Context

Nigeria faces a significant educational challenge, with approximately 75% of children aged 7 to 14 unable to read a simple sentence or solve basic math problems. This "learning poverty" is exacerbated by factors such as underinvestment in education, a shortage of qualified teachers, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic disparities. Additionally, the country has a high number of out-of-school children, particularly in conflict-affected regions, further hindering progress toward inclusive and equitable education.

Solution Design

The Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) adopts a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to strengthening Nigeria’s basic education system. Central to the program is improving foundational literacy and numeracy by providing targeted teaching and learning materials, supporting mother-tongue instruction, and delivering large-scale teacher training to enhance pedagogical practices. PLANE works closely with federal and state governments to address critical governance bottlenecks, strengthen education policies, and improve the regulation and oversight of non-state education providers. A strong emphasis is placed on community engagement through the establishment of community learning hubs that extend educational opportunities to marginalized groups, including girls and children with disabilities. In addition, PLANE embeds data-driven decision-making processes within the education system, promoting the use of real-time evidence to inform interventions and ensuring that solutions remain adaptive, responsive, and aligned with local needs. By combining system reform with grassroots-level engagement, PLANE seeks to create a sustainable and scalable model for improving education outcomes across Nigeria.

Potential Impact

PLANE is poised to make a transformative impact on Nigeria’s education landscape by directly improving learning conditions for an estimated 1.5 million children and reaching up to eight million beneficiaries overall. Through the training of more than 9,000 teachers, the program is expected to significantly raise the quality of classroom instruction, resulting in measurable improvements in literacy and numeracy outcomes. The establishment of over 200 community learning hubs will enhance access to education in underserved and conflict-affected areas, fostering greater inclusion for vulnerable and marginalized groups. At the systemic level, PLANE’s focus on strengthening governance, promoting evidence-based policymaking, and regulating non-state education provision will help build a more resilient and equitable education system. Over time, the program’s integrated strategy has the potential not only to close learning gaps but also to contribute to broader social and economic development goals by empowering a new generation with the foundational skills necessary for lifelong learning and participation in Nigeria’s growth.