FG launches minimum standards for senior secondary school education

The Federal Government has unveiled new minimum standards for senior secondary school education in Nigeria.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, inaugurated the new minimum standards developed by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) at an event organized by NSSEC in collaboration with Google Research.

Additionally, the government flagged off an Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pedagogy training program for 6,000 senior secondary school teachers across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Alausa, who was represented by the Director of the Senior Secondary Department, Hajia Binta Abdulkadri, highlighted the importance of the training program, stating that it aligns with the government’s commitment to equipping teachers with the necessary skills to prepare Nigerian students for the rapidly evolving digital age.

According to him, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the administration has prioritized education as a catalyst for national development. He added that the Federal Ministry of Education, in alignment with this vision, has undertaken several strategic initiatives to reform and modernize the education sector in Nigeria.

The minister said:
“One such initiative is the integration of digital literacy and AI-driven pedagogical practices into our teaching methodologies, as well as the introduction of a centralized, harmonized databank and unified platform for the entire education sector in Nigeria.

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“The world is undergoing a technological revolution, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) at its core. AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality, transforming industries, economies, and societies. As educators, we must embrace this evolution and ensure our education sector is not left behind.

“The integration of AI into pedagogy offers an unprecedented opportunity to enhance learning experiences, personalize education, and develop critical thinking skills among our students. Our goal is to prepare them for careers in a technology-driven world, where AI literacy will be as fundamental as reading and writing.

“Today, we also take a significant step forward with the official unveiling of the Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria. This document, developed by NSSEC through extensive collaboration with stakeholders and approved by the National Council on Education, will serve as a guiding framework to ensure that senior secondary education across Nigeria adheres to high-quality standards. It is our blueprint for ensuring consistency, accountability, and measurable improvement in our education sector.

“Our commitment to reforming the education sector includes initiatives such as curriculum modernization, teacher training programs, and infrastructural development. We are also working toward expanding access to digital resources in schools and fostering partnerships with technology firms to bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and contemporary innovations.”

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of NSSEC, Dr. Iyela Ajayi, stated that the minimum standards represent a strategic response to the challenges and gaps identified in the senior secondary education sub-sector.

He said:
“The Renewed Hope Agenda, a testament to Mr. President’s unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people, recognizes the critical role of education in achieving our collective aspirations. It is a blueprint for a brighter future, one that prioritizes human capital development and empowers every citizen with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century.

“What we are about to witness today is a reflection of our collective commitment to excellence, equity, and relevance in our senior secondary education system. As we all know, education is the bedrock of any progressive society, and the senior secondary level plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our young ones, preparing them for higher education, employment, and lifelong skills.

“The virtual training program, sponsored by Google Research and supported by Data Science Nigeria and Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, aims to enhance AI pedagogical skills among senior secondary school teachers across the 36 states and the FCT. The training consists of five modules and is expected to run for a period of five weeks.

“On the other hand, the National Senior Secondary Education Commission, entrusted with the crucial responsibility of repositioning senior secondary education, provides interventions in areas such as capacity building for teachers and the provision of instructional resources, among others. To address challenges and gaps identified in the senior secondary education sub-sector, NSSEC has developed Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria.

“These minimum standards serve as a strategic response to the disparities in curriculum implementation, teaching quality, school infrastructure, and learner outcomes observed across different states and schools. Such inconsistencies have contributed to uneven access to quality education, limiting the potential of many learners.

“With these newly developed standards, we now have a comprehensive framework that sets clear benchmarks for learning content, teacher qualifications, school facilities, learner assessments, and governance in all senior secondary schools across Nigeria. This initiative aligns with global best practices and national policies aimed at ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education, regardless of location or socio-economic background.”

Also speaking, Mohammed Salihu, Head of Teacher Development and International Partnership, stated that 130 teachers were selected from each state, while 11 teachers per school were chosen from Federal Unity Colleges. He added that the AI in pedagogy training will be conducted online.