Kogi State is making significant strides in its commitment to educational development, as it officially launched the 2025/2026 Annual School Census (ASC) on the Federal Government’s Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System (DNEMIS) portal. This critical exercise, which officially commences on June 24, aims to revolutionise education policy formulation, planning, and resource allocation across the state, ensuring that every child counts and receives quality education.
The move to a digital platform marks a pivotal shift from manual data reporting, promising real-time and verified information that is crucial for effective decision-making. During a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting held in Lokoja, education agencies, non-governmental organisations, religious leaders, and security outfits pledged their full support for the initiative.
Highlighting the immense value of this digital transition, Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, emphasised that the census provides the statistical bedrock for informed policy and resource distribution. According to him, the DNEMIS platform will assign a unique 10-digit ID to every school, while each learner will receive a Learner Identification Number (LIN) seamlessly linked to their WAEC and NECO records. This means that without a LIN, students will be unable to access vital government education incentives and potentially future examination registrations, making it indispensable for every student in Kogi State.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo received commendation for his unwavering commitment to education, particularly for dedicating an impressive 30 per cent of the state’s annual budget to the sector, significantly exceeding UNESCO's recommended 26 per cent benchmark. This substantial allocation underpins continuous investments in school renovations, examination fee payments, infrastructural projects, and timely teachers’ salaries, demonstrating a clear prioritisation of the state’s educational future.
'Under DNEMIS, every school will receive a 10-digit ID, while each learner will be assigned a Learner Identification Number, linked to WAEC and NECO records.'
— Wemi Jones, Commissioner for Education, Kogi State
Former Commissioner for Education, Rosemary Osikoya, highlighted the persistent challenge of some private schools withholding complete data, often to evade taxes. She stressed the critical need for robust data management across all educational institutions, including non-formal and skills acquisition centres.
'If we really want money allocated to education, it has to be substantiated by data. When education data is accurate, planning becomes effective.'
— Rosemary Osikoya, Former Commissioner for Education, Kogi State
Dispelling fears, the Director of Educational Planning, Research and Statistics, Animoku Elizabeth, clarified that the ASC is purely for planning, research, and policy formulation, not taxation. She announced that comprehensive training for school data officers would commence in Lokoja Local Government Area, followed by zonal advocacy meetings:
- Western Zone: Kabba, June 19
- Kogi Central: Okene, June 22
- Kogi East: Anyigba, June 23
These meetings are designed to ensure widespread understanding and participation, particularly among private school proprietors who have been actively engaged in policy decisions through their associations like NAPPS and ANCOPSS.
Impact of Digital Census: Data Accuracy vs. Incomplete Data
This digital transformation is poised to ensure every Nigerian child in Kogi State benefits from data-driven planning, securing a brighter future for generations to come. The emphasis on accurate data collection and the strategic allocation of a significant portion of the state's budget underscore Kogi’s dedication to nurturing a robust and responsive education system.
