The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has began the process of conducting a world class assessment of basic education in Nigeria to ensure improved quality of teaching and learning.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr Hamid Bobboyi made this known at a two-day workshop on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop has as its theme, “Large Scale Assessment for Basic Education in Nigeria”.
It is organised by UBEC, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other critical stakeholders.
Bobboyi said that the workshop became necessary to develop competencies and skills for more efficiency and sustainability.
He said that the workshop was timely, adding that it was coming when UBEC, in collaboration with UNICEF, had completed the work plan for 2021/2022 National Assessment on Learning Achievements in Basic Education (NALABE).
He expressed optimism that the workshop would yield the desired outcome for a successful national assessment.
“So far, UBEC has conducted five national assessments, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2011, in line with its mandate.
“The studies carried out so far had a great impact on the standard of education in Nigeria.
“The results of these assessments have been used to gauge the state of basic education and have helped to proffer solutions to some of the constraints and challenges facing the sub-sector,” he said.
Bobboyi stressed that learning assessment was critical to the education sector, adding that it was a major tool for “measuring the standard and progress achieved in the sector.”
He, however, noted that large scale assessments do not result in improvement unless the findings were used to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
The Executive Secretary called for the political will to ensure an effective national assessment policy.
Bobboyi commended UNICEF and other stakeholders for their support toward ensuring the successful conduct of the 2022 NALABE.
He called for more collaboration from other stakeholders to consolidate on past efforts and to chart a better course in line with global best practices.
The Education Adviser on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO),b Dr Mikailu Ibrahim, said that assessment was critical to achieving access to quality education.
He said that periodic assessment of learning at all levels, particularly the basic level, was critical to planning, adjustment, policy formulation, financing, and curriculum review among others.
He said that assessment “is a mirror on the state of things. It exposes what needs to be improved upon.
“One of the major FCDO’s commitment is enhancing human capital through education.
“We have been here for decades supporting learning and our focus now is foundational learning as well as education for girls,” he said.
NAN reports that UBEC was set up to formulate policy guidelines for effective operation of the Universal Basic Education Programme.
It also ensures minimum standards for basic education in Nigeria, while ensuring effective monitoring.
NAN