Ondo, Ebonyi, FCT top basic education ranking

By Maryam Abeeb

Ondo, Ebonyi and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have topped Nigeria’s Basic Education Ranking for 2022 conducted by a Civil Society Organisation, Youthhub Africa with support from Christian Aid.
The Basic Education Performance Ranking highlights the performance of public schools across 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
At the launch of the report in Abuja, Executive Director of Youthhub Africa, Mr Rotimi Olawale, said the ranking was based on comprehensive data collection process, which involved using surveys and other relevant data sources.
He said the ranking was detailed with an explanation of its methodology, which involved analysis of several factors, including access to education, quality of teaching and learning outcomes.
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%).
The report noted that Gombe, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States did not score any points. He said it meant that the four states did not meet minimum basic education recommendations and majority of their learners neither have foundational literacy nor numeracy skills required to function in the society.
According to Olawale, many states have failed to provide quality education. He said: “Education financing should be more specific on how states allocate, disburse and utilise funds to improve learning quality. Transparency in the 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 the public presentation and launch of the basic education performance ranking emphasised the need for increased funding of basic education and ensure that the funds are used for what they were meant for.
The launch had in attendance key stakeholders in the sector, including representatives of the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC), partner organisations, students and teachers.