Composition of the Commission

The composition of the Commission includes; the Executive Secretary, five (5) Departments, and five (5) Units namely:

Departments

  1. Quality Assurance 
  2. Planning, Research & Statistics
  3. Senior Secondary Education
  4. Finance & Accounts 
  5. Human Resource Management.

Units: 

  1. SERVICOM/Reform and Coordination and Service Improvement
  2. Legal 
  3. Press/Protocol
  4. Audit
  5. Project and Procurement.

The National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) is structured to function as an inclusive and collaborative body, bringing together expertise and representation from various key stakeholders to drive the transformation of senior secondary education in Nigeria. The composition of the Commission, as outlined in the enabling Act, ensures a broad-based governance framework that reflects both national interests and sectoral priorities.

1. Governing Board of the Commission

The NSSEC operates under the guidance of a Governing Board that provides strategic oversight, policy direction, and leadership for the Commission’s activities. The Governing Board is constituted by a blend of individuals with diverse expertise in education, governance, and related fields.

Composition of the Governing Board:

  • Chairperson: Appointed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
  • Executive Secretary: The Chief Executive Officer of the Commission and Secretary to the Board.
  • Representatives of Key Stakeholders:
    • Federal Ministry of Education
    • Federal Ministry of Finance
    • National Universities Commission (NUC)
    • National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)
    • Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)
    • Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN)
    • West African Examinations Council (WAEC)
    • National Examination Council (NECO)
    • Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC)
  • State Representatives: A representative from each geo-political zone of Nigeria, appointed based on merit, regional balance, and expertise in senior secondary education.
  • Private Sector and Civil Society Representatives: Professionals and stakeholders in education, youth development, and private sector initiatives to ensure inclusivity and innovation.

2. Executive Secretary of the Commission

The Executive Secretary is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Commission and serves as the link between the Governing Board and the implementation of NSSEC policies and programs. The Executive Secretary drives the operationalization of the Commission’s mandate and ensures its strategic objectives are met.

3. Departments and Units of the Commission

To effectively carry out its mandate, NSSEC is organized into specialized departments and units, each focusing on critical areas of senior secondary education:

  • Policy, Planning, and Research Department: Responsible for formulating policies, conducting research, and evaluating educational strategies to enhance senior secondary education.
  • Finance and Accounts Department: Oversees financial management, funding disbursements, and budgeting for the Commission’s activities.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation Unit: Ensures quality assurance and tracks the performance of schools, programs, and initiatives under the Commission’s oversight.
  • Teacher Development and Capacity Building Department: Focused on training, certification, and professional development of senior secondary school teachers.
  • School Infrastructure and Resources Department: Manages the provision of facilities, equipment, and learning materials for senior secondary schools nationwide.
  • Partnerships and Collaborations Unit: Engages with local and international stakeholders to drive funding, innovation, and support for the Commission’s activities.

4. State Senior Secondary Education Boards (SSSEBs)

At the state level, the State Senior Secondary Education Boards (SSSEBs) are critical components of the NSSEC structure. These boards are established to oversee the implementation of senior secondary education policies within each state, in alignment with the Commission’s strategic objectives.

Functions of the SSSEBs:

  • Administering and managing senior secondary education at the state level.
  • Ensuring compliance with national policies and quality standards.
  • Managing the State Senior Secondary Education Fund Accounts.
  • Monitoring the performance and needs of senior secondary schools within the state.

5. Collaboration with Stakeholders

The NSSEC actively engages with various stakeholders, including Federal and State Governments, private sector partners, donor agencies, and communities, to ensure that the governance structure remains effective and inclusive.

This comprehensive composition enables the Commission to function as a robust institution committed to transforming senior secondary education into a platform for innovation, equity, and national development.