The Federal Government has re-enrolled over one million out-of-school children across the country as part of renewed efforts to strengthen foundational learning and expand access to quality education, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has disclosed.
The announcement was made on Wednesday during a visit to Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, ahead of the 69th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting, which brings together Commissioners for Education and Permanent Secretaries from all 36 states to deliberate on critical national educational issues.
Dr. Alausa commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his administration’s commitment to transforming education and improving learning outcomes in the Sunshine State. He briefed the Governor on several initiatives implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education over the past year, including reforms in teacher development, digital learning, and data-driven policy implementation, which the Governor acknowledged with keen interest.
Highlighting key reforms under the Tinubu administration, the Minister pointed to the Teacher Registration and Licensing System (TRLS) through the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and the National Teachers’ Resource Centre (NTRC), which provide nationwide teacher training. He said teacher development programmes have moved online, allowing educators to train remotely and earn financial incentives ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦15,000 upon completion, particularly benefiting teachers in rural areas.
“Teachers will enjoy free data access under the programme, and digital payment systems will ensure seamless implementation,” Alausa said, adding that the reforms are designed to enhance efficiency, accountability, and motivation across the teaching workforce.
The Minister also announced the launch of the Digitised National Education Management Information System (DNEMIS), a cloud-based platform aimed at improving real-time data collection and evidence-based decision-making. “For the first time in Nigeria’s history, school census data is cloud-based. By 2026, every school, including those in rural areas, will upload data directly via mobile devices, enabling informed interventions and monitoring outcomes,” he explained.
Addressing the out-of-school children crisis, Alausa said poverty, rather than insecurity, accounts for 95 percent of absenteeism. He added that the Federal Government has approved substantial funding to reintegrate these children into classrooms, supported by school feeding and welfare programmes. A pilot school feeding initiative currently targets 300,000 pupils across six states, with plans for nationwide expansion.
Alausa encouraged Ondo State to establish an Education Trust Fund similar to Bauchi State’s model to support foundational education. “This approach can directly strengthen foundational schools and advance the state’s industrialisation agenda,” he advised.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who officially declared open the 69th NCE, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to educational reforms, describing education as the foundation of human capital development and national progress. He thanked the Federal Government for selecting Ondo State to host the NCE, noting that it reflects confidence in the state’s dedication to promoting learning and innovation.
Under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, the NCE will provide policy directives for the year, which Alausa said will align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of ensuring quality education for all Nigerians.
