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FG inaugurates 25-minister committee to harmonise education data
…New databank to provide real-time monitoring of education system — Minister Alausa
The federal government, on Monday in Abuja, inaugurated a 25-member committee for the Nigerian Education Data Initiative (NEDI), aimed at establishing a comprehensive educational data bank for the country.
In his address during the inauguration, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, explained that the centralised and harmonised databank would consolidate all critical educational data across Nigeria.
Alausa stated that the initiative is designed to address the persistent issue of out-of-school children, alongside other educational challenges facing the country.
It was noted that the committee has been tasked with building the educational database by the third quarter of 2025.
The minister highlighted that the databank would not only house data but would also serve as a foundation for evidence-based decision-making and the development of informed policies.
“It will also enable the swift delivery of quality education that aligns with the aspirations of every Nigerian child,” he added.
Alausa further explained that Nigeria’s education system had long suffered due to the lack of a unified and comprehensive data framework. He described the current system as fragmented and inconsistent, with incomplete data scattered across various institutions, agencies, and states.
“This has hindered our ability to make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and measure progress accurately,” he said. “Today, we are making it clear that this must change. The Nigerian Education Data Initiative is our bold response to these longstanding challenges.”
The minister outlined the committee’s role, which includes designing and implementing a roadmap for the successful establishment of NEDI. Other responsibilities include developing a framework for the Nigerian Education Databank, harmonising data systems across institutions and agencies, and ensuring data security, integrity, and confidentiality.
Alausa explained that the databank would cover a wide range of data categories to reflect the realities and complexities of the education system.
“This initiative is a game-changer. With accurate, reliable, and accessible data, we will identify gaps and make targeted interventions where they are needed most,” he said. “We will monitor progress in real time, proactively address emerging challenges, and promote transparency and accountability in resource allocation and policy implementation.”
The minister also noted that the databank would provide comprehensive data on school locations, physical infrastructure, and the availability of essential facilities, to guide strategic investments, particularly in underserved regions.
In addition, it will include detailed records of students, covering demographics, academic performance, and the integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) to monitor educational trajectories.
Alausa committed to providing the necessary resources and institutional support to ensure the success of NEDI in transforming Nigeria’s education system.
On behalf of the committee members, Abubakar Isah, Vice Chairman of NEDI, thanked the government for the responsibility entrusted to them in repositioning the education sector. He assured that the committee was ready to deliver on the project, emphasising that the initiative would serve as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in Nigeria’s education system.