The Kogi State Government has officially launched a digital school census aimed at improving education planning, data management, and resource allocation across the state.
The initiative, which will be conducted through the Federal Government’s Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System (DNEMIS) portal, is expected to provide accurate statistics for policy formulation and educational development.
The exercise was unveiled during a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting held at the Government House in Lokoja ahead of the census scheduled to begin on June 24, 2026.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, described the census as a critical tool for evidence-based planning and informed decision-making in the education sector.
According to him, every school in the state will receive a unique 10-digit identification number, while each student will be assigned a Learner Identification Number (LIN) linked to examination bodies such as WAEC and NECO.
Jones explained that the learner identification system would play a key role in accessing government education support programmes and incentives.
He also commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for maintaining a strong commitment to education through the allocation of 30 percent of the state’s annual budget to the sector.
The commissioner noted that the state continues to invest heavily in school renovations, examination fee payments, infrastructure projects, and teachers’ welfare.
He stressed that accurate data collection is essential to ensure Kogi receives appropriate educational funding and support, warning that incomplete submissions could lead to under-reporting.
Stakeholders at the meeting applauded the government’s efforts to improve data accuracy and strengthen education planning.
Former Commissioner for Education, Rosemary Osikoya, emphasized the importance of reliable records, noting that accurate data remains the foundation for effective planning and increased funding.
In her words:
“If we really want money allocated to education, it has to be substantiated by data. When education data is accurate, planning becomes effective.”
She also urged schools to update their records and fully participate in the exercise.
Other stakeholders, including representatives of NGOs, school administrators, private school owners, and security agencies, pledged support for the initiative and highlighted the importance of collaboration in ensuring its success.
Director of Educational Planning, Research and Statistics, Animoku Elizabeth, acknowledged challenges such as incomplete records, resistance from some stakeholders, and fears that the exercise could be linked to taxation.
However, she clarified that the census is strictly designed for planning, research, and policy development purposes.
According to her, awareness campaigns and training sessions for school data officers will be conducted across the state before the exercise begins.
The ministry also announced zonal advocacy meetings in Kabba, Okene, and Anyigba ahead of the official commencement of the census.
The digital census marks a significant step in Kogi State’s efforts to modernise education management and ensure data-driven decision-making across the sector.
