The Federal Government has declared June 29 to July 3, 2026, as National Learning Assessment (NLA) Week ahead of Nigeria’s first nationwide learning assessment across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Federal Ministry of Education said the assessment will measure learners’ achievement levels and generate reliable data to guide education planning, policy reforms, resource allocation, and improved learning outcomes across the country.
The exercise will be conducted in selected schools and will cover learners in Primary 3, Primary 5, Junior Secondary School 2 (JS2), and Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2). The subjects include English Language, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, and Citizenship and Heritage Studies.
The ministry emphasized that the assessment is strictly diagnostic and will not be used for promotion, placement, or certification.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a major step towards improving the quality of education in Nigeria.
“The National Learning Assessment is a critical milestone for strengthening accountability and improving learning outcomes through evidence-based decision-making,” the minister said.
He added that the exercise would provide the government with credible data needed to identify learning gaps and shape interventions that will improve teaching and learning across the country.
“The assessment is designed to generate reliable data on learners’ achievement levels and provide evidence to support educational planning, policy reforms, resource allocation, and improved learning outcomes nationwide,” Alausa said.
He stressed that the exercise would, for the first time, provide a comprehensive national picture of what learners know and are able to do at critical stages of their education.
“For the first time, Nigeria will conduct a nationwide learning assessment that will provide us with a clear picture of what our children know and can do at key stages of their education. This evidence will help us make informed decisions that improve learning outcomes for every Nigerian child,” he said.
The minister also reassured parents, teachers and students that the assessment is purely for evaluation purposes.
“The exercise is strictly diagnostic and will not be used for promotion, placement, or certification purposes,” he stated.
He urged parents, teachers, school administrators and state governments to support the exercise to ensure its success.
“We urge parents, school administrators, teachers and state governments to give their full cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of the National Learning Assessment. The quality of the data we collect will determine the effectiveness of the reforms we introduce,” Alausa said.
According to the minister, the Federal Government remains committed to building an education system driven by evidence and measurable outcomes.
“Quality education begins with quality data. Through this assessment, we are laying the foundation for a more accountable, equitable and results-driven education system where every child has the opportunity to succeed,” he added.
Preparations for the nationwide assessment began in 2025 through a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), with support from UNICEF and the World Bank. Assessment instruments have been developed, pilot-tested, while personnel have been trained ahead of the exercise, which will take place in sampled schools across the country.