Education Ranking: Ondo, Ebonyi , FCT top

…..as Katsina, Gombe, Sokoto , Zamfara came last

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

Ondo State , Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and Ebonyi state topped Nigeria Basic Education Ranking for 2022.

While Gombe, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states scored zero percent.

This was revealed at the Basic Education Performance Ranking presentation organized by Youthhub Africa, in collaboration with Christian aid in Abuja.

According to the report the best performing 11 states are Ondo (98%), FCT(96%), Ebonyi (90%), Rivers (85%), Imo (80%), Anambra (79%), Enugu (77%), Ekiti (77%), Bayelsa (75%), Delta (75%), and Lagos (75%).

Gombe, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara did not score any points.

This means that the three states did not meet any minimum basic education recommendations and a majority of their learners neither have foundational literacy nor numeracy skills required to function in a society. Overall, a significant number of states are failing to provide quality education.

In his opening remarks the Executive Director of Youthhub Africa, Rotimi Olawale, said “Education financing should be more specific on how the states allocate, disburse and utilize funds to improve education quality.

Transparency in budgetary process means states are held more accountable. And also develop programming based on investments in education financing, teacher certification, learning outcomes and infrastructure.

Stakeholders who spoke at a public presentation and launch of the basic education performance ranking included Managing Partner, Strategy – MalalaFund, Femi Aderibigbe, Program Coordinator, Stand with a girl initiative, SWAG, Mercy Bolaji, Joshua Arogunro, program Manager, Almajiri Child Rights Initiative, among others.

They all said it is imperative for Nigeria Government to increase funding of basic education and ensure that the funds are used for what is meant for.

Mercy Bolaji, lamented the over 20 million out of school children in Nigeria.

Joshua who decried the unavailability of proper data in Nigeria, especially in education sector.

And inssacent attacks on Nigeria’s schools by bandits and unknown gunmen all contributed to the over 20 million of out of school children in Nigeria.