Through the Ministry of Education, the federal government and critical stakeholders are set to harmonise and unify education data through the Nigerian Education Data Initiative (NEDI) platform.
The Initiative will provide this vital foundation, consolidating all critical education data in Nigeria into a harmonised databank and unified platform.
To this end, the NEDI committee has been inaugurated as the minister of education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who will serve as chairman of the Implementation Committee, which includes 24 other members drawn from various ministries and industries. Abubakar Isah of the Ministry’s Data and Digitalisation Unit (DDU) will serve as pro-coordinator. in contrast, Bode Pedro, a recognised digital transformation and entrepreneurship expert, will serve as Digital Advisor.
Reacting to this development, Dr Alausa said: “For too long, the absence of a unified, comprehensive data framework has hindered our ability to allocate resources and make informed decisions effectively.
“NEDI will provide this vital foundation, consolidating all critical education data in Nigeria into a harmonised databank and unified platform. This is more than just information; it’s a catalyst for development, enabling us to deliver quality education that meets the aspirations of every Nigerian child.”
Pedro, a recognised expert in digital transformation and founder of Cassava, a leading micro-insurance company, has demonstrated his ability to leverage technology for impactful solutions.
“I am deeply honoured to contribute to this transformative project,’ Pedro commented in a LinkedIn post about his appointment. He said Education is the cornerstone of national development, and by harnessing the power of data and technology, “we can create a more inclusive and effective education system for all Nigerians.”
“With reliable data, we can empower EdTech startups, digitise education services, and position Nigeria as a global leader in talent and innovation. This initiative is about ensuring that every Nigerian child can aspire, thrive, and prosper, building a nation that leads the emerging markets of the future.”
According to observers, the launch of the NEDI committee signals a decisive step in Nigeria’s journey to modernise its education sector and establish a centralised, real-time data ecosystem. This ecosystem will empower policymakers, educators, and stakeholders with the insights to make informed decisions and drive improved educational outcomes nationwide.
The framework will gather data on funding sources, university details, student records, Teacher and parent information, examination results, school locations, grading systems, and infrastructure, including essential facilities like ICT resources, libraries, laboratories, and classrooms. This comprehensive data will inform future investments, especially in areas that are currently underserved.
