A high-level delegation from Jigawa and Delta States recently visited Edo State to observe the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) program, a widely celebrated model of educational reform.
The EdoBEST initiative known for its measurable advancing qualitative basic education impact on student learning outcomes, teacher empowerment, and community engagement, has garnered attention from educational stakeholders across Nigeria and beyond.
The visit, supported by Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, was led by Sagir Mohammed Sani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic Education, Jigawa State, and Dr. Ashobogwu Nze Kingsley, Honourable Commissioner for Primary Education, Delta State.
Representing their states’ renewed commitment to transforming education, both leaders explored Edo’s core educational model, which incorporates data-driven teaching methodologies, digital tracking tools, and extensive teacher training programs. Hosted by the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and NewGlobe, the implementing partner of the programme, the delegation engaged in in-depth discussions and live classroom observations to understand how these pillars contribute to sustainable educational improvement.
Launched in 2018, EdoBEST has reshaped the basic education landscape in Edo State, focusing on innovative, evidence-based strategies to achieve substantial gains. Through a combination of digital lesson guides delivered through smart devices, real-time monitoring of classroom teaching and student learning, and teacher training, the program has increased student enrolment by over 40%, reaching more than 384,000 children in 2024.
Literacy and numeracy proficiency rates have also risen significantly, with the students now consistently performing on par with their peers in upper-middle-income countries. This success of has positioned Edo State as a leader in education reform, inspiring states across Nigeria eager to replicate similar gains in learning outcomes.
During the visit, Permanent Secretary Sani of Jigawa State conveyed his state’s firm commitment to quality education, emphasising the importance of innovative reforms that align with Jigawa’s educational goals. The team from Jigawa was keen to explore how such strategic models could be adapted to create a sustainable path for long-term educational transformation.
Similarly, Dr. Kingsley, the Commissioner for Primary Education in Delta State, highlighted his state’s commitment to building an inclusive and effective educational system that lays a solid foundation for every child’s future. He noted the unique potential of blending technology with human expertise to drive meaningful improvements, expressing optimism about how these insights could shape Delta State’s educational strategy.
Reflecting on the visit, both the Permanent Secretary and Commissioner underscored the importance of partnerships with organisations like NewGlobe, recognising the value of technical expertise and proven frameworks to enhance their educational ambitions. They affirmed their commitment to designing programmes that would not only improve learning outcomes but also ensure sustainable, far-reaching impacts.
With a wealth of insights and a renewed commitment to elevating their states’ education systems, the delegations from Jigawa and Delta are now poised to advocate for transformative policies that equip students with essential skills for a globally competitive future.
Governors Namadi and Oborevwori have endorsed these efforts, signalling a shared national goal of replicating Edo’s educational gains across Nigeria.
