KOGI STATE LAUNCHES DIGITAL SCHOOL CENSUS TO STRENGTHEN EDUCATION PLANNING

KOGI STATE LAUNCHES DIGITAL SCHOOL CENSUS TO STRENGTHEN EDUCATION PLANNING

The Kogi State Government has officially launched a digital school census initiative aimed at improving education planning, policy development, and resource allocation across the state as part of efforts to modernize data management in the education sector.

The initiative, known as the 2025/2026 Annual School Census (ASC), was unveiled through the Federal Government’s Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System (DNEMIS) portal during a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting held on Monday at the Government House in Lokoja.

The meeting brought together key education stakeholders including government education agencies, former commissioners, non-governmental organizations, religious leaders, media representatives, school administrators, and security agencies ahead of the official commencement of the census exercise scheduled for June 24, 2026.

Speaking during the event, Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, said the census exercise would provide critical statistical data needed for effective education policy formulation, planning, and equitable distribution of resources across schools.

According to him, the newly introduced digital system represents a major shift from the previous manual reporting process and will enhance accountability and accuracy in education data collection statewide.

Jones explained that under the DNEMIS platform, every school in the state will be assigned a unique 10-digit identification number, while each student will receive a Learner Identification Number (LIN), which will be linked to examination records managed by national examination bodies such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

He noted that the Learner Identification Number would become increasingly important for students seeking access to government educational incentives and intervention programmes.

The commissioner also praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for maintaining education as a top priority, highlighting that the state government currently allocates approximately 30 percent of its annual budget to education development.

He disclosed that the government spends significant funds annually on school renovation projects, teachers’ salaries, payment of external examination fees, and construction of educational infrastructure across the state.

Jones emphasized that the budgetary allocation to education should remain protected, stressing that the success of the census exercise would directly impact future funding decisions.

He warned that schools that fail to submit accurate data risk causing under-reporting, which could negatively affect education planning and resource distribution for the state.

Several stakeholders at the event commended the government for prioritising accurate educational data collection.

Former Commissioner for Education, Rosemary Osikoya, highlighted the importance of having proper institutional structures in place for the system to function effectively.

She raised concerns that some private schools often fail to provide complete records due to fears of taxation, while operators of non-formal education centres and skills acquisition institutions frequently neglect proper record-keeping despite existing national data regulations.

Osikoya stressed that reliable education data remains essential for attracting adequate funding and improving planning efficiency.

Representatives from civil society groups also backed the initiative.

Speaking on behalf of the Kogi NGO Network, Ambassador Idris Muraina described data as a critical driver of sustainable development.

Meanwhile, DCC Ekigwe Raymond of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) called for collaboration between security agencies and school administrators to strengthen safety through community-based security structures.

Education associations including the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) praised the ministry for including private school operators in education policy discussions.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Albert Alabi, also emphasized the need for accurate and qualitative education data.

Director of Educational Planning, Research and Statistics, Animoku Elizabeth, acknowledged the importance of the Annual School Census but noted that challenges such as incomplete data submissions, stakeholder resistance due to tax concerns, and low participation levels continue to affect the process.

She clarified that the census exercise is designed strictly for educational planning, research, and policy development rather than taxation purposes.

Elizabeth announced that the ministry will begin training school data officers, starting with Lokoja Local Government Area, before rolling out zonal advocacy meetings.

According to the schedule released, stakeholder meetings will hold in the Western Zone on June 19 in Kabba, Kogi Central on June 22 in Okene, and Kogi East on June 23 in Anyigba, ahead of the statewide commencement of the digital school census on June 24, 2026.

The initiative is expected to strengthen data-driven decision-making in Kogi State’s education sector and improve long-term planning for schools and students.