The Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), have trained education officers from the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and SUBEB on the implementation of the National Learning Assessment (NLA) in Public Primary and Secondary Schools in Ogun State.

The training, which took place at NUT Hall, Kuto, Abeokuta, was aimed at assessing learners’ performance in line with the national curriculum.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of SUBEB, Evang. Olalekan Ifede, represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mrs. Oluseyi Oke, emphasised that the exercise was strictly for data collection, urging participants to carry out their responsibilities diligently in order to ensure a smooth and productive process.

He also appealed to officers at both LGEA and SUBEB levels to ensure the exercise was conducted without hitches in schools across the State.

In her remarks, Southwest Zonal Director of UBEC, Mrs Beatrice Okei, described the assessment as a nationwide programme, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), noting that the outcome would help the government identify areas requiring improvement in learners’ performance.

Okei, assured that all necessary materials for the assessment would be provided and commended development partners, including UNICEF and the World Bank, for their continued support.

Lending his voice, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Wasiu Adewale, said the initiative was designed to evaluate whether learners were effectively acquiring knowledge based on the curriculum and also urged participants to maintain professionalism, which he said would have significant positive implications for the education sector.

On his Part, a Technical Officer from UBEC, Mr. Josu Noah, hinted that the assessment would measure learning outcomes across the country, with students being tested in English Language, Mathematics, Science and Citizenship. He advised participants to properly brief headteachers and principals of selected schools ahead of the exercise.

Reacting on behalf of the participants, Mr. Oluyemi Egunleti, assured the government of a fair, transparent and unbiased assessment process.