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| Challenges in Nigerian Children's Literacy and Numeracy |
The National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA-NIGERIA) has expressed concern about a recent report revealing that 70% of children in Nigeria struggle to read with comprehension or solve basic mathematical problems.
This finding emerged from the Nigeria Measuring of Learning Achievement report, which underscored significant shortcomings within the country's education system.
Dr. David Shofoyeke, the Director General of NIEPA, addressed this issue during the opening of a seven-day training workshop for 60 head teachers, education officers, and principals focused on effective school management in the 21st century for the North West region.
Represented by Dr. Grace Tolulope, Dr. Shofoyeke emphasized the critical role of the Teachers Development Programme in tackling the education system's quality challenges, leading the institute to launch this training initiative in the region.
He stated, "The state of basic education highlights that 70% of Nigerian children struggle to read with comprehension or solve simple math problems."
Furthermore, the report revealed that only 49% and 55% of children in schools achieved basic proficiency in literacy and numeracy, respectively.
The National Assessment on Learning in Basic Education in Nigeria (NALABE, 2018) also indicated that the national mean scores for math and English Language stood at 64.40% and 63.43%, respectively.
