Education Sector Initiatives
The MRL® Foundation is deeply committed to revolutionising education in Africa, ensuring that young people have the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to excel in the modern world. The foundation has been actively involved in Niger State, Nigeria, supporting initiatives that promote digital literacy, youth empowerment, and inclusive education. With a primary focus on out-of-school children in Africa.
Key Initiatives in Education
Transforming Education in Niger State (TENS) Programme
In 2015, the Niger State Government launched the Transforming Education in Niger State (TENS) programme to address significant challenges in its educational sector. The initial phase of TENS was a comprehensive assessment aimed at understanding these challenges in depth.
The Transforming Education in Niger State (TENS II) Programme is an initiative by the Niger State Government, implemented by MRL® Public Sector Consultants Ltd, aiming to revitalise the state’s education system, supported by key ministries, including the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Ministry of Budget and Planning, and the Ministry of Com- munications, Technology and Digital Economy, TENS II focuses on comprehensive data collection and strategic planning to enhance educational quality and accessibility.
Key Components of TENS II
Comprehensive Education Census:
Gathering detailed baseline data across all educational institutions in Niger State, encompassing Early Childhood Development Education Schools (ECCDE), government and private primary and secondary schools, technical colleges, and state tertiary institutions.
Baseline Educational Statistics (BES) and Infrastructure Survey:
Collecting information on school locations through geo- mapping, student and teacher demographics, teacher qualifications, subjects taught, and available facilities.
Deployment of LGA Managers:
Recruiting 100 Local Government Area managers to visit schools across Niger State's 25 LGAs to collect necessary data, supplemented by interviews and focus groups with stakeholders.
TENS II Initiative
To create an engaging, secure, and stimulating learning environment where all age-appropriate citizens of Niger State can grow in confidence, acquire knowledge and skills, and develop to their full potential. To improve education across all levels, resulting in a transformed education system in Niger State. Through these efforts, TENS II aims to establish a robust and inclusive educa- tional system that prepares students for future challenges and contributes to the overall development and prosperity of Niger State.