By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze Abakaliki,
Stakeholders at the 2025 Joint Consultative Committee on Education (JCCE) Reference Meeting have called on the Federal Government to urgently establish a National Education Data Bank (NEDA) to support effective planning, policy-making, and development in the education sector.
The two-day meeting, held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, brought together delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory under the theme: “Quality Education Data and Professionalisation of Teaching, Tools for Enhanced National Development.”
Declaring the event open on April 16, Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by his deputy, Princess Patricia Obila, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, highlighting the construction of 39 model schools across the state—three in each local government area—as a reflection of his People’s Charter of Needs agenda.
“If you look at what is happening today, we are out of the analogue syndrome. We are now going into digital, and that’s why we are here,” she said. “In this government, it will also interest you that the governor is education-friendly. On education we have spent so much, likewise in health—and still, we are spending and ready to spend.”
Chairperson of the meeting and Director of Educational Planning, Research and Development at the Federal Ministry of Education, Obianuju Anigbogu, emphasized that the gathering was aimed at equipping policymakers and educators with tools to improve education outcomes across Nigeria.
Anigbogu underscored the role of quality data and teacher professionalisation in driving educational advancement and national development.
“It is worthy of note that quality education data and professionalisation of teaching remain the true drivers of educational improvement and national progress,” she said.
She warned that without continuous planning and development backed by data, the sector risks falling behind.
“So without continuous planning and development, education risks falling behind, becoming disconnected from the best practices that drive student and learner success.”
She also reiterated the need for competent teachers:
“The professionalisation of teaching plays a critical role in ensuring quality education, as highly qualified and motivated teachers contribute to better learning outcomes.”
“Data on quality education, when properly collated and analysed, can guide policies that will enhance teaching standards and promote development. Furthermore, there is the need for a National Data Bank for the education sector for planning, research, and national development.”
Describing the Reference Committee as the backbone of policy development in the education sector, Anigbogu noted:
“The success or failure of education policy formulation and implementation is greatly determined by the work carried out at this important meeting.”
Commissioners for Primary and Secondary Education and Tertiary Education in Ebonyi, Professors Paul Awo Nwobasi and Amari Omaka (SAN), praised Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to education.
“In our educational sector, data is the most important thing. Without data, we can’t do anything,” Nwobasi stated.
Permanent Secretary of Ebonyi State Ministry of Education, Mary Otozi, and JCCE Secretary, Olayiwola Abosede, encouraged delegates to remain focused on shaping the future of Nigerian education.
While Otozi applauded the governor for sponsoring and supporting the event, Abosede expressed gratitude to the host state for the hospitality and smooth organisation.
“The future of education in Nigeria hinges on what we deliberate here,” Otozi concluded.