Nigeria’s education sector faces an enduring crisis, where millions of children struggle with foundational literacy and numeracy. Despite the government’s efforts and significant investments in the education system, there remains a vast chasm between policy intentions and actual learning outcomes. However, a new wave of change is underway, led by data-driven approaches that are revolutionizing the way we understand, measure, and improve education in Nigeria. At the forefront of this transformation is LEARNigeria, an innovative, citizen-led assessment initiative by The Education Partnership (TEP) Centre. This program is reshaping the education landscape by generating vital data to inform strategic interventions.

Understanding LEARNigeria: An Innovative Approach to Assessment

LEARNigeria—an acronym for “Let’s Engage, Assess, and Research Nigeria”—is TEP Centre’s flagship project aimed at assessing foundational literacy and numeracy skills among children aged 5 to 15 years. As a part of the global citizen-led assessment body, the People’s Action for Learning (PAL) Network, LEARNigeria utilizes a unique, household-based approach to gather empirical data. This initiative not only measures what children know but also seeks to understand the contextual factors affecting their learning, providing an in-depth perspective on the educational challenges facing Nigeria.

Since its inception, LEARNigeria has assessed over 49,000 children and reached over 21,600 households across Nigeria. This effort has exposed critical gaps in literacy and numeracy competencies, illustrating that over 70% of 10-year-olds in the country cannot read or comprehend basic text. This stark reality emphasizes the urgency for targeted, data-informed interventions.

From Data to Action: The LEARNigeria Remedial Program

Building on its data-driven insights, TEP Centre launched the LEARNigeria Remedial Program in 2018. With support from the Akwa Ibom and Kano State Universal Basic Education Boards and the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), this program was designed to address specific learning gaps identified through the assessments. The remedial initiative focuses on providing tailored support to children lagging in foundational skills, equipping teachers with effective tools, and mobilizing communities to take an active role in their educational journeys.

The impact has been substantial. Through these targeted interventions, TEP Centre has seen marked improvements in learning outcomes and increased community involvement in education, showcasing how data-driven strategies can bridge learning gaps and promote systemic change.

A Broader Vision for Change

LEARNigeria exemplifies how innovative, data-driven approaches can revolutionize education in Nigeria. By capturing a granular view of learning experiences and outcomes, TEP Centre is not only informing policy at national and state levels but also setting a new standard for educational reform across the continent. The insights and methodologies developed through LEARNigeria have already begun influencing other regions and could potentially serve as a model for wider adoption in sub-Saharan Africa.

A Call to Collaborate for Greater Impact

To realize the full potential of data in transforming education, collaborative efforts are essential. TEP Centre invites education stakeholders—governments, educators, communities, and international partners—to join in this movement. Together, we can expand the reach of initiatives like LEARNigeria, ensuring that every child in Nigeria has the opportunity to achieve foundational skills that are crucial for their future.

The path to revolutionizing education in Nigeria lies in harnessing the power of data. LEARNigeria is a testament to what is possible when data-driven insights meet committed action. As TEP Centre continues to build on these foundations, the goal remains clear: to create an education system that offers quality, equitable learning opportunities for all children. With continued collaboration and investment, we can bridge the learning gaps and secure a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth.

For more information about LEARNigeria, please visit: learnigeria.org