NIEPA-Nigeria Ag DG Laments State of Low Access to Basic Education in Terms of Gender, Location

By Yemi KANJI, Bauchi

NIEPA-Nigeria Ag DG Laments State of Low Access to Basic Education in Terms of Gender, Location 

By Yemi KANJI, Bauchi 

It has been lamented that Nigeria still cannot boast of 100 percent access in basic education overall and specifically considering gender and location. 

The lamentation was contained in the welcome address presented by the Ag. Director General /Chief Executive, National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA-Nigeria), Ondo, Dr. David Shofoyeke, at the flag-off ceremony of the workshop for Head Teachers, Education Officers and Principals of JSS in Nigeria on effective School Management in the 21st Century at American Space, Nasarawa, Kano State held on Wednesday, 21st May, 2025.

Represented by Dr Sunday Adegbesan the Ag. Director General pointed out that some of the causes of the outcomes include gaps in Teacher Professional Development (TPD) for school leaders in the management of human, material, and financial resources; coaching, mentoring support, and instructional leadership. 

Other causes include low awareness in managing schools within the changing contexts of culture, climate, safety, and security as well as violence and bullying; weak records keeping; and working in silos, maintaining friendly school environments that reduce out-of-school/dropout syndrome, among others.

The capacity building workshop on “Effective School Management in the 21st Century,” was organized by NIEPA in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja. 

According to him, "Education is universally recognized as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of national development. The Federal Ministry of Education (2013) in the National Policy on Education described education as an instrument for national development and social change."

He added that,"The policy clearly states the structure, goals, objectives, subjects to be taught at the basic and post-basic levels, and government responsibilities." 

The Ag DG of NIEPA-Nigeria stated that, 

"In recognition of the importance of education to the nation’s development and desire to achieve the goals of basic education, the Federal Government put in place different efforts which include but not limited to enactment of Universal Basic Education Act (2003) which makes basic education free and compulsory for all children of primary and secondary school age, as well as entrenching implementation structure for basic education, enactment of child rights acts to safeguard children and rights to education and life, curriculum review, among others."

He explained that the role of UBEC in collaboration with SUBEBs in ensuring enhanced access and quality through provision of funds for Teacher Professional Development, facilities, learning materials, etc. is noteworthy. 

"In the same vein, the supportive roles played by the relevant stakeholders such as Development Partners, School-Based Management Committees, PTAs, Communities, Philanthropists, etc. in the delivery of basic education have been significant," he added.

He however stated that,"These efforts notwithstanding, reports of national assessment of learning achievements in basic education indicate that the objectives have not been fully achieved in literacy, numeracy, and life skills."

He also stressed that, "Leadership of the schools is key in turning the quality of basic education around and providing an enabling environment for unhindered access, retention, and completion with meaningful learning outcomes, including inculcating life skills for useful living. 

He stressed that, "The head teachers, education officers, and principals who manage basic education are professionals and are good, but they require further development to become more effective in the management and delivery of the common good to enhance the achievements of the objectives and the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) on basic education for Nigeria.

He pointed out that effective school management requires managers (head teachers, education officers, and principals) who succeed in achieving their schools' organizational goals, utilizing relevant leadership skills: planning (deciding how to accomplish the organization's goals); organizing (doing the necessary preparation); staffing (filling positions with the right people); directing (motivating staff so that goals are achieved); controlling (guiding the organization in the proper direction); and decision-making (which underlies everything the manager accomplishes).

"In recognition of the need to strengthen the capacity of basic education managers, UBEC is commended for funding this workshop on “Effective School Management in the 21st Century” for head teachers, education officers, and principals in the three (3) geo-political zones in the country, namely North-West, North-Central, and South-West," he added. 

According to him,"The workshop is not only timely but apt and demonstrates increased investment to improve quality, access, and the overall efficiency of the basic education system. Through the workshop, participants will learn new skills and unlearn practices that do not make schools effective in achieving their objectives in the contemporary period."

He pointed out that,"Specifically, by the end of this workshop, the esteemed participants are, among others, expected to: Highlight the characteristics of an effective school and understand how to manage schools based on standard criteria; Enumerate the 21st-century roles of head teachers and principals and discuss strategies to improve school culture and foster a conducive learning environment. 

It is to also discuss the significance of and how to improve instructional leadership in enhancing teaching and learning outcomes; develop practical strategies for promoting safe, secure, and violence-free schools; explore the role of school leaders in mitigating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability; State strategies for improving team building and collaboratively solving problems; Gain competence in records management and documentation; acquire competence in stress management and mental health; and

State the roles of school heads in preventing and managing bullying in schools.

He urged all participants to be individually and collectively actively engaged, open-minded, and collaborative stressing that, "This is an opportunity to learn from our seasoned facilitators as well as from one another, drawing on our diverse experiences, professional practices, and insights."

The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) represented by Mr Sobogun Olusegun described the workshop as timely as it will expose the participants to effective and efficient ways of School administration and management. 

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) represented by  Hajiya Zainab Cengiz assured that the Commission will continue to be partners in progress for effective administration and management of schools across the country. 

Also speaking, Executive Chairman of Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), represented by Hajiya Hauwa Tanimu, Director Teacher Professional Development, commended 

NIEPA-Nigeria and UBEC for organizing the workshop in Kano opining that it will go a long way in building the capacity of head teachers in terms of effective school management and administration. 

The participants are from Jigawa and Kano states representing North-West zone head teachers, education officers and principals of Junior Secondary Schools.