07/04/2026
In the last few months, TEP Centre has been working on the PLANE project - the Ogun State School Graded Assessment (GAPS), in line with PLANE’s vision to improve learning outcomes, strengthen literacy, and build a more inclusive and effective education system in Nigeria.
As part of this work, we conducted an extensive assessment, together with the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, to better understand the realities of teaching and learning in non-state schools.
After intensive research, here are a few of our findings:
From assessing over 450 schools in the state, analysing teacher qualifications, learner enrolment, and infrastructure conditions, the findings highlight a system with strong participation but uneven quality and learning conditions. While conventional schools dominate the non-state sector and enrolment remains high, certain challenges highlight areas requiring urgent attention.
Critical infrastructure gaps persist in limited access to basic services, infrastructure deficits, and a largely mid-qualified teaching workforce - 95 schools lack water, 93 lack electricity, and 111 operate without perimeter fencing. Classroom and sanitation pressures also remain, with a 1:16 learner–classroom ratio and 1:24 learner–toilet ratio.
The school quality grading also shows that many institutions are still in the “emerging” and “enhancing” stages, underscoring the need for sustained investment in quality improvement. More importantly, this points towards strengthening teacher development, improving WASH facilities, expanding access to electricity and water, and reinforcing regulatory systems are key priorities for building a more effective and equitable education system.
Ultimately, the gap between school self-assessments and external validation underscores the critical role of independent quality assurance in driving objective, system-wide improvement.
