The 36 State Governors under the umbrella of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, with the Universal Basic Education Commission and New Globe, have declared an education crisis in the country, calling for urgent steps to address gaps in foundational learning.
This declaration was made during the State-Level Workshop on Foundational Learning and Out-of-School Children, held in Abuja on Thursday.
Nigeria continues to grapple with a persistent out-of-school children crisis.
The NGF pointed out that a significant number of children in primary schools do not possess sufficient foundational literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills required for academic advancement and the development of more complex abilities.
The workshop aims to review relevant policies and promote collaboration to tackle foundational learning gaps and reduce out-of-school children across the country.
In his remarks, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, stated that foundational skills go beyond being the final aim of education.
He stressed that they serve as essential pillars for attaining broader educational goals, such as student retention and smooth transition across learning stages.
Kwara State Governor, in a speech read by NGF Education Advisor, Leo The Great, stated, “Nigeria is faced with a crisis. We are dealing with some out-of-school children. However, enrollment in school for most children does not translate into actual learning.
Across the states, the number of children who are in primary school has insufficient levels of foundational literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills necessary for learning success in other subjects and higher skills for learning.
”Foundational skills are not merely the end goal of an educational system; they are also critical building blocks for achieving other educational objectives, including retention and progression from one level to the next.”
He disclosed that nationwide data indicates a 66% out-of-school rate among primary school-age children in Nigeria, noting that the poor quality of education has led to high dropout rates, as well as low transition and completion levels.
NGF Chairman added, “As critical stakeholders in the education ecosystem, we understand that there is now a focus standing on the provision of quality education, especially for foundational learning, to enhance the success of globally tested learning methodology and technology.”
As part of the challenges, the Kwara State Governor expressed concern that the education sector’s workforce is both insufficient and undervalued.
He said, “Specifically, basic education and the course of national governance in Nigeria are underfunded. Lack of characterisation of the issues of conditional training, absence of appropriate learning materials and independent training and literacy, lack of familiarity with recent research in the operations of conditional training and digital literacy skills.
”Also, weak local capacity and monitoring and evaluation of conditional training disruptions and outcomes, insufficiency of available points, low level of awareness and support from families and communities for conditional training skills, and lack of commitment among state and non-state actors in addressing these challenges are key factors in developing the education sector and in feeding on basic proficiency in numeracy and literacy in Nigeria.”
The NGF emphasised that learner progress is vital within the Nigerian community, stressing the importance of prioritising conditional training in state education systems.
He added, “The Nigerian Governors Forum expects this workshop to strengthen motivation for federal and state policymakers in driving and sustaining evidence-based reforms to improve implementation of foundational learning and reduce the out-of-school children challenges across the states of the federation.
”It aims at the expectation that this workshop will strengthen collaboration with states and non-state actors in tackling learning poverty and out-of-school children at the sub-national level.”
He affirmed NGF’s commitment to supporting states through capacity building, workshops, and sustainable education funding from the public and private sectors.
UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, noted that despite ongoing political and systemic barriers, Nigeria’s education system still battles deep-rooted challenges.
Garba, represented by UNEC Deputy Secretary, Technical, Rasaq Akinyemi, stressed the need for Nigeria to build on existing achievements and ensure inclusive education, affirming that every Nigerian child has the right to quality education.
The UBEC Executive Secretary stated, “Basic education remains a critical concern in our national development. The quality of education in our schools must be improved to ensure that every child can access the learning they deserve.
”Today’s gathering is a response to the urgent crisis we face—a crisis of national significance. Millions of Nigerian children are out of school. Many of their parents lack formal education and the necessary skills to lead productive lives.
”These challenges go beyond the pandemic; they reflect deep structural issues that have persisted for decades.”
She stated that, in response, the Nigerian government, supported by the World Bank and other partners, initiated multi-million dollar programs to close learning gaps and enhance basic education efforts at the state level.
UBEC Executive Secretary stated, “Some states have already reached the stage of implementing community-based programs (to fix foundational learning gaps). Others are rolling out innovative energy, health, and learning solutions to improve outcomes for schoolchildren.
”We must build on these successes and ensure that no child is left behind. Every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education.
”This event today serves as a platform for policy coordination, peer learning, and institutional dialogue. It is an opportunity for stakeholders to align on strategies that will deliver real, lasting impact.”
She affirmed UBEC’s commitment to support, collaboration, and innovation in education.
NewGlobe’s Vice President for Policy and Partnerships, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, acknowledged that while notable progress has been made in expanding access to education across the states, much remains to be done to close the learning gap.
Ugochukwu emphasised that despite progress, major gaps remain in education, noting that several state assessments have revealed Primary 6 pupils still struggle with foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
She stated, “The issue at hand goes beyond out-of-school children. It is actually about whether the children who find their way to classrooms are learning, particularly in our rural communities.
”The unfortunate reality, and we all know this too well, is that in too many of our children in schools are not learning. Multiple assessments conducted by the states have also shown that children in Primary 6 struggle with basic literacy and numeracy.
”This means that our education system is not just dealing with an access problem, but with a deep, structural, and alarming learning crisis. The truth is, many children are sitting in our classrooms every day, but leaving empty-handed, unable to read, write, or grasp a basic understanding.
”This is not a marginal concern. It is a system-wide emergency. If we do not act quickly and deliberately, we will be too late for millions of children.”
The NewGlobe Vice President stated that foundational learning is the strongest indicator of a child’s likelihood to complete their education and lead a productive life.
She stated, “If a child can’t read by that age (10), they’re four times more likely to drop out. A child who drops out is at high risk of crime, unemployment, exploitation, and intergenerational poverty.”
