Dr. Iyela Ajayi, the Executive Secretary of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), has highlighted the historical neglect of senior secondary education in Nigeria and the critical efforts underway to address the challenges facing this vital sub-sector. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Ajayi outlined the origins of NSSEC, its mandates, and significant milestones achieved under his leadership to revitalize senior secondary education in the country.
Why NSSEC Was Established
In 2004, the government restructured secondary education by detaching the junior secondary component and merging it with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). As a result, UBEC assumed regulatory and intervention responsibilities for basic and junior secondary education. However, this decision inadvertently left senior secondary education without a regulatory or intervention agency.
This lack of oversight led to widespread decay in the sub-sector, marked by deteriorating infrastructure, insufficient and unqualified teachers, inadequate facilities, and a decline in student performance. The absence of a regulatory framework also contributed to an increase in social vices among students.
Recognizing the importance of senior secondary education as the bridge between basic and tertiary education, the government established NSSEC to arrest the decay and set the foundation for a robust and sustainable senior secondary education system.
NSSEC’s Mandates
Dr. Ajayi emphasized that NSSEC has a comprehensive mandate to restore and elevate senior secondary education in Nigeria. These mandates include:
- Prescribing and Enforcing Minimum Standards: NSSEC is empowered to define and enforce minimum standards for senior secondary education, addressing issues such as teacher qualifications, student-teacher ratios, and infrastructure requirements.
- Policy Formulation: The commission formulates policies for senior secondary education with the approval of the Federal Government, ensuring alignment with national development goals.
- Capacity Building: NSSEC organizes training programs for teachers and non-teaching staff to enhance the quality of education delivery.
- Data Collection and Monitoring: The commission maintains a comprehensive database on senior secondary education and monitors school performance to ensure compliance with set standards.
- Promoting Inclusive Education: NSSEC is committed to supporting students with special needs, addressing gender disparities, and fostering equity in education access.
- Access to Funding: Like UBEC, NSSEC is entitled to 2% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to support infrastructure development and other initiatives, with states required to contribute a minimal counterpart fund of 5%.
Achievements of NSSEC
Since Dr. Ajayi’s appointment, NSSEC has recorded significant milestones, including:
- Development of Minimum Standards: The commission has successfully developed a comprehensive document on minimum standards for senior secondary education. This document, validated by stakeholders, was approved by the Joint Consultative Committee on Education (JCCE) and the National Council on Education (NCE), the highest policy-making body on education in Nigeria.
- National Policy on Senior Secondary Education: For the first time in Nigeria’s history, a National Policy on Senior Secondary Education has been formulated and published. The policy, accompanied by detailed implementation guidelines, provides a framework for addressing systemic challenges and promoting excellence in senior secondary education.
- Teacher-Student Ratio: The policy specifies a teacher-student ratio of 1:40 for senior secondary schools, ensuring adequate attention to student needs.
- Capacity-Building Initiatives: NSSEC has conducted training sessions for teachers across Nigeria, focusing on core subjects such as English and Mathematics.
- Private Sector Engagement: Recognizing the significant role of private schools, which constitute 70-80% of senior secondary schools in Nigeria, NSSEC has begun addressing issues such as unqualified teachers, poor remuneration, and substandard facilities.
Addressing Challenges in Private Secondary Schools
Dr. Ajayi acknowledged the proliferation of private schools, many of which operate without proper facilities or qualified teachers. He emphasized that NSSEC’s regulatory efforts extend to private schools to ensure they meet the prescribed standards.
“We cannot ignore private schools, as they represent a significant portion of our senior secondary education system,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure quality education across both public and private schools, addressing issues such as examination malpractices, inadequate teacher salaries, and substandard infrastructure.”
Moving Forward
NSSEC has laid a solid foundation for the transformation of senior secondary education in Nigeria. With the implementation of its policies and guidelines, Dr. Ajayi is optimistic about the future of the sub-sector, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with state governments and private stakeholders to achieve sustainable progress.
By strengthening the bridge between basic and tertiary education, NSSEC aims to equip Nigerian students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.