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SDG 4.7 / Human Rights Education Monitoring Tool

Nigeria

Africa | 2020

National Human Rights Commission Nigeria

M.N Ladan Director, Human Rights Education & Promotion Department

Published: 05/05-2021

Human Rights Education Assessment

Score: 48%

This score measure how well supported human rights are in the education system. Indicators for scoring are set by the HRE 4.7 initiative and is fully describes at hresurvey.org.

0-33%: No or very little support for Human Rights Education

33-65%: Important elements supported. But major issues.

66-100%: Missing support in some key areas

A: Index score pr. domain compared to region Africa (16/05-2024)

This chart provides an overall overview of your responses. For each of the five area a total score is calculated. The higher the score the better. The maximum score is 100 and the minimum score is 0. See appendix A for mere details

B: How is the situation between different school levels?

This diagram portrays the level of the integration of human rights education at the different school levels. To find the details behind the numbers, look into the individual answers on the printed survey.

C: Ratification status compared to region Africa (16/05-2024)

Instruments

	Ratified	Reported
UNESCO Convention Against Discrimination in Education (1960)	No	No
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965)	Yes	No
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966)	Yes	No
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979)	Yes	No
Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)	Yes	No
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006)	Yes	No

Other reporting mechanism

	Reported
UNESCO Recommendation concerning Education for International Understanding, Co-operation and Peace a	No
The UN World Programme for Human Rights Education (2005-ongoing)	No
Universal Periodic Review (UPR)	No

Above table show how many conventions have been ratified, and to how many mechanisms the country has reported. The number in paratheses shows how many percent in the region that has ratified and reported

Metadata

Country population: (Without decimal)

206

Number of primary and secondary school children:

Number of out-of-school children of primary and secondary school age:

Average age of school start:

Average years of basic education:

About

The SDG 4.7 / Human Rights Education Monitoring Tool is a tool for collecting data on progress in the human rights education elements of SDG target 4.7 and the UN World Programme for Human Rights Education (WPHRE). It is based on human rights standards and methodologies and operationalises the OHCHR-UNESCO Self-Assessment Guide for Governments regarding Human Rights Education in Primary and Secondary School Systems.

Scores and answers for all indicators

Policy

Explanations:

Indicators under the policy dimension measure how well international standards on human rights education are reflected in national policies and institutional frameworks

1.1 International instruments with provisions on human rights education within the primary and secondary school systems (ISCED level 1-3) have been ratified. (Mark which of the following instruments the State has ratified:)

CRPD

ICESCR

CEDAW

ICRD

CRC

Data sources 1. en.unesco.org › convention-against-discrimination › rat... accessed 1/3/21 2. www.ohchr.org accessed 1/3/21 lib.ohchi.org accessed 2/22/21

1.2 Status of human rights education for primary and secondary school systems (ISCED level 1-3) is included in the latest national reports to relevant human rights monitoring mechanisms and other processes.
(List to which of the following mechanisms the State has included HRE in their latest reporting:)

None

Comment Though none of the reports has the status on human rights education, however the various reports indicated the numerous Policies and Programmes put in place to enhance the quality of educational facilities and make Education accessible to all its citizens.

Data sources CERD, CESCR, CEDAW, CRC, CRPD): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/Pages/HumanRightsBodies.aspx, https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Education/Training/WPHRE/ThirdPhase/Pages/ThirdPhaseIndex.aspx https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Education/Training/WPHRE/ThirdPhase/Pages/ThirdPhaseIndex.aspx https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/UPR/Pages/Documentation.aspx

1.3 Existence of national education legislations that include learning objectives with explicit references to human rights standards and mechanisms in the operation of primary and secondary school systems (ISCED level 1-3).
Choose one answer for each sub question; Primary, Lower secondary and Upper secondary

Upper sec.: No

Primary: No

Lower sec.: No

Comment Human Rights is taught as civic education. Schools are also encouraged to establish Human Right Clubs.The National Policy on Education explicitly discussed equality and inclusion. There exist a National Policy on Education (2013) and a National Policy on Inclusive Educational (2016). According to one of the goals of Education in Nigeria, education shall be oriented towards respect for the worth of the dignity of the individual. Also one of the objectives of primary and secondary education as stated in the National Policy on Education is to ensure the acquisition of appropriate level of literacy and life skills as well as ethical, moral, security and civic values needed for the laying of a solid foundation for life-long learning.

Data sources Many Policies have been developed: i. National Policy on Inclusive Education in Nigeria (2016) ii. National Policy on Special Needs Education in Nigeria (2015) iii. National Policy on Education (2013) iv. National Policy on Albinism in Nigeria (2012) National Policy on Gender in Basic Education (2006) 2. In addition to the special needs as specified in these policies, these groups of persons are also taught using the general curriculum.

1.5 Existence of a National Action Plan on human rights education (HRE) in primary and secondary school systems (ISCED level 1-3). Choose one answer.

Upper sec.: No

Primary: No

Lower sec.: No

Comment Although a National Plan on human rights education in Primary and Secondary has not been adopted, elements of human rights are being taught under civic education. Nigeria has a comprehensive National Action Plan on Human Rights, this Plan has a full chapter dedicated to Right to Education.

Data sources National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (2017 - 2021), Consultative draft.

1.6 Existence of a national budget line/s on human rights education in primary and secondary school systems (ISCED level 1-3) in the last fiscal year.

Upper sec.: No

Primary: No

Lower sec.: No

Comment The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in line with its commitment to World Programme on Human Rights Education (WPHRE) established Human Rights Education and Promotion Department in 2012. Every year money is budgeted for the department under education sub-head of NHRC to carry out activities in line with the objectives of WPHRE.

Data sources National Human Rights Commission Budget 2020

Curricula

Explanations:

Indicators in the Curricula domain measure whether human rights are adequately integrated into curricula; whether teaching materials on human rights are available - and whether the teaching on human rights is adequately contextualized to the national context.

2.1. Teaching and learning on human rights standards and mechanisms for their protection is explicitly incorporated in mandatory subjects of the national curricula for primary and secondary school systems (ISCED level 1- 3).

Be aware that a “No data available” answer will count as zero in the indicator score. Please mark responses for 'Primary education', 'Lower secondary education' and 'Upper secondary education' respectively.

Upper sec.: Yes

Primary: Yes

Lower sec.: Yes

Comment Human Rights is taught under the subject Civic Education for both primary and secondary schools in Nigeria. Textbooks and other learning materials are developed based on the contents of the curricula. Textbooks and other learning materials that integrate human rights exist. NERDC is however making efforts to develop benchmarks and standards that will aid in measuring the extent to which textbooks and other learning materials comply with issues such as human rights, gender, culture, etc. This will further ensure full integration of human right issues in textual materials. The recent civic education curriculum review has further realigned human rights issues in the curriculum making it more related to daily life and concerns of students and communities.

Data sources National Policy on Education, 6th Edition(2013). Primary School, Junior and Senior Secondary School Curriculum.

2.3 Existence of textbooks, teaching exemplars, and other learning materials for primary and secondary school systems (ISCED level 1-3) that refer to human rights standards and mechanisms.

Be aware that a “No data available” answer will count as zero in the indicator score. Please mark responses for 'Primary education', 'Lower secondary education' and 'Upper secondary education' respectively

Upper sec.: Yes

Primary: Yes

Lower sec.: Yes

Comment Responses from Federal Ministry of Education, Universal Basic Education Commission and Nigerian Education Research and Development Council. Content of Civic Education Textbooks for Primary and Secondary School in Nigeria. These books are approved by Nigerian Education Research and Development Council. 1. A A Adeyinka and O Odetola, Bounty Civic Education (4th edition Bounty Press Limited Ibadan, 2018) 45, 124,154, 190 2. TNJ Umunnakwe and others, Alphabet Civic textbook (SS3), (2nd edition Alphabet Nigeria Publishers, Owerri, 2017) 4

Teacher Education

Explanations:

Indicators under the Teacher Education dimension measure whether aspiring teachers gain knowledge on human rights as part of their training - and whether they are taught human rights-based teaching methodologies

3.1 Education about human rights standards and mechanisms are explicitly referred to in the mandatory curricula for teacher education. Be aware that a “No data available” answer will count as zero in the indicator score.

Upper sec.: Yes

Primary: Yes

Lower sec.: Yes

Comment Citizen education is a compulsory course for acquisition of both Certificate of Education and degree in Education. Concept of Fundamental Human Rights form part of the content of teacher's curriculum. Additionally, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in line with its mandate organises training for teachers on various Human Rights issues.

Data sources Nigeria Certificate in Education Minimum Standards for Arts and Social Sciences Education, (2012 Edition), Minimum Standard for General Studies (2012 edition) publication of National Commission for colleges of Education In Nigeria. NHRC (amendment) Act 2010.

3.3 Existence of textbooks, teaching exemplars, and other learning materials for teacher education in human rights standards and mechanisms. Be aware that a “No data available” answer will count as zero in the indicator score.

Upper sec.: Yes

Primary: Yes

Lower sec.: Yes

3.4 Teacher Education curricula include human rights education methodology that are rights-respecting, child-centred, and participatory. Be aware that a “No data available” answer will count as zero in the indicator score.

Upper sec.: Yes

Primary: Yes

Lower sec.: Yes

Comment Courses on Child Friendly Schools (CFS) are made compulsory for ISCED levels 5 and 6 on teaching at level 2. Specifically key generic principles of CFS are based on the Convention on the rights of the Child (CRC); child- centred, participation and inclusiveness.

Data sources Content outline, Minimum Standards for General Education, publication of the National Commission for Colleges of Education.

Student assessment

Explanations:

Indicators in the Student Assessment dimension measure whether students knowledge on human rights is measured, and whether student assessment is carried out in a human rights-respecting way

4.1 Integration and explicit textual references to human rights knowledge or skills in the national student assessment framework for primary and secondary school systems (ISCED level 1-3).

Upper sec.: No

Primary: No

Lower sec.: No

Comment However references are made to pupils and students being able to exhibit fairness, understanding and tolerance. Learners are expected have have respect for constituted authorities, rules and regulations and also an appreciable degree of morals and values instilled in them by the end of Primary, Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary.

Data sources National Education Quality Assurance Handbook for Basic and Secondary Education in Nigeria, Publication of Federal Education Quality Assurance Service, Federal Ministry of Education.

4.2 Existence of national student assessment guidelines for primary and secondary school systems (ISCED level 1-3) which are aligned with human rights principles and standards.

Upper sec.: No data

Primary: No data

Lower sec.: No data

Learning enviroment

Explanations:

Indicators in the Learning Environment Domain measure whether national policies includes requirements for schools to secure that learning environments are rights-respecting.

5.1 Existence of a national policy that requires primary and secondary schools (ISCED level 1-3) to adopt a code of conduct ensuring a rights-respecting school environment

Upper sec.: Yes

Primary: Yes

Lower sec.: Yes

Comment In addition schools are to ensure learners welfare, health and safety are adequately provided for. There are also Human Rights Clubs in some schools established in collaboration with NHRC as part awareness raising activities. Schools have qualified counsellors that receive various complaints and forward to appropriate authorities such as NHRC.. Schools are encouraged to provide adequately for learners with special needs, they also give extra support to learners from disadvantaged and challenged families. Furthermore an ministerial committee on the implementation of the Safe School Declaration was set by the Federal Ministry of Education. The Ministry has also adopted a Child Protection Policy in schools .

Data sources National |Policy on Education (2013), National Education Quality Assurance Handbook for Basic and Secondary Education in Nigeria (2017). National Policy on inclusive Education in Nigeria (2016).

5.2 Existence of a policy which requires primary and secondary schools (ISCED level 1-3) to have complaint mechanisms.

Upper sec.: Yes

Primary: Yes

Lower sec.: Yes

Comment Schools are to know how to respond to and report issues of violence, abuse and conflict to appropriate authorities. Schools have qualified counsellors that receive various complaints and forward to appropriate authorities. Human Rights Clubs also exits in some schools to help handle issues of violations.

Data sources National Policy on Education(2013), National Education Quality Assurance Handbook for Basic and Secondary Education in Nigeria (2017).

5.3 Existence of policy that requires primary and secondary schools (ISCED level 1-3) to provide pupils with opportunities for participation in decision-making in accordance with their age and maturity (e.g. student governments or councils).

Upper sec.: Yes

Primary: Yes

Lower sec.: Yes

Comment All Schools are encouraged to give opportunities to learners to express themselves through Class/Peer group meetings, Learners Representative Council (LRC).

Data sources National Policy on Inclusive Education(2016), National Education Quality Assurance Handbook for Basic and Secondary Education in Nigeria (2017).