EDUCATIONAL PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (EPR&D) DEPARTMENT

Organogram Of Educational Planning, Research & Development Department

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Educational, Planning, Research and Development (EPR&D) Department evolved from the Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) Department as it is known in other Ministries, Departments and Agencies during the reforms in the education sector.

The Department is responsible for the Coordination and Development of Education Policies, Strategic and Medium Term Sector and Action Plans; Research and Documentation; and leveraging on International Partnerships, for example UNESCO for efficient and effective education service delivery.

2.0 VISION

To sustain a reliable Education Management Information System for evidence-based policy decision making, planning and management through harnessing of partnerships to facilitate quality education delivery at all levels for comparative advantage globally.

3.0 MISSION

To coordinate and develop Education Policies, Strategic and Medium-Term Sector, Action Plans, Research and Documentation and harnessing National and International Partnerships for efficient and effective education service delivery.

4.0 FUNCTIONS

. Develops, updates and maintains computerized database including institutional and teachers’ database for all levels and types of educational institutions;

. Conducts survey of all types for different indicators and publish reports thereof;

. Evaluates curriculum performance, ensure and continually update curriculum at school level;

. Plans and coordinates the three (3) Statutory Meetings of JCCE Reference, the JCCE Plenary and the National Council on Education (NCE);

.  Anchors the Support – A – Public – School Programme initiative;

2 . Collects and consolidates information and statistical response to questionnaires and queries from other agencies;

. Compiles lists of educational institutions, published brochures, monographs on educational systems;

. Undertakes research for the formulation of education policy and programmes;

. Organises meetings, workshops and seminars on issues related to educational problems and development;

. Develops strategic and medium term sector; and action plans for the FME and its Agencies including the Federal Unity Colleges;

. Develops partnership with other organizations working in the fields of education planning, management and research;

. Coordinates the activities of the JCCE and NCE and serves as Secretariat;

. Serves as Secretariat to the Nigerian National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (NATCOMUNESCO);

. Plans and Organises Assessment of Learning Achievements for Primary and Secondary Schools nationwide;

. Serves as Secretariat to the National Action Committee on the READ Campaign;

. Publishes the FME News bulletin and Education Today;

. Coordinates the preparation of the 10-Year Federal Education Plan, the Medium Terms Sector Strategy (MTSS) and

other education sector related plans in collaboration with relevant Departments, Parastatals and relevant public, private and international organizations;

. Coordinates Ministerial Press briefing;

. Undertakes school data collection, collation, analysis, verification and dissemination;  Publishes education statistical data and Key Performance Indicators (KPI);

. Undertakes education policy development in collaboration with other Departments, Parastatals and Development Partners; and

. Coordinates the annual Ministerial Annual Merit Award and the new President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards.

. Facilitates National Productivity and Order of Merit Awards (NPOMA)

. Anchors Public Private Partnership and Non- Governmental Organisations (NGO/PPP) in the education sector 3

5.0 STRUCTURE

The Department is structured into Seven Divisions, 19 Branches and 1 Outstation in Paris, France for effective operations.

5.0.1 OUTSTATION POST

The Office of the Permanent Delegation of Nigeria to UNESCO, Paris, France is headed by a Director. S/N DIVISION BRANCHES 1. Educational Planning and Project Monitoring

. Strategic Planning and MTSS

. Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and Management Audit 2. Policy Coordination and Monitoring

. Joint Consultative Committees on Education (JCCE) and National Council on Education (NCE)

. Public Private Partnership and NonGovernmental Organisations (NGO/PPP) 3. Research, Policy and Statistics

. Research and Documentation

. Statistics and NEMIS

. Policy Development 4. Educational Management

. Curriculum, Monitoring and Learning Achievement

. Project Coordination

. Monitoring of Regulatory Agencies 5. Education Informatics and Documentation  Informatics

. Read Campaign 6. Education 2030  Education 2030 7. Natcom UNESCO

. Natural Sciences  Social & Human Science Sector  Education Sector  Culture Sector  Communication & Information

. ISESCO

4 5.1 PLANNING DIVISION

Introduction The Division which is central to the Implementation of the Ministry’s core mandate, is also at the heart of the Educational Planning, Research and Development (EPR & D) Department which in turn coordinates the approved Plans, Programmes and Projects for the Federal Ministry of Education, including the conception, design and execution of emerging strategic and unscheduled/ ad-hoc projects for improved quality service delivery in the sector. The strategic importance of the Division cuts across, and impacts heavily on the operational activities of the main Ministry and its Parastatals, including all of the 104 Federal Unity Colleges. Functions The Division is charged with the following responsibilities:

. Coordinates the preparation of the 10 Year National Education Sector Strategic Plan (NESSP)

. Coordinates the Operational Plan of the Federal Ministry of Education and its Parastatals in carrying out the Ministry’s statutory mandates of education policy formulation, setting quality       standards and provision of tertiary education.

. Coordinates project planning and budgeting with respect to plans and programmes of the Ministry and its Parastatals.

. Coordinates perspective, strategic and medium term Education Sector Plans at Federal level and supports State Ministries of Education in developing State Education Plans.

. Monitors existing Projects and projects approved by Federal Executive Council for FME HQs, 22 Parastatals and 104 Federal Unity Colleges;

. Provides framework and supports the articulation of Medium Term and Action Plans in collaboration with relevant Departments, Parastatals, States and other stakeholders in the Education Sector;

. Prepares the Medium Term Sector Strategy (MTSS), Education Sector NEEDS and other related plans in collaboration with relevant Departments, Parastatals and relevant public private and international organisations

. Facilitates the mainstreaming of the Education Sector Plan into the National Development Plan encapsulated in the National Economic Empowerment and 5 Development Strategy (NEEDS) for a holistic approach and effective impact on the economy.

. Collaborates with the National Planning Commission and other public and private organisations with respect to issues on education planning, at both Federal and State levels.

. Responsible for Monitoring and Evaluation of Plan Implementation to inform feedback mechanism, possible reviews, taking cognisance of emergent issues and policy changes in collaboration with relevant Departments and Parastatals at the Federal and National levels, in collaboration with states and relevant stakeholders

. Conducts Management Audit of the Departments and Units of the Federal Ministry of Education and its Parastatals with respect to management methods and operational modalities in the discharge of the various statutory responsibilities.

. Collaborates with International Development Partners with respect to Educational Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation issues

. Publishes periodic reports on the status of the plans and programmes implementation and makes recommendations for appropriate follow up decisions for the 10-Year Federal Plan (2015 – 2025), Management Audit Report of the Ministry and its Parastatals as well as National Education Sector Plan. Structure To carry out its functions effectively, the Division is structured into 2 Branches: i. The Strategic Planning & Medium Term Sector Strategy (SP & MTSS) Branch; and ii. Project Monitoring & Evaluation and Management Audit Branch (PME & MA) 6 5.2 POLICY COORDINATION AND MONITORING DIVISION Introduction The Division is responsible for coordination of all educational memoranda for deliberation and approval by the National Council on Education (NCE), to guide policy decisions. JCCE Reference Committee meetings were established to act as a clearing house for all memoranda meant for the JCCE Plenary. All memoranda are first presented at the Reference Committees attended by Directors of Education in the thirty-six (36) States of the Federation and FCT, Education Parastatals, Agencies, Para-Military and Armed Forces, Education Corps, International Development Partners and other Stakeholders for in-depth study by Education Technocrats before they are recommended to JCCE Plenary for further deliberation. It is important to note that as a matter of policy, every memo must be presented at the appropriate Reference Committee. The bulk of the memos received originate from the 36 States of the Federation and FCT. It is worthy of note that based on burning issues in the Education Sector a “Theme” is selected and forwarded to the 36 States, FCT and other Stakeholders which inform the call for memoranda. The JCCE Reference Committees The JCCE operates through nine (9) Reference Committees, which include: i. Reference Committee on Basic Education; ii. Reference Committee on Senior Secondary Education; iii. Reference Committee on Teacher Education; iv. Reference Committee on Special Education;

v. Reference Committee on Adult and Non-Formal Education; vi. Reference Committee on Educational Planning;

vii. Reference Committee on Technology and Science Education;

viii. Reference Committee on Quality Assurance; and

ix. Reference Committee on Tertiary Education. Membership/Composition of the JCCE

. All Directors of Education in the Headquarters and Federal Unity Colleges, State Ministries of Education, Federal Capital Territory, Parastatals and Agencies. 7

. All Chairmen of the nine (9) Reference Committees who are from the Federal Ministry of Education.

. Representatives from Faculties and Institutes of Education in tertiary institutions.  Representatives of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NTI).  Representatives of the Armed Forces Education Corps and Police Force.  Representatives of the National Planning Commission.  Representatives of International Development Partners.  Representatives of all Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS).  Representatives of Committee of Vice-Chancellors.  Representatives of Professional Associations:  Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN).

. Action Health Incorporated (AHI).

. National Foods, Drug, Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

. National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, etc. The second stage of the JCCE meeting is the JCCE Plenary. At the JCCE Plenary Session, members deliberate on and discuss the reports and recommendations from the Reference Committees and take decisions which are later submitted to National Council on Education in form of “Summary of Recommendations for deliberation and subsequent ratification. The JCCE Plenary is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Directors and Permanent Secretaries of the 36 States of the Federation and FCT Education Secretariat. The third statutory meeting is National Council on Education (NCE). The National Council on Education is the highest policy making body on Education in the country. The Council operates in two Sessions namely:

. a two day officials’ meeting, which precedes the ministerial session is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education;

. the Ministerial session is presided over by the Honourable Minister of Education; and The two day officials’ meeting is chaired by the Permanent Secretary (FME), with Permanent Secretaries of the State Ministries of Education, Directors of Federal Ministry of Education, Heads of Parastatals in attendance. At the end of the meeting, Summary of Recommendations is turned into “Memo to Council” for Ministerial consideration. 8 The Ministerial Session is chaired by the Honourable Minister of Education. Members include:

. Honourable Minister of State for Education;

. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education;

. All Commissioners for Education in 36 States and Education Secretary, FCT;

. Heads of Parastatal of Federal Ministry of Education;

. Permanent Secretaries of State Ministries of Education; All decisions reached by the Council are forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for final approval. Support-A-Public School Support-A-Public School Initiative is a programme aimed at revamping the nations Public Primary and Secondary Schools through the Intervention of the Private Sector, Individuals, Alumni, CBOs, and FBOs to complement government’s efforts thereby creating stimulating and conducive learning conditions Public Private Partnership and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO/PPP) Functions:

. Registers and recognises NGOs, CBOs, FBOs intervening in the Education Sector;

. Sensitizes NGOs, CBOs and FBOs on the need to collaborate with government in the implementation of government policies and programmes in education;

. Creates awareness through NGOs, CBOs and FBOs among the general public on the government reform programme;

. Collaborates with NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs in the implementation of their programmes relevant to the education sector;

. Creates awareness among the public on the need for partnership with the private sector;

. Seeks private sector participation to provide specialized management capacity for large and complex programmes;

9 . Invites the Private Sector to Organizations to provide specialized management capacity;

. Enables the delivery of new technology to the public sector in order to inform on FME’s activities;

. Creates o broad database for the public and relevant partners;

. Collaborates with the Education Experts and Professional in the Diaspora; and

. Harnesses the Human and Capital potential of the Diaspora as resources for the Development of the Education Sector

5.3 RESEARCH, POLICY AND STATISTICS DIVISION

The Division has four Branches namely: i. Research ii. Statistics & NEMIS. iii. Policy Development Functions of the Division

. Conducts timely, accurate and reliable education statistics of Nigeria;

. Collects, collates, processes and disseminates continuous basic education statistics and other socio-economic indicators that are internal (in-house) and sectoral to the Ministry for the purpose of educational planning, finance and policy;

. Conducts policy-oriented researches in areas of concern over which the Ministry has jurisdiction;

. Organises Annual Ministerial Merit Award, Long Service Award, National Productivity and Order of Merit Award and President’s Teachers and Schools Excellent Awards;

. Initiates the development of policies in education, arising from research reports and other documents;

. Conducts Sectoral Research to inform policy development, planning, monitoring and evaluation;

. Conducts research into the operational modalities of the Ministry;

. Liaises with Federal Ministry of Education and its Parastatals, State Ministries of Education, Professional Bodies and other Stakeholders on policy matters;

10 . Initiates the development of policies in education arising from research reports and other documents;

. Collaborates with other Departments in the development and implementation of Educational Policies;

. Liaises with Parastatals and other Agencies to ensure and monitor implementation of NCE decisions, education laws and regulations;

. Offers advice on education policy matters and interpretation;

. Acts as a repository of education policies and other issues that have implication for Education;

. Collaborates with Federal Ministry of Finance on National Safety Net;

. Collaborates with the Central Bank of Nigeria on inculcation of financial Literacy and Financial inclusion to the school system

. Collects, collates, analyses, validates and verifies educational data;

. Develops and publishes education statistical indicators;  Publishes and disseminates education statistics;

. Undertakes statistical advocacy;

. Liaises with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on all matters relating to educational statistics;

. Liaises with National e-Government Strategies on Migration of Education Statistics;

. Establishes linkages with data generating agencies of FME; and

. Reports educational statistics to CBN, NISER and development agencies.

5.4 EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT DIVISION

Functions . Coordinates and Monitors implementation of MDGs projects in the Education Sector, Monitor the integration of NEPAD and NAPEP frameworks and activities in the Education sector to ensure they meet the targets set in the achievement of the stated goals.

. Coordinates the activities of School-Based Management Committees in collaboration with development partners e.g UNICEF and UNESCO.

. Monitors the activities of the Educational Resource Parastatals, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) and the National Library of Nigeria to re-vamp the group and ensure professional school administration.

. Monitors curriculum in use at the basic education and the senior secondary levels for relevance.

11 . Monitors the performance of the school sub-system through the administration of systemic evaluation and Monitoring of Learning Achievement (MLA) tests. Structure The Division comprises of three Branches namely:

. Curriculum Monitoring and Monitoring of Learning Achievement (CM&MLA)

. Project Coordination

. Monitoring of Regulatory Agencies

5.4.1 Curriculum Monitoring and Monitoring of Learning Achievement (CM&MLA) Branch Functions

. Conducts National Assessment in Primary, Secondary, Almajiri, Islamic Qur’anic Education (IQE) & Non-Formal Education levels in Nigeria.

. Conducts international assessments of student achievement, using tests such as Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) and Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

. Conducts Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) and Early Grade Mathematics Assessment (EGMA) in Primary schools.

. Analyses variations in student achievement by gender, location, language of instruction and other relevant variables.

. Provides pertinent data to guide policy-makers in the selection of priorities in curriculum, allocation of resources, and in designing teacher-training strategies.

. Builds the capacity of the education system in national assessment.

. Creates reliable baseline data for the future.

. Liaises with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to review books published by authors.

. Liaise with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to monitor curriculum and National Policy on Education.

5.4.2 Project Coordination Branch Functions 12 Coordinates the implementation of projects by beneficiaries of the MDGs and monitors integration of NEPAD and NAPEP frameworks in the Education sector to ensure they meet the targets set in the achievement of the stated goals.

These involve:

. Identification and defence of MDGs projects and programmes in the Education sector;

. Tracking of MDGs project implementation;

. Development and continuously review monitoring & evaluation indicators;

. Creates awareness on MDGs and its implementation in all states of the federation;

. Holds quarterly implementation status meeting of Task Force/Team and attends the steering committee and the Presidential quarterly meeting on MDGs;

. Liaises with Federal MDAs, States and LGEAs on MDGs activities;

. Acts as Desk Office for NEPAD and NAPEP and any other related projects; and

. Monitors and evaluates MDGs projects to ensure effective utilization of public funds.

5.4.3 Monitoring Regulatory Agencies (MRA) Functions

. Monitors and coordinates Parastatals under the purview of Educational Planning, Research and Development, for efficient and effective implementation of their projects and programmes; The Parastatals are: Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), National Library of Nigeria (NLN), National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) and Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN);

. Organises meetings of Honourable Minister and Heads of Department and Parastatal;

. Coordinates the activities of School Based Management at Basic and Secondary Education levels through Nationwide Advocacy, Mobilization and Sensitization

. Monitors and evaluates the activities of SBMC at both Basic and Secondary Education levels.

. Sensitises Stakeholders on the Importance of SBMCs 13 5.5 EDUCATION INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION DIVISION The Education Information and Documentation Division is headed by a Deputy Director, and is made up of two Branches: Informatics and READ Campaign.

5.5.1 Informatics Branch Functions

. Produces, documents, publishes and disseminates Education Information to the public and other stakeholders, in collaboration with the Press Unit, Education Parastatals and Institutions through the following publications:

i. Newsletter ( quarterly publication)

ii. Education Today (Journal, a bi-annual publication)

iii. Calendar of up Coming Events(quarterly publication)

iv. Unity Spotlight (a bi-annual publication)

. Develops and produces FME Newsletter

. Disseminates information and events within the Sector, to related Stakeholders and Development partners.

. Showcases the activities and programmes of the Federal Ministry of Education;

. Facilitates effective flow of information between the Departments, Divisions, Units and Sections of the Ministry;

. Facilitates effective dissemination of information to and from Education Agencies, FME Parastatals, International Development Partners and other relevant Stakeholders and Development Partners;

. Sensitizes stakeholders and the public on Policies, Reform Initiatives and Best Practices in the administration and development of the Education Sector.

. Promotes synergy among the various Departments in the planning of programmes and activities within the Ministry.

. Minimizes overlapping in the timelines set for the programmes/activities.

. Minimizes duplication of programmes/activities.

. Facilitates the implementation of the planned Programmes/activities.

14 . Produces Unity Spotlight of the Education Sector and relevant Stakeholders;

 Co-ordinates and ensures development and facilitation of the continuous implementation of READ Campaign programmes and activities at Federal and State levels.

5.6 EDUCATION 2030 DIVISION

Education 2030 Division has the following mandate:

1. Production of the Education 2030 National Action Plan (NAP) to achieve Education 2030 Agenda in Nigeria by 2030.

2. Set up the National Education 2030 Forum as a platform to monitor the implementation of the Education 2030 NAP.

3. Develop a Monitoring and Evaluation plan/tools based on Education 2030 indicators to ensure the effective implementation of the NAP.

4. Track, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the NAP to ensure that the National Sector Plan is implemented in line with the SDG4 Goal and its attendant targets.

Functions of the Education 2030 In order to achieve the mandate, the Education 2030 Unit carries out the following functions which include:

1. Coordinating the production of the National Action Plan which addresses the SDG4 Goals and its target and forms an integral part of the Education Sector Plan.

2. Liaising with the FME Departments and Parastatals which are Education 2030 vehicles such as the UBEC, NMEC, NCNE, NTI, NERDC, NCCE, NBTE, TRCN and NUC.

3. Coordinating the meetings of the National Education 2030 Forum.

4. Monitoring to track and assess how the SDG4 Goals are addressed in the implementation of the Education Sector Plan in the 36 states and FCT to inform the UNESCO Global Monitoring Report (GMR) and other education platforms.

5. Production of the Annual Education 2030 Nigeria Report Card.

6. Participation in UNESCO Flagship meetings such as the Regional Education 2030 Forum, Working Group Meeting on Education 2030 in preparation of the High- Level Group Meetings etc.

7. The secretariat for the implementation of the Ministerial Strategic Plan (MSP).

8. Solicit partnership with stakeholders such International Development Partners (IDPs), Civil Society Organizations (CSO), Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), etc.

5.7 THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR UNESCO (NATCOM-UNESCO) AND ISLAMIC EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION (NATCOM-ISESCO) 5.7.1 THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR UNESCO (NATCOM-UNESCO)

The Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM-UNESCO) was inaugurated, in accordance with UNESCO provision, on Monday, 25 November 1963 after the country had joined the Organization (UNESCO) as its 58th Member State at the UNESCO General Conference in 1960. The Commission is headed by the Secretary-General.

5.7.2 THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR ISLAMIC EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION (NATCOM-ISESCO)

The Nigerian National Commission for Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (NATCOM-ISESCO) is a special Unit established under the Department of Educational Planning, Research and Development of the Ministry. It is set up in compliance with the Article 14 of the Charter of ISESCO which stipulates that “Member States shall set up National Commissions for Education, 16 Science and Culture in charge of consolidating cooperation relations between ISESCO and Member States’ ministries, institutions and individuals”, NATCOM-ISESCO is responsible for handling cooperation relations between ISESCO and Nigeria, and coordinating the organization’s activities/programmes in its areas of competence (education, science & technology, culture, information and communication). In addition, the office also handles Education programmes/activities of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (IOC) and its organs, such as Islamic Development Bank, Specialized Islamic Institutions and other partners on Islamic matters. STRUCTURE In line with UNESCO’s areas of competence, NATCOM operates five Programme Sectors namely: – Education; – Natural Science; – Social and Human Sciences; – Culture; and – Communication and Informatics; and – The Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) Desk is also housed in the Commission. FUNCTIONS OF THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR UNESCO (NATCOM-UNESCO) AND ISLAMIC EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION (NATCOM-ISESCO)

. Implementation of UNESCO and ISESCO Regular programmes

. Facilitation of Nigeria’s participation in UNESCO and ISESCO meetings/conferences

. Facilitation/implementation of UNESCO Participation Programme

. Facilitation/participation at national, regional and international activities

. Collaboration with Governmental & Non-governmental organizations in implementation of activities

17 . Dissemination of information on UNESCO and ISESCO Fellowships, Prizes and Awards

. Facilitation of establishment of UNESCO Chairs

. Sale of UNESCO Coupons for purchase of educational materials and payment of subscriptions to professional bodies.

. Maintains a UNESCO Depository and provides Library services for researchers, students and the general public

. Dissemination of UNESCO/ISESCO Advertised Posts

. To coordinate cooperation relations between ISESCO and Nigeria in formulation and execution of its programmes;

. To cooperate with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, institutions and individuals concerned with NATCOM-UNESCO and ISESCO’s areas of competence;

. To encourage participation of governmental and non-governmental institutions and various individuals in the formulation and execution of NATCOM-UNESCO and ISESCO’s programmes to secure for the Organization all the intellectual, scientific, artistic or administrative assistance that it may require;

. To disseminate information on the objectives, programmes and activities, Scholarships, Prizes, Research Grants of NATCOM- UNESCO and ISESCO and endeavour to arouse public interest in them;

. To participate in the planning and execution of activities entrusted to ISESCO by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its organs;

. To foster close liaison between state agencies and services, professional and other associations, universities and other centres of research and education, and other institutions concerned with NATCOM-UNESCO and ISESCO’s areas of competence;

. To prepare and coordinate the participation of Honourable Ministers of ISESCO-Line Ministries and Nigerian Delegation in the Islamic related meetings, conferences and workshops at National and International levels

. To follow the development of NATCOM UNESCO and ISESCO’s programme and call the attention of the appropriate agencies to the potential benefits of international cooperation; and  To contribute to national activities related to ISESCO’s programme and evaluation. 18