President Bola Tinubu has greenlit a series of system-wide policies aimed at revolutionizing education and skill development across Nigeria. Named DOTS (Data Repository, Out-of-School Children Education, Teacher Training & Development, and Skill Development & Acquisition), these policies are designed to safeguard the academic future of the nation’s youth while addressing critical gaps in the education sector.
Under the Data Repository initiative, an extensive census covering all educational institutions from primary to tertiary levels has been approved. This census will assess various parameters including conditions, facilities, infrastructure, and proximity of these institutions. Additionally, comprehensive profiling of teachers nationwide, focusing on qualifications and training, will be conducted. Tracking of pupils and students across different levels will also be implemented, with a particular emphasis on gender distribution, academic performance, and attendance. This data repository will serve as a vital tool for informed decision-making, enabling tailored interventions by both federal and state governments.
The Out-of-School Children’s Education and Training program is set to intensify efforts to educate and train the nation’s out-of-school children, with approximately two million beneficiaries already in line to benefit. In tandem, the Federal Ministry of Education is gearing up to provide teachers with training in digital skills, empowering them to seamlessly integrate technology into classroom settings at all education levels.
President Tinubu’s commitment to skill development is reflected in the approval of the National Skills Framework, aimed at catering to diverse skill needs across different education levels. This framework is pivotal in ensuring that Nigerian students are equipped with the competencies demanded by the 21st-century global economy, thereby bridging existing gaps, improving education quality, and addressing unemployment concerns by providing students with both foundational knowledge and practical skills essential for success.