Aeesha's Blog

Category: Education

  • Experts Demand Stricter Oversight of Nursery Learning Materials in Nigeria

    Education experts, parents and advocacy groups have intensified calls for stricter regulatory oversight of nursery school learning materials in Nigeria, following growing concerns over the quality and appropriateness of content used in early childhood education.

    The calls come amid recent controversies surrounding the use of unapproved and allegedly inappropriate textbooks in some nursery schools, sparking nationwide debate on the need for tighter monitoring of instructional materials.

    Stakeholders argue that early childhood education forms the foundation of a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development, warning that exposure to substandard or harmful content could have long-term consequences on learning outcomes.

    According to education analysts, the proliferation of privately owned nursery schools, coupled with weak enforcement of curriculum standards, has created gaps in quality control across the sector.

    They stressed that many school operators often adopt teaching materials without proper vetting, due largely to the absence of clear regulatory enforcement mechanisms.

    A recent policy push by the Federal Government to eliminate “toxic” and unapproved textbooks nationwide has further highlighted the urgency of the issue, with authorities pledging stricter screening processes for educational materials before approval for classroom use.

    Experts maintain that such measures must be supported by transparent evaluation criteria and consistent monitoring to ensure compliance across both public and private institutions.

    They also emphasised the need for collaboration between regulatory bodies, school proprietors and curriculum developers to ensure that all learning materials align with national education standards and cultural values.

    “Early learning content must be age-appropriate, culturally relevant and pedagogically sound. Anything short of that undermines the child’s developmental process,” an education consultant said.

    In addition, child development specialists have warned that poorly designed or inappropriate materials could negatively influence children’s behaviour, language acquisition and moral development at a formative stage.

    The situation is further compounded by the rapid expansion of early childhood education in Nigeria, driven largely by private sector participation. Analysts note that while this growth has improved access, it has also increased the risk of inconsistent standards and unregulated content.

    Research indicates that early childhood education in Nigeria has evolved significantly over the years, with increasing demand from parents and a growing number of institutions offering nursery-level instruction. However, gaps remain in policy implementation and oversight, particularly in curriculum content and instructional materials.

    Education stakeholders are therefore calling for the establishment of a centralised approval system for nursery learning resources, alongside routine inspections and sanctions for non-compliance.

    They also urged government agencies to strengthen teacher training and awareness programmes to ensure educators can identify and utilise appropriate materials for early learners.

    BACKGROUND:

    Early childhood education, also known as pre-primary education, caters to children aged three to five and serves as a critical preparatory stage for primary schooling. Experts agree that the quality of instruction and learning materials at this level significantly influences a child’s overall academic trajectory.

  • Abia Announces CBT Dates For Second Batch Of Teachers’ Recruitment

    The Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has announced the dates for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for candidates shortlisted in the second batch of its ongoing teachers’ recruitment exercise aimed at strengthening manpower in public schools across the state.

    The ministry disclosed that the CBT for the shortlisted applicants will hold between March 17 and March 21, 2026, as part of the selection process for qualified teachers to be employed into the state’s public primary and secondary schools.

    According to the ministry, candidates who successfully applied for the recruitment and were shortlisted in the second batch are expected to participate in the CBT as the next stage of the screening process.

    The exercise forms part of the Abia State Government’s broader plan to address the shortage of teachers and improve the quality of education across the state.

    Officials of the ministry explained that the recruitment programme is designed to attract qualified professionals who will contribute to improving learning outcomes in public schools, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

    The government noted that the recruitment process involves multiple stages, including screening of applications, Computer-Based Test, oral interviews, and verification of academic credentials, before the final selection of successful candidates.

    It was gathered that thousands of applicants had earlier submitted applications during the recruitment exercise, with over 24,000 candidates reportedly shortlisted to participate in the CBT stage.

    The state government said the recruitment exercise was approved as part of ongoing reforms in the education sector under the administration of Gov. Alex Otti, which prioritises improved teaching standards and better learning environments in public schools.

    Government officials further explained that the recruitment of new teachers would help fill existing vacancies, reduce teacher shortages, and improve the teacher-to-student ratio across schools in the state.

    They added that the initiative would also enhance the delivery of quality education and strengthen the overall capacity of the state’s basic and secondary education system.

    The ministry advised all shortlisted candidates to check their examination details, including CBT schedules, venues, and other instructions, through the official recruitment portal.

    Candidates are also expected to appear for the examination with valid identification and other required documents as specified by the ministry.

    Education authorities emphasised that only candidates who successfully pass the CBT would proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process, which includes oral interviews and documentation verification.

    The government also warned applicants to beware of fraudulent individuals or platforms claiming to influence the recruitment process, stressing that the exercise remains transparent and merit-based.

    Officials reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through the recruitment of competent and qualified teachers capable of driving academic excellence in the state’s public schools.

    Applicants and interested individuals can access updates and information regarding the recruitment process through the official portal:

    Application Portal:
    https://jobs.mobse-abiastategov.ng/⁠

    The Abia State Government reiterated that the teachers’ recruitment programme is part of broader efforts to reposition the education sector and ensure that students across the state have access to quality teaching and learning.

  • FG Introduces ‘No NERD, No NYSC’ Policy to Tackle Certificate Fraud

    The Federal Government has launched a digital platform designed to verify and preserve academic records across tertiary institutions in Nigeria, declaring that graduates whose records are not captured on the platform will not be eligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    The platform, known as the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), was unveiled by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, as part of ongoing reforms to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s education system and curb certificate fraud.

    Alausa said compliance with the NERD system had become a mandatory requirement for participation in, or exemption from, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), stressing that the initiative would ensure that all academic qualifications obtained from accredited institutions are digitally verified.

    According to him, the repository serves as a national digital infrastructure that standardises, authenticates and preserves academic records for universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education across the country.

    He explained that the platform would issue a National Credential Number for each academic award and maintain a centralised system for verifying certificates and academic records nationwide.

    The minister said the policy was introduced to address the growing problem of fake academic certificates and questionable degrees obtained from unaccredited institutions, both within and outside Nigeria.

    Alausa noted that the initiative would also help government agencies and employers confirm the authenticity of academic credentials quickly and accurately.

    “Education is a covenant between the state and its citizens. When a certificate is issued, it is a national guarantee that due process was followed and standards were upheld,” he said.

    The minister disclosed that within four months of implementation, the platform had already recorded significant progress, with nearly 100,000 digital student submissions preserved and more than 250 tertiary institutions onboarded for real-time credential verification.

    He added that over 133,000 students and 6,800 lecturers had been registered on the system, supported by hundreds of institutional focal persons across the country.

    The NERD system also includes components such as a National Credential Verification Service, a National Student Clearinghouse, and a digital repository for academic theses and research publications.

    Alausa further revealed that more than 1,000 digital service centres had been established in collaboration with Nigerian digital entrepreneurs to support the implementation of the platform, generating over 3,000 jobs nationwide.

    The minister urged tertiary institutions to fully comply with the policy, warning that the government would strictly enforce the rule.

    He emphasised that agencies such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) would integrate the system into their institutional oversight processes.

    The initiative, he said, would improve transparency, ensure reliable academic data, and restore confidence in Nigerian academic qualifications.

    Alausa also announced plans to introduce the NERD Annual National Laureate Prize, which will reward outstanding undergraduate, master’s and doctoral research with prizes ranging from ₦5 million to ₦20 million.

    He stressed that the digital repository would preserve Nigeria’s academic knowledge base for future generations while strengthening global recognition of Nigerian educational credentials.

  • Female Leaders to Head Nursing Colleges’ Governing Councils in Borno

    The Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the appointment of women as chairpersons of the governing councils of the state’s three Colleges of Nursing Sciences located in Maiduguri, Gwoza and Monguno.

    The approval was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesman, Malam Dauda Iliya, in Maiduguri.

    According to the statement, the appointments are part of efforts by the state government to strengthen institutional governance and improve the administration of health training institutions in the state.

    The newly appointed chairpersons include Dr. Mairo Mandara for the College of Nursing Sciences, Gwoza; Hajiya Hauwa Mustapha for the College of Nursing Sciences, Maiduguri; and Rukaiya Shettima Kamfut for the College of Nursing Sciences, Monguno.

    With the appointments, women will now lead the governing councils of all three nursing colleges established by the Borno State Government to enhance the training of nurses and other healthcare professionals.

    The statement explained that the governing councils were constituted in line with the laws establishing the institutions, which mandate oversight bodies to guide policy direction and administrative operations.

    It added that each council would comprise a chairman and seven other members drawn from statutory offices and community representatives.

    The statutory members include the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health and Human Services, the Director of Nursing Services, the Provost of the respective college and the Registrar, who will serve as secretary to the council.

    Other members are expected to represent community interests from the three senatorial districts of the state.

    Zulum expressed confidence that the newly appointed council members would contribute significantly to strengthening academic standards, governance and professional training within the nursing institutions.

    The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding healthcare education and addressing the shortage of skilled health personnel in the state.

    Observers say the move also underscores the government’s effort to promote women’s participation in leadership and decision-making positions across key sectors in the state.

  • Portal Glitch Stalls Student Registration, Institution Urges Calm

    Academic and examination registration activities have been temporarily suspended following a technical issue affecting student portals, the management of the institution has said.

    A general notice issued to students on Sunday indicated that passport photographs are currently not visible on all student portals, while the passport upload function is also unresponsive.

    According to the notice, the disruption has made it impossible for affected students to complete their course and examination registration, prompting the institution to place the entire registration process on hold pending resolution of the problem.

    “The passport photograph is not visible on all students’ portals, and the passport upload function is not responding. This issue has placed registration on hold until it is resolved,” the notice stated.

    Management advised students against attempting multiple uploads of their passport photographs, warning that repeated attempts could further complicate the technical problem.

    It urged students to remain calm and patient while efforts are underway to restore the affected portal functions, assuring that updates would be communicated promptly once the issue is resolved.

    The development has affected a large number of students who were in the final stages of their academic and examination registration, raising concerns over possible delays in academic schedules.

    However, the institution reassured stakeholders that no student would be disadvantaged as a result of the temporary suspension, adding that appropriate adjustments would be made once the portal is fully functional.

    Students were again advised to await official communication before resuming any registration-related activities.

  • FG Begins Online Recruitment of Technical Facilitators for Technical Colleges

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced an online recruitment exercise for Technical Facilitators to be deployed to technical colleges across the country, in a move aimed at boosting skills acquisition and practical learning.

    The development was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, which noted that the recruitment portal has been opened to attract qualified and experienced technical professionals willing to contribute to the training of students in public technical colleges.

    According to the statement, the initiative is part of ongoing reforms in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector designed to equip learners with industry-relevant skills and reduce the growing gap between education and the labour market.

    It explained that the Technical Facilitators will complement existing teaching staff by focusing largely on hands-on instruction, mentorship, and the transfer of practical knowledge in key vocational and technical trades.

    The government identified priority areas for engagement to include electrical and electronics technology, mechanical trades, welding and fabrication, building construction, automotive technology, information and communication technology, and other skill-based disciplines critical to national development.

    “The engagement of Technical Facilitators is intended to enhance the quality of practical training in technical colleges and ensure graduates are better prepared for employment or self-reliance,” the statement said.

    It added that applicants are required to have relevant technical qualifications, professional certifications, and demonstrable industry experience, while possession of teaching or training experience would be an added advantage.

    Interested candidates are to apply online through the official recruitment portal at
    https://recruitment.education.gov.ng

    The statement stressed that the application process is transparent and free, warning applicants to disregard individuals or groups demanding payment in exchange for employment.

    It further noted that successful applicants would be posted to technical colleges nationwide, where they are expected to support government efforts to revitalise technical education and strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce.

    The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to investing in vocational education as a strategic pathway to youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

  • Federal Government Reaffirms State Partnership in Education, Aligns Efforts to Tackle Out-of-School Crisis

    The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with state governments and education stakeholders, underscoring the importance of a coordinated response to persistent challenges in Nigeria’s basic education system.

    In a statement released on Sunday by the Ministry of Education, the Minister Tunji Alausa emphasised that federal-state cooperation is critical to expanding access to quality education for every Nigerian child, especially as the country continues to grapple with high numbers of out-of-school children.

    Alausa described the recent peer-learning webinar convened by the Committee of States’ Commissioners of Education as “timely and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” noting that collective efforts by the federal ministry and states are essential for effective policy implementation.

    He highlighted that addressing the educational deficit requires shared accountability, harmonised implementation, data-driven planning and continuous exchange of knowledge, pointing to evolving approaches such as digital education resources and improved state-level interventions.

    “The complementary role of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education cannot be overlooked,” the minister said, affirming federal readiness to support evidence-based programmes targeting vulnerable groups.

    New Focus on Federal-State Synergy

    Federal-state collaboration has become a central theme in Nigeria’s education agenda as the government pushes reforms to close wide gaps in educational outcomes. Recent policy shifts underscore budget increases, skills-based learning, and digital tools as foundational pillars of this renewed approach.

    For instance, the 2025 national education budget was raised significantly to ₦3.52 trillion, signalling enhanced resource mobilisation to support state and federal interventions, including teacher development and infrastructure improvements.

    At the same time, federal initiatives — such as the EduRevamp professional development platform and cash awards for outstanding teachers — are being designed to reinforce moral incentives and capacity building across states.

    Challenges Reinforce the Need for Partnership

    Despite these efforts, systemic hurdles remain. A recent court ruling affirmed that the Federal and State Governments are legally obligated to provide free basic education, placing further emphasis on collaborative resource allocation and implementation strategies.

    Issues such as security threats in some northern regions and infrastructure gaps in schools have compounded the education crisis, reinforcing calls for integrated federal-state responses.

    Analysts say success will depend largely on clear accountability frameworks, efficient use of data, and sustained commitment by both levels of government to harmonise policies, avoid duplication of effort, and ensure inclusivity for disadvantaged communities.

    In concluding the statement, Minister Alausa warned that “the goal of inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all Nigerian children” can only be realised through joint strategic action and shared leadership — a message he says must resonate with policymakers, educators and communities nationwide.

  • NITDA, NYSC Strengthen Alliance to Expand Digital Skills Among Youths

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have reaffirmed their partnership to accelerate digital literacy and technology adoption across Nigeria, with a renewed focus on empowering young people at the grassroots.

    The renewed collaboration, officials said, is aimed at leveraging the nationwide spread of NYSC formations and the technical expertise of NITDA to bridge the country’s digital divide and improve employability among youths.

    Speaking during a strategic engagement in Abuja, the Director-General of NITDA said the agency was committed to embedding practical digital skills within the NYSC framework, noting that corps members represent a critical workforce for driving Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.

    According to him, the partnership will prioritise training in areas such as basic digital literacy, software skills, cybersecurity awareness, data analytics and emerging technologies, with programmes tailored to meet local needs across states.

    “Our collaboration with NYSC gives us a unique opportunity to reach young Nigerians in every community. By equipping corps members with relevant digital competencies, we are not only enhancing their personal development but also positioning them as digital ambassadors in their host communities,” he said.

    The NYSC Director-General, in his remarks, described the initiative as a timely intervention that aligns with the scheme’s mandate of national development and youth empowerment.

    He said the scheme was ready to integrate NITDA-supported digital programmes into orientation camps, community development service (CDS) activities and post-service entrepreneurship support.

    “Today’s corps members are tomorrow’s workforce and innovators. Strengthening their digital capacity will improve service delivery during the service year and create long-term economic value for the country,” the NYSC boss said.

    He added that corps members trained under the initiative would be encouraged to transfer knowledge to students, artisans and small business owners in their host communities, thereby multiplying the impact of the programme.

    Both agencies indicated that the partnership would also explore the use of online learning platforms, training-of-trainers models and public-private sector collaboration to scale the initiative sustainably.

    The engagement further reviewed progress made under previous joint programmes and identified new areas of cooperation, including digital inclusion for underserved communities and support for tech-driven community projects initiated by corps members.

    Observers say the strengthened NITDA–NYSC partnership underscores the Federal Government’s broader push to build a digitally skilled population capable of competing in the global economy while addressing youth unemployment at home.

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