FOREWORD

The education system is critical to the development of both human and materials resources. High quality human capital can only be achieved through a sound education system attained through sound planning which is dependent on accurate and reliable data base. Such data base also makes for meaningful monitoring and evaluation that will throw up useful experience for new and relevant interventions as well as fine-tuning of the education policy for the development of the education system.

Reliable, timely and accurate data is vital for planning and effective decision-making. Therefore, its collection, screening, analysis, storage, interpretation and application constitute an indispensable requirement in all areas of education system. In addition, it is what makes possible to formulate and implement sound policies; and accurately assess the growth and progress of the system. Doing this becomes crucial if the Sustainable Development Goal Four (SDG4), that is: to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all, is to be attained. Furthermore, the generation of quality data will also promote accountability in the system.

Luckily for us, the education system in Nigeria recorded a remarkable achievement in the establishment of a reliable data base with the publication of 2016/2017 Nigeria Digest of Education Statistics. This is an annual publication of the Federal Ministry of Education that presents data for early childhood education, basic, secondary, tertiary and the non-formal sector, as well as details of funding interventions and examination statistics.

I warmly appreciate the support of international development partners to some states in the conduct of the Annual School Census. I should also like to thank those states that have willingly accepted to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Education. The quality, relevance and representation of data generated during Annual School Census will depend largely on the number of the states participating in the exercise. I, therefore, encourage all states to join this all-important exercise that is critical for the development and formulation of education policy and will prove a great aid to researchers, planners and policy makers.

I am delighted to present to the general public, our partners and to all education stakeholders, the 2016/2017 edition of the Nigeria Digest of Education Statistics. This will, no doubt, go a long way in addressing the challenges posed by the lack of accurate data in the education sector; and, I hope, it will prove useful in evidence-based planning and administration as well as in national and global reporting.

Adamu Adamu

Minister October, 2018