectively.
"VII. School Grading System
The databank will introduce a School Grading System, offering transparent assessments of schools based on key performance indicators. This will serve as a benchmark for accountability, drive competition, and guide funding priorities."
Other Key Indicators, according to the Minister, are Additional data points, such as funding sources, donor contributions, and statistics on non-formal education, will ensure a holistic view of the education sector.
Stressing that the initiative is a game-changer, the Minister said that with accurate, reliable, and accessible data, gaps identified will be followed with targeted interventions where they are needed most.
He added "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."
On the Role of the Implementation Committee, he said," Distinguished members of the Implementation Committee, you carry a critical mandate. Your task is to design and execute a roadmap for the successful realisation of NEDI. Specifically, you are entrusted with:
"Developing a framework for the Nigerian Education Databank., Harmonising data systems across agencies and institutions., Ensuring data security, integrity, and confidentiality., Establishing protocols for data access and usage., Engaging stakeholders to secure nationwide buy-in and support."
The Minister urged the committee members to approach the assignment with the utmost dedication, professionalism, and a sense of purpose.
The future of Nigeria's education system, he said, depends on the committee's ability to deliver on the mandate.
"On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education, I assure you of our unwavering commitment to this initiative. We will provide the necessary resources and institutional support to ensure that NEDI succeeds in transforming our education system.
"As we inaugurate this committee today, let us commit ourselves to building a legacy of excellence, an education system that is inclusive, data-driven, and responsive to the needs of our great nation.
"May this initiative bring lasting transformation to our education system and inspire hope for future generations." he stated
In her welcome address before inaugurating the committee, the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmad, said that the inauguration marked a milestone in the shared commitment to improve the totality of Education in Nigeria.
According to her, the initiative promises far-reaching benefits for the generality of the country.
She also charged the committee members to bring their experiences and expertise to bear on the National assignment.
In her goodwill message, the Registrar and CEO of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr. Fatima Kyari, who is also a member of the NEDI Team noted that the initiative will help to profile students that will become doctors and other professions in the country.
"This is a welcome initiative" she stated.
Stressing that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has 458,000 students it has never met, the Managing Director /CEO, Akintunde O. Sawyerr, said that initiative like NEDI will help the Fund.
He pointed out that good decision is based on intelligence, which is in turn based on data.
"This is an important day for our nation." he added
The Registrar and Chief Executive of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Professor Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, while disclosing that NECO generate data for 1.5 million candidates, said "This is a welcome development and it will be very useful for Education development in the country.
The Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr Aliyu S. Abdullahi, noted that for there to be economic diversification, the production index must be known, which he said is also based on education data.
He charged the committee to also focus on the demand side of the data and not just the supply side.
"So that at the end of the day, what the tertiary institutions are churning out will be relevant to the industries." he said