President Bola Tinubu has approved the DOTS project to improve Nigeria’s education system, increase school enrollment, and secure the future of the country’s youth. This initiative is crucial as many children are currently out of school.
DOTS stands for Data Repository, Out-of-School Children’s Education, Teacher Training and Development, and Skill Development and Acquisition. The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, announced this during a ceremony for the new National Examinations Council (NECO) offices in Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Taraba, Jigawa, Lagos, and Rivers.
Dr. Sununu said the DOTS project will fix the problem of having unorganized and unreliable data in Nigeria’s education sector. This project will help the government track students’ progress, focusing on out-of-school children, girls, and those with learning challenges. He mentioned that getting out-of-school children back to school is a top priority for President Tinubu.
President Tinubu believes that the over 20 million children out of school need attention to prevent future problems. He thinks that for Nigeria to grow and succeed, these children must return to school and get the education and skills they need to be productive and relevant in society.
The minister praised the governors of Nasarawa and the other six states for supporting education. He is hopeful that the new NECO offices will improve the examination services provided to Nigerians.
NECO’s Registrar, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, said the new state offices show the Federal Government’s dedication to improving education under President Tinubu’s leadership. He explained that the upgraded NECO facilities will ensure better exam administration and reflect the government’s investment in education.
The new NECO offices in Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Taraba, Jigawa, Lagos, and Rivers, along with other NECO buildings, will be important for excellent exam administration. Wushishi thanked the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), and the Sangarin of Shabu, HRH Mahammood Bwallah II, for their support. He said this project is part of the Federal Government’s plan to develop education infrastructure and is included in this year’s budget.
Wushishi also mentioned that NECO aims to be a leader in exam administration and a force for positive change in Nigeria’s education. They are committed to using technology and innovation to improve the quality and accessibility of their services.
Earlier, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Education, Muhammed Bala, confirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting all federal ministries, departments, and agencies, including the education sector.
