National Policy on SSE

National Policy on Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria

The National Policy on Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria serves as the overarching framework guiding the design, regulation, and implementation of quality senior secondary education across the country. Developed by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) and other key stakeholders, the policy reflects Nigeria’s commitment to delivering inclusive, skill-based, and globally competitive education at the senior secondary level.

Policy Vision

To establish a senior secondary education system that equips all learners with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary for personal development, lifelong learning, and national transformation.

Policy Objectives

  1. Ensure access to quality senior secondary education for all eligible learners
  2. Promote equity and inclusiveness, particularly for girls, persons with disabilities, and students in underserved communities
  3. Strengthen the curriculum to reflect 21st-century skills, including digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and STEM
  4. Enhance teacher quality and professionalism
  5. Institutionalize school safety, learner welfare, and psychosocial support systems
  6. Support the integration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into the school system
  7. Promote data-driven planning, research, and accountability
  8. Foster collaboration among federal, state, and non-state actors

Key Focus Areas

  • Curriculum Reform: Adoption of a flexible, competency-based curriculum that includes science, technology, arts, social sciences, and vocational subjects
  • Teacher Recruitment and Training: Continuous professional development, digital skills training, and AI integration
  • Infrastructure Development: Provision of safe, gender-friendly, and ICT-enabled learning environments
  • School Governance: Strengthening School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), Principals’ leadership capacity, and accountability mechanisms
  • Assessment and Evaluation: Revamping school-based assessments and harmonizing with national examination bodies (e.g., WAEC, NECO)
  • Partnerships: Leveraging public-private partnerships and donor support for innovation, funding, and capacity building

Implementation Framework

The implementation of the policy is coordinated by NSSEC in collaboration with:

  • Federal and State Ministries of Education
  • State Senior Secondary Education Boards (SSSEBs)
  • Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)
  • National Council on Education (NCE)
  • Non-governmental and development partners
  • Communities, parents, and learners

Monitoring and Review

The policy includes mechanisms for periodic review and performance monitoring through:

  • The NSSEC Monitoring, Learning, and Accountability (MLA) system
  • Annual policy implementation reviews
  • Stakeholder consultations and research dissemination

Expected Outcomes

  • Improved student learning outcomes and retention
  • Greater alignment with national employment and development priorities
  • Increased participation in TVET and digital learning pathways
  • Strengthened national identity, citizenship, and global competence
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