In 2026, Nigeria’s education system is projected to undergo unignorable changes, driven by new policies designed to give students the required skills, digital knowledge, and opportunities that meet global standards
The Ministry of Education, led by Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, unveiled a revised National Policy on Education in late 2025. The goal was to ensure every Nigerian child has access to digital learning, vocational training and equal education opportunities by 2030.
A Ministry press release on September 3, 2025, outlined the reforms, which began in the 2025-2026 academic session.
The changes include adding trade-focused subjects, aligning national exams like WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB, and updating the 2011 curriculum to meet current skill and technology demands.
In 2026, progress is expected to be uneven. Education funding has increased to 6.1% of the national budget, yet more than 18 million children are still out of school, showing the challenge of turning policy into results.
To make sense of these reforms, Techeconomy reviewed government reports, education forums, and global benchmarks to identify the initiatives that could affect students and teachers the most in 2026
Here’s what to watch out for in 2026:
1. Digital Transformation in Learning
Technology is now at the heart of Nigeria’s education reforms. Coding and ICT are compulsory from primary through senior secondary levels, ensuring students develop digital skills early.
The Ministry of Education has launched tools like the National e-Learning Portal and the “Inspire” platform to support both students and teachers. Partnerships with companies like AWS through the Amazon Academy Project are introducing cloud computing, machine learning, and other in-demand skills.
Artificial intelligence is also part of the plan. During the 2025 International Day of Education, the Ministry signalled its intention to integrate AI into teaching and learning, aiming to improve learning outcomes, especially in rural areas.
These initiatives are designed to create a more resilient system that reduces learning gaps and better prepares students for future careers.
2. Curriculum Change
The new curriculum focuses on practical, skills-based education. Subject loads have been reduced, and priority is given to trades, entrepreneurship, STEMM, and civic education.
The NERDC now requires every student to learn a skill through initiatives like TVET programs and Student Venture Capital Grants supporting young innovators.
The 2026 Nigeria Teachers’ Summit, scheduled for January 27–28, will focus on equipping educators with the digital and pedagogical skills needed to implement these reforms. The summit will also launch the Edurevamp Online Teacher Professional Development Portal to support teacher growth and innovation.
3. Examination Integrity Reforms
Examination malpractice has long undermined public trust. In January 2026, the Ministry announced measures to strengthen integrity in WAEC, NECO, and other exams.
Key initiatives include:
- Full migration to computer-based testing (CBT)
- Enhanced question randomisation and serialisation
- Improved biometric verification and candidate IDs
- Introduction of the Examination Learner Identity Number (ELIN) to track exam participation
These steps aim to ensure fairness, restore confidence, and encourage schools to strengthen continuous assessment programs.
4. TETFund Interventions
Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, especially polytechnics, are receiving a major boost through TETFund. Funding is aimed at turning these schools into innovation hubs and bridging the skills gap in the workforce.
In 2026, each polytechnic will receive around N1.871 billion, part of a N6.45 billion package distributed to 271 institutions. Funds are earmarked for:
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Research and innovation programs
- Modern engineering equipment
- Skills-focused curriculum improvements
Amendments to the Polytechnics Act will allow polytechnics to award bachelor’s degrees, raising their profile and relevance in national development.
5. Improved Affordability and Quality of Learning Materials
Textbook quality and affordability are also improving. The Ministry introduced a reusable textbook policy, requiring durable books designed to last 4–6 years and banning disposable workbooks.
A Book Ranking and Selection Committee, including representatives from NERDC, UBEC, NTI, and the National Senior Secondary Education Commission, now evaluates and approves textbooks.
The committee limits the number of approved books per subject, ensuring materials are high-quality, standardised, and aligned with the curriculum while reducing costs for families.
2026 could be a big year for Nigeria’s education system. From what we see, combining digital innovation, practical skills, integrity in examinations, and inclusive policies, is part of the reforms’ aim to empower a generation prepared for future challenges.
There are challenges, such as security and access issues, but international partnerships and technology adoption are helping Nigeria stay competitive globally.
Stakeholders who engage with these changes can help turn potential into measurable progress, building a smarter, more capable, and united country.
