Commitment to Data-Driven Education in Benue State
The Executive Chairman of Benue SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, has reiterated the state’s dedication to enhancing data systems for better planning and accountability in the education sector. During the 69th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting held at the International Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure, Ondo State, she emphasized the importance of accurate and reliable data in achieving improved learning outcomes.
Dr. Adagba highlighted that her recent discussions with the Honourable Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, have reinforced the state’s resolve to improve data collection across both public and private schools. This initiative is seen as a critical step towards ensuring that educational policies are informed by real-time and accurate information.
The NCE serves as Nigeria’s highest policy-making body in the education sector, bringing together key stakeholders such as Education Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, institutional heads, policymakers, and technocrats. The annual meeting, which started on Monday, November 3, and will conclude on Friday, focuses on the theme “Quality Education Data and Professionalism of Teaching: Tools for Enhanced National Development.” This theme underscores the importance of data and teaching standards in driving national progress.
Dr. Adagba stressed that quality education starts with quality information, assuring that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration is committed to making decisions in the basic education sector that are transparent, informed, and aligned with national standards.
Benue State is represented at the meeting by several key figures, including the Honourable Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu; the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba; the Permanent Secretary for Secondary Education, Mrs. Helen Nambativ; the Permanent Secretary for Basic Education, Mrs. Bibiana Tyoishi; and the Directors of Planning, Research and Statistics from both the Ministry of Education and SUBEB, Mr. Terkimbi Aniho and Mr. Akura Terkimbi.
Minister Highlights Reforms and Digital Initiatives
At the opening ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the theme of this year’s meeting as timely and strategic. He emphasized that a modern education system must be driven by accurate data and high professional standards. According to him, Nigeria must align its education processes with the global knowledge economy and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Alausa outlined several reforms currently being implemented by the ministry, including the work of the National Education Repository and Data Bank (NERDB). This initiative has launched the Central Digital Bank for the education sector to verify the country’s academic outputs and credentials. Additionally, the deployment of the Digital Nigerian Education Information System (DNEMIS) has been instrumental in listing and geo-mapping all schools nationwide, ensuring that every learner—from basic to tertiary levels—is digitally captured, tracked, and authenticated.
The minister also highlighted the gains of the Revised Basic Education Curriculum (RBEC), stating that the streamlining of subjects is expected to make learning more focused and productive. He added that government efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children are yielding results, with plans underway to enroll children aged 6–9 years into low-cost private schools. Others would be placed in schools and training centres in collaboration with the Almajiri Commission.
Governor Commends Education Reforms
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, commended President Tinubu for his ongoing reforms in the education sector, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He stated that this initiative has helped reduce disparities in access to quality education across the country.
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