The Federal Government has announced that a nationwide education exercise, the National Learning Assessment (NLA), will take place across Nigeria from Monday, June 29 to Friday, July 3, 2026.
The assessment will be conducted in selected primary and secondary schools across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It is designed to measure students’ academic performance and provide data to guide education planning and policy decisions.
According to the Federal Ministry of Education, the exercise is strictly diagnostic and will not be used for promotion, placement, or certification of learners.
Officials explained that the assessment is part of ongoing efforts to improve learning outcomes and strengthen accountability in the education sector. Preparations reportedly began in 2025 through collaboration between the ministry, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and international partners including UNICEF and the World Bank.
The exercise will involve pupils and students in Primary 3, Primary 5, Junior Secondary School 2 (JS2), and Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2). Subjects to be tested include English Language, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, as well as Citizenship and Heritage Studies.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a major step toward evidence-based reforms in Nigeria’s education system. He said the results will help government design targeted interventions to improve the quality of teaching and learning nationwide.
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