By Rosemary Ogbonna
The Federal Government has concluded arrangements to conduct a nationwide assessment of student learning outcomes across Nigeria, from Monday, June 29 to Friday, July 3, 2026.
The National Learning Assessment (NLA) will be administered in selected primary and secondary schools across all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to measure students’ academic performance, and generate data for education planning and policy decisions.
The Federal Ministry of Education said the exercise is strictly diagnostic, and will not be used for promotion, placement, or certification of learners.
Officials said the assessment forms part of ongoing efforts to improve learning outcomes and strengthen accountability in the education sector.
Preparations began in 2025 through collaboration between the ministry, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Bank.
Pupils and students in Primary 3, Primary 5, Junior Secondary School 2 (JS2), and Senior Secondary School 2 (SSS2) will be tested in English Language, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, and Citizenship and Heritage Studies.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a major step toward evidence-based reforms. He said the results would help government design targeted interventions to improve the quality of teaching and learning nationwide.