The National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) has sought the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to strengthen secondary schools data collection and management systems.
The Executive Secretary of NSSEC, Dr Iyela Ajayi, made the request when UNICEF officials paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ajayi said improved data systems were critical for evidence-based planning and the development of senior secondary education in the country.
He noted that the commission had faced challenges of inadequate funding and low awareness of its activities.
He stressed the need for UNICEF’s support in advancing digital literacy for teachers and expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
According to him, this will equip students with practical skills in areas such as renewable energy and digital entrepreneurship.
“We recognise that the challenges in education today demand strong partnerships and innovative solutions.
In this regard, collaboration between NSSEC and UNICEF presents a unique opportunity to drive meaningful transformation in senior secondary education in Nigeria,” he said.
Ajayi also called for collaboration in promoting emerging technologies, including adaptive learning platforms and virtual laboratories.
He said the initiative would improve learning outcomes and align with Nigeria’s digital economy goals.
The NSSEC boss further emphasised the need for safe and inclusive schools, particularly for girls, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
He said adequate protection and psychosocial support were essential to achieving better learning outcomes.
“Without safe school protection, learning outcomes will be hampered,” he said.
In her remarks, UNICEF Chief Education Officer, Vanessa Lee, said the organisation was willing to collaborate with NSSEC in digital literacy, data management and skills development.
Lee said that UNICEF had developed smart digital tools to monitor learning outcomes and support teachers’ capacity building.
She called for sustained commitment from both parties to improve the quality of senior secondary education in the country.
