Otamere Gladness 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has urged state governments to strengthen their education data systems to qualify for the US$552 million World Bank-supported HOPE Education Programme, saying reliable data is critical to improving learning outcomes and driving education reforms.
Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, made the call on Tuesday while opening a five-day Executive Retreat for Commissioners of Education organised by the Committee of States’ Commissioners of Education (COSCEN). He said the success of President Bola Tinubu’s education reforms depends on stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments, stressing that states remain at the forefront of delivering quality education.
Alausa unveiled the National Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI) and the Digitalised Nigeria Education Management Information System (DNEMIS), describing the platforms as tools that will provide real-time data on school enrolment, teachers, infrastructure and learning outcomes to improve planning, accountability and evidence-based decision-making.
He urged states to complete their Annual School Census using the digital platform and commended Kaduna and Borno states for making significant progress. The minister also encouraged commissioners to embrace “evidence over assumptions, collaboration over isolation and continuity over fragmented reforms.”
Alausa disclosed that several states are yet to meet key conditions required to access the US$552 million facility, including signing Subsidiary Loan Agreements, opening programme accounts and fulfilling mandatory education data reporting obligations.
Former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka urged commissioners to pursue reforms that would outlive political administrations, while World Bank Senior Economist Shin Nomura reaffirmed the bank’s support and encouraged states to complete the required processes to unlock the funding.
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Abah Felicity 
Korede Abdullah 
