Education Minister Highlights Progress in Nigeria’s Learning Reforms

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has highlighted key achievements recorded in Nigeria’s education sector under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing the ongoing reforms as measures that will have long-term impact on future generations. Alausa made the remarks during a special session at the Education World Forum (EWF) in London, United Kingdom, where he discussed Nigeria’s efforts to improve foundational learning with education ministers and international stakeholders. The minister said the Federal Government has introduced a unified approach to foundational literacy and numeracy, designed to improve learning outcomes across both formal and non-formal education systems. He explained that programmes such as the RANA initiative for Primary 1 to 3 pupils and Teaching at the Right Level for Primary 4 to 6 learners are being expanded through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) across 15 states. The programmes use structured teaching materials, continuous teacher support, and regular assessments to strengthen pupils’ learning abilities. Alausa also highlighted the role of the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP), developed by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, in providing literacy and numeracy opportunities for out-of-school children and young people. The minister pointed to state-based education models, including EKOEXCEL in Lagos, KwaraLEARN in Kwara State, and BayelsaPRIME in Bayelsa State, as examples of technology-supported and data-driven interventions producing measurable improvements. According to him, KwaraLEARN reduced foundational learning challenges significantly within two years, while BayelsaPRIME recorded notable improvements in literacy performance within weeks of implementation. Alausa stated that improving basic literacy and numeracy remains a major focus of the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He added that the Federal Government is developing a National Policy on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy to create a lasting framework for education reforms across federal, state, and non-formal learning systems. The minister said the policy is expected to strengthen coordination, funding, and implementation of learning initiatives nationwide.