The mission of the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) is to use education as a tool for fostering the development of all Nigerian citizens to their full potentials, in the promotion of a strong, democratic, egalitarian, prosperous, indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation under God. To achieve this audacious mission, the FME has many agencies and parastatals with different objectives, all aim at achieving the mission. Edugist Intelligence explains all you need to know about them.
| Agency/Parastatal | Year Established | Overview | Objectives | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Library of Nigeria (NLN) | 1964 | It serves as the apex library and information resource center for Nigeria. It's tasked with collecting, preserving, and disseminating knowledge and information relevant to the country's cultural, educational, and socio-economic development. The NLN also promotes literacy and lifelong learning through its various programs and services. | 1.Safeguarding Nigeria's literary heritage through the preservation of books, manuscripts, and other valuable materials. 2. Providing access to information and resources to support research, education, and lifelong learning for all Nigerians. 3. Supporting literacy initiatives and programs to enhance reading culture and educational development. 4.Digitizing and archiving materials to ensure their long-term accessibility and preservation in digital formats. | https://nln.gov.ng/ |
| Nigerian Arabic Language Village | 1992 | The Nigerian Arabic Language Village (NALV) is an educational institution dedicated to the teaching and promotion of Arabic language and culture in Nigeria. It serves as a center for language immersion, providing an environment where students can learn Arabic through intensive study and practical use. The NALV is located in Ngala, Borno State. | 1. This Institute is designed to develop high levels of proficiency in Arabic among students through immersive and intensive language programs. 2. To promote understanding and appreciation of Arabic culture and its contributions to global civilization. 3. To support Arabic language departments in Nigerian universities by providing specialised training and resources. | www.arabicvillage.com.ng |
| National Examination Council (NECO) | 1999 | The National Examinations Council (NECO) is an examination body in Nigeria that administers standardised exams to secondary school students. Established by the Federal Government of Nigeria, as a result of the annually increasing number of secondary school candidates to take Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) nationwide. The origin of NECO dates back to 1977 during the Obasanjo/Muritala administration when there was a widespread leakage of West African School Certificate Examination WASSCE questions. The body was mandated to offer quality and reliable assessments, thereby improving the educational standards in the country. NECO is in charge of National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal and External, and Gifted Examination (GIFTED) | 1. To Ensure that exams are fair, valid, and reliable while reflecting the curriculum and educational standards of Nigeria. 2. Issuing certificates to successful candidates, which are recognized for admission into tertiary institutions and employment. | https://neco.gov.ng/ |
| West African Examination Council (Local) | 1952 | The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is a regional examination body that conducts standardised examinations and awards certificates that are recognized internationally for their educational merit. WAEC operates in five Anglophone West African countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia. The Nigerian branch of WAEC is responsible for overseeing the administration of these exams within the country. It ensures that the examinations are conducted fairly and efficiently and that the integrity of the examination process is maintained. | 1. Administering various examinations, including the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for both school candidates (internal) and private candidates (external), West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, National Primary School and Basic Education Certificate Examination 2. Providing training for teachers and examiners to ensure the consistent and fair administration of exams. 3. The Nigerian WAEC office also handles the distribution of examination results and certificates, and provides customer service to candidates and educational institutions. | https://www.waec.org/ |
| Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) | 1993 | Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) is a Nigerian government agency established to provide supplementary support to all levels of public tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It was established by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act, 2011, as an Intervention Agency by Education Tax Act No. 7 of 1993 (and subsequently amended in 1998) to replace the Education Tax Fund (ETF), which was established in 1993. | 1. To provide funding for the rehabilitation, restoration, and consolidation of tertiary education in Nigeria. 2. To enhance the infrastructure in public tertiary institutions by funding the construction and renovation of academic buildings, hostels, laboratories, libraries, and other facilities. 3. To supply essential educational materials such as books, laboratory equipment, and other learning resources. 4. To promote and support research and development in tertiary institutions by funding research projects and providing research grants. | https://tetfund.gov.ng/ |
| National University Commission (NUC) | 1962 | The National Universities Commission (NUC) is a regulatory agency under the Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria, tasked with overseeing and ensuring the quality and standardisation of university education in the country. The NUC's primary role is to accredit programs in Nigerian universities, regulate their operations, and provide guidance for the development and management of university education. | 1. To ensure that academic programs offered by Nigerian universities meet the required standards of quality and relevance. 2. To maintain and improve the quality of university education through regular monitoring, evaluation, and accreditation processes. 3. To advise the federal government on the financial needs of universities and facilitate the disbursement of funds. 4. To develop policies that enhance the growth and development of university education in Nigeria. | https://www.nuc.edu.ng/ |
| National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) | 1992 | The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) is a Nigerian examination board established to oversee the conduct of examinations for technical, vocational, and business education at secondary and post-secondary levels. NABTEB aims to provide skilled manpower that meets the demands of the nation's industrial and economic sectors. They offer certificates such as National Business Certificate (NBC), National Technical Certificate (NTC), Advanced National Business Certificate (ANBC), Advanced National Technical Certificate (ANTC), and Modular Trade Certificate (MTC). | 1. Conducting reliable and standardised examinations in business and technical subjects. 2. Awarding credible and recognized certificates to successful candidates in various business, technical, and vocational fields. 3. Promoting technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to equip individuals with the practical skills required for the workforce. Objective | https://nabteb.gov.ng/ |
| Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) | 1978 | The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian government agency responsible for overseeing the admission process into tertiary institutions. This body was established to conduct the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for prospective undergraduates seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and monotechnics. | 1. Conducting the annual UTME for candidates seeking admission into various tertiary institutions. 2. To coordinate the admission processes for tertiary institutions in Nigeria, ensuring transparency and fairness. 3. To ensure the implementation of government policies on admissions, including adherence to quotas, catchment areas, and other criteria. 4. To maintain a comprehensive database of admissions and examination records. | https://www.jamb.gov.ng/ |
| National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) | 1989 | The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) is a Nigerian federal government agency responsible for overseeing the development and regulation of teacher education in colleges of education across the country. The NCCE ensures the maintenance of standards in the preparation of teachers for the Nigerian education system. | 1. To maintain and enhance the quality of teacher education programs in colleges of education. 2. To develop, review, and update curricula for teacher education to meet national educational goals and global standards. 3. To accredit academic programs and institutions to ensure they meet the required standards of teacher education. | https://ncce.gov.ng/ |
| National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) | 1977 | The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) is a regulatory body in Nigeria responsible for overseeing and regulating technical and vocational education and training (TVET). It was established by the Federal Government to ensure the quality, relevance, and efficiency of technical education institutions and programs. | 1. To maintain and enhance the quality of technical and vocational education through accreditation and regulation of institutions and programs. 2. To develop and update curricula for technical and vocational education to meet industry needs and global standards. 3. To ensure excellent delivery of technical education and training across institutions | https://web.nbte.gov.ng/ |
| National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) | 1960 | The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) is a regulatory and examination body in Nigeria established to oversee and promote the education of Arabic and Islamic studies. It was founded by Alhaji Sir, Ahmadu Bello Sardauna of Sokoto in 1960. The board was created to ensure there is a standard curricula and examinations in the Nigerian education system. Currently, with the recognition and approval of National Council on Education (NCE) at its 57th meeting held at Sokoto in February, 2011, the Board as a National Examination and Regulatory Body covers the whole nation with over 900 recognized schools and colleges. | 1. To develop and enforce standardized curricula for Arabic and Islamic studies in Nigerian schools and institutions. 2. To maintain high educational standards in Arabic and Islamic studies through regular monitoring, evaluation, and accreditation processes. 3. To conduct reliable and valid examinations in Arabic and Islamic studies, ensuring fair and credible assessment processes. | https://nbais.com.ng/ |
| Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) | 1999 | The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is a federal government agency in Nigeria established to coordinate the implementation of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program which aims to provide free, compulsory, and universal basic education for all children of school-going age in the country. The UBE program was launched in 1999, and UBEC was formally established by the UBE Act of 2004. Currently, UBEC provides Early Child Care Development Education (ECCDE), Primary Education, and Junior Secondary Education with a total of 79, 775 public schools and 91,252 private schools. | 1. To ensure that every child in Nigeria has access to free and compulsory basic education. 2. To improve the quality of basic education through improved infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development. 3. To bridge the educational gap between different regions and socio-economic groups, ensuring that all children have equal opportunities to learn. 4. Disbursing funds and grants to states and local governments to support the implementation of the UBE program. 5. Formulating and implementing policies to guide the operation of basic education in Nigeria. | https://ubec.gov.ng/ |
| Nigerian Education Research and Development Council (NERDC) | 1988 | The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) is tasked with promoting research and development in education. The NERDC plays a pivotal role in curriculum development, educational research, and policy formulation, aiming to enhance the quality of education in Nigeria. | 1. To develop, review, and update curricula for all levels of education in Nigeria to ensure they meet national educational goals and global standards. 2.To conduct and promote research that addresses educational challenges and informs policy and practice. 3.To provide evidence-based recommendations for the formulation and implementation of educational policies. | https://nerdc.gov.ng/ |
| Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) | 1993 | The Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria under the TRCN Act No. 31 of 1993. Its primary mandate is to regulate and control the teaching profession at all levels of the education system in Nigeria, ensuring that only qualified and registered teachers are allowed to practice. | 1. To regulate the teaching profession in Nigeria by setting standards for teacher education, practice, and conduct. 2. To register qualified teachers and issue teaching licenses, ensuring that all practicing teachers meet the required professional standards. 3. To promote high standards in the teaching profession through continuous professional development and adherence to a code of ethics. | https://trcn.gov.ng/ |
| National Commission for Mass Literacy Adult and (Non-Formal Education (NMEC) | 1990 | The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) was established to promote mass literacy, adult education, and non-formal education throughout the country. NMEC was established by Decree No. 17 of 1990 which has since been amended to improve its effectiveness in addressing the educational needs of out-of-school youths and adults. | 1. To eradicate illiteracy by promoting and facilitating mass literacy programs across Nigeria. 2. To provide educational opportunities for adults who missed out on formal schooling, enabling them to acquire basic literacy and vocational skills. 3. To develop and support non-formal education initiatives that cater to the learning needs of various groups, including women, youth, and marginalized communities. | https://www.nmec.gov.ng/ |
| National Commission for Normadic Education (NCNE) | 1989 | The National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE) was established in 1989 by Decree No. 41 to provide educational opportunities to nomadic populations, such as pastoralists, migrant fishermen, and other itinerant groups. It aims to ensure that these communities have access to quality education that accommodates their unique lifestyles and cultural practices. | 1. To provide access to basic education for nomadic populations 2. To ensure that children and adults in these communities receive formal and non-formal education. 3. To establish and maintain educational infrastructure, including mobile schools and learning centers, tailored to the nomadic way of life. | https://portal.ncne.gov.ng/ |
| National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) | 1976 | The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) is a Nigerian federal government agency established to improve the quality of education by providing professional development and training programs for teachers. The NTI was founded in 1976 and operates under the mandate to upgrade and update teachers' skills, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver quality education across Nigeria. | 1. To provide high-quality training and professional development programs for both pre-service and in-service teachers. 2. To offer programs that enable teachers to upgrade their qualifications and improve their teaching skills. | https://www.nti.edu.ng/ |
| National Mathematical Centre (NMC) | 1989 | The National Mathematical Centre (NMC) is a specialised educational institution in Nigeria dedicated to the promotion and advancement of mathematical sciences. The NMC aims to enhance the teaching, learning, and application of mathematics in Nigeria as well as the development of Mathematics and Mathematical Sciences in Nigeria. It provides a range of programs and initiatives to support mathematics education at all levels, from primary through tertiary education. | 1. To improve the quality of mathematics education at all levels through innovative teaching methods. 2. Running programs and competitions such as mathematics Olympiads, summer camps, and talent search programmes to engage and inspire students. 3. To identify and nurture mathematical talent among students and young researchers. 4. To provide training and professional development for mathematics teachers, lecturers, and researchers. | https://nmc.edu.ng/ |
| Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) | 1995 | The Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) is responsible for regulating the practice of librarianship in Nigeria. This body was established by the LRCN Act of 1995, to maintain professional standards, ensure the certification of qualified librarians, and promote the development of the library and information profession in Nigeria. | 1. To regulate the practice of librarianship in Nigeria by setting and enforcing professional standards. 2. To register and certify qualified librarians and issuing licenses to ensure that only those who meet the set standards can practice. 3. To advocate for the importance of libraries and information services in national development. | |
| Nigerian French Language Village (NFLV) | 1991 | The Nigerian French Language Village (NFLV) is an inter-university center established to provide immersive French language training and promote French cultural studies in Nigeria. The NFLV is situated in Badagry, Lagos State, and operates as a semi-autonomous institution under the National Universities Commission (NUC). The center serves as a language immersion program for students from Nigerian universities and other institutions who are studying French as part of their degree programs. | 1. To provide intensive French language instruction to enhance the proficiency of Nigerian students in spoken and written French. 2. Conducting French language immersion programs for students from Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. | https://frenchvillage.edu.ng/ |
| National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) | 1992 | The National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) is dedicated to the enhancement of educational planning, management, and administration. Established in 1992 and located in Ondo State, NIEPA operates under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Education and collaborates with national and international educational bodies to fulfill its mandate. | 1. Organizing training workshops, seminars, and courses for educational planners, administrators, and managers to enhance their professional skills. 2. To provide expert advice and support in the formulation and implementation of educational policies and plans. | https://niepaondo.org.ng/ |
| Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) | 1993 | The Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) was established to control and supervise the practice of computing in Nigeria. The council was created by Act No. 49 of 1993 (Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria Act) and is responsible for the registration, regulation, and development of professionals in the computing industry. | 1. To regulate and control the practice of computing and ensure that only qualified and registered professionals are allowed to practice. 2. To set and enforce standards of knowledge, skills, and ethical conduct in the computing profession. 3. To promote continuous professional development and lifelong learning among computing professionals. 4. To accredit computing-related programs in educational institutions to ensure they meet the required professional standards. | https://www.cpn.gov.ng/metro/ |
| National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN) | 1993 | The National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN) is dedicated to the study, development, and promotion of Nigerian languages. This body was established to address the linguistic diversity of Nigeria. NINLAN plays an important role in preserving and enhancing the country’s rich linguistic heritage. The institute is located in Aba, Abia State. | 1. To preserve and promote the various indigenous languages of Nigeria. 2. To conduct research on Nigerian languages and document them for academic and cultural purposes. 3. To provide educational programs and courses aimed at teaching and learning Nigerian languages. | https://www.ninlan.edu.ng/ |
| National Commission for Almajiri and Out of School Children (NCA) | 2023 | The National Commission for Almajiri and Out of School Children (NCA) was established to address the educational needs of Almajiri children and other out-of-school children. The commission focuses on ensuring that these children receive quality education and are integrated into the formal education system. The creation of this commission underscores the government's commitment to achieving universal basic education and reducing the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. They provide services such as advocacy, skill acquisition, intervention, etc. | 1. To provide access to quality education for Almajiri children and other out-of-school children. 2. To integrate Almajiri and out-of-school children into the formal education system. 3. To offer support services that facilitate the education of these children, including nutrition, healthcare, and social services. | https://www.ncaoosce.gov.ng/ |
