Education non-profit PLANE mulls media partnership to amplify policy discourse

The Partnership on Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), a UK-funded education initiative, has called on the media to increasingly participate in advancing education reforms in Nigeria.

At a media parley in Abuja on January 29, PLANE introduced its mission to key media stakeholders.

It highlighted the importance of transparency, advocacy, and collaboration in improving learning outcomes across the country.

The seven-year programme, which began in 2021, aims to support the Nigerian government in enhancing basic education through policy reforms and capacity building.

PLANE’s senior officials said the initiative has so far reached over one million learners and trained 10,000 teachers in Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa states.

The initiative focuses on foundational learning in reading and numeracy, particularly for underserved communities.

Speaking at the event, Ian Attfield, senior education adviser at the British High Commission, described PLANE as a “major UK investment” designed to address Nigeria’s learning crisis.

“By working together with the media, a powerful ally in promoting transparency and accountability, Nigeria and the UK can be held jointly accountable to ensure all girls and boys can access quality, inclusive education,” he said.

Sam Achimugu, PLANE’s deputy national team lead, emphasised the media’s role in amplifying the programme’s impact.

“We have recorded progress in addressing systemic challenges and promoting innovative learning solutions. However, for improved outcomes in education nationally, there needs to be continuous advocacy on access and quality,” he said.