Here’s the revised version ofNSSEC Introduces Technology to Transform Secondary Education – Ajayi
By Chika Mefor-Nwachukwu | DecembeThe National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), which became operational in 2021, aims to bridge the regulatory and intervention gaps in Nigeria’s senior secondary education sector. Dr. Iyela Ajayi, the Executive Secretary of NSSEC, recently spoke to THE WHISTLER about the Commission’s progress and its ambitious plans for 2025.
Why was the NSSEC established?
In 2004, the government reorganized Nigeria’s education system, moving junior secondary education under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). This left senior secondary education without a regulatory or intervention agency, unlike universities (regulated by NUC), colleges of education (NCCE), and polytechnics (NBTE), all of which also benefit from TETFund’s interventions.
Senior secondary education, being the critical bridge between basic and tertiary education, was neglected, leading to decayed infrastructure, inadequate facilities, teacher shortages, and low student achievement. Recognizing these challenges, the government established NSSEC to regulate and intervene in the sector’s development.
What are NSSEC’s mandates?
NSSEC is tasked with:
Establishing and enforcing minimum standards for senior secondary education.
Formulating and implementing policies, subject to government approval.
Organizing capacity-building programs for teachers and non-teaching staff.
Collecting comprehensive data on senior secondary education.
Promoting inclusive education for special needs students and girls.
Acting as an intervention agency, similar to UBEC, with plans to access 2% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for infrastructure and facility upgrades.
Achievements Since 2023
1. Minimum Standards
Dr. Ajayi emphasized the Commission’s efforts to develop a unified set of minimum standards. This comprehensive document, validated by stakeholders and approved by the National Council on Education (NCE) in September, is set to be launched soon.
2. National Policy on Senior Secondary Education
The Commission has formulated Nigeria’s first-ever National Policy on Senior Secondary Education, along with implementation guidelines. Several states have already begun adopting these policies.
3. Data Collection and Capacity Building
NSSEC now holds the most up-to-date data on senior secondary education in Nigeria. The Commission has also conducted nationwide teacher training programs focused on core subjects like English and Mathematics.
4. Advocacy and Monitoring
To support policy implementation, NSSEC has engaged in advocacy visits to all 36 states, encouraging states to establish education boards for effective collaboration. Monitoring and evaluation of schools and student performance in core subjects are ongoing, ensuring targeted interventions where needed.
5. New Initiatives
NSSEC has introduced journal publications, public lecture series, and plans to rank secondary schools based on performance benchmarks.
Addressing Private Schools
With 70–80% of Nigeria’s senior secondary schools privately owned, Dr. Ajayi highlighted the challenges of poor infrastructure, unqualified teachers, and exam malpractice. The Commission is working to enforce minimum standards across both public and private schools, with compliance deadlines to be set once standards are distributed.
Teacher Motivation and Welfare
The Hon. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is prioritizing teacher welfare and capacity building in 2025. NSSEC plans to address issues of low teacher salaries, lack of training opportunities, and inadequate motivation, particularly in private schools.
Intervention Projects
Although NSSEC has yet to receive its allocated 2% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, the National Assembly has allocated funds for interventions in 50 senior secondary schools. These projects include:
Construction of classrooms, laboratories, and administrative blocks.
Establishment of fully equipped e-libraries.
Work on these schools is expected to be completed by February 2025.
International Partnerships
NSSEC is partnering with organizations like UNICEF and the British Council to enhance its capacity and deliver on its mandates.
Conclusion
Dr. Ajayi expressed optimism about NSSEC’s future, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s senior secondary education system through effective regulation, infrastructure development, and teacher empowerment.
