Call for Strengthening School Leadership for Better Learning Outcomes (Nigeria)

Deadline: 30-Jun-2026

UNICEF Nigeria has launched a Call for Expression of Interest to strengthen school leadership, instructional management and education planning across 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kano, Jigawa and Sokoto states. The initiative will support headteachers and education leaders through leadership training, coaching, improved data use and inclusive education practices.

The programme aims to improve teaching quality, school accountability and learning outcomes for children through stronger education leadership systems.

Overview of the UNICEF Nigeria Education Leadership Initiative

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria is seeking partners to strengthen school leadership capacities under the Education and Youth Empowerment (EYE) in Northwest Nigeria programme.

The initiative focuses on improving how schools are managed and how education leaders support learning outcomes.

The programme will strengthen:

• School leadership skills
• Instructional leadership practices
• Education planning
• Data-driven decision-making
• Inclusive learning environments

Programme Background

The initiative is implemented by UNICEF Nigeria in partnership with the European Union.

It aims to increase access to:

• Safe learning environments
• Inclusive education opportunities
• Relevant skills development
• Continuous learning support

The programme will operate in:

• Kano State
• Jigawa State
• Sokoto State

Implementation period:

September 2026 to December 2027

Purpose of the Call for Expression of Interest

The opportunity seeks organisations that can support the development of stronger education leadership systems.

Selected partners will help:

• Assess leadership capacity gaps
• Improve school leadership tools
• Strengthen headteacher performance
• Support evidence-based education management

Key Focus Areas

School Leadership and Management Skills

The programme will strengthen leadership capabilities among:

• Headteachers
• School leaders
• Education managers

Training areas include:

• Leadership skills
• Management practices
• Communication
• Decision-making
• Team coordination

Vision and Mission Development

Education leaders will receive support to improve their ability to:

• Develop school visions
• Set strategic goals
• Align activities with education priorities

Data Collection and Use

The initiative promotes the use of school-level data for better decisions.

Support areas include:

• Collecting education data
• Analysing school information
• Using evidence for planning
• Monitoring school performance

Instructional Leadership and Coaching

The programme will improve the ability of school leaders to support teachers.

Focus areas include:

• Classroom improvement
• Teacher coaching
• Learning supervision
• Teaching quality enhancement

Inclusive Education

The initiative promotes education systems that support all learners.

Key areas include:

• Gender inclusion
• Disability inclusion
• Access for vulnerable children
• Safe learning environments

Education Planning and Financing

The programme supports stronger education management through:

• Evidence-based planning
• Budget development
• Public finance tracking
• Resource management

Target Beneficiaries

The initiative will support:

1,432 headteachers and education leaders

across the three states.

The programme targets leaders working at:

• School level
• Local Government Area (LGA) level
• State education level

Role of Selected Partners

Selected organisations will support several activities.

Leadership Needs Assessment

Partners will conduct assessments to identify:

• Current leadership skills
• Capacity gaps
• Training priorities

Review of Existing Leadership Packages

The programme will examine existing school leadership materials in Nigeria.

This includes:

• Reviewing current modules
• Identifying strengths and gaps
• Documenting best practices

Development of Updated Leadership Models

Partners will help design improved leadership approaches covering:

• Training content
• Coaching methods
• Leadership tools

Training and Delivery Support

The selected organisation will support:

• Training delivery
• Leadership development sessions
• Practical implementation activities

Documentation and Learning

Partners will document:

• Implementation processes
• Lessons learned
• Successful approaches
• Recommendations for scaling

Expected Outcomes

The initiative aims to achieve:

• Better school management
• Stronger education leadership
• Improved teaching practices
• Better use of education data
• Increased school accountability
• Improved student learning outcomes

Who Is This Opportunity For?

The opportunity is suitable for organisations with experience in:

• Education development
• School leadership training
• Teacher development
• Capacity building
• Education policy support

Applicants should have expertise in:

• Leadership programmes
• Training design
• Education systems strengthening
• Monitoring and evaluation

How the Programme Will Work

Step 1: Assess Current Leadership Capacity

Partners will evaluate existing leadership strengths and challenges.

Step 2: Improve Leadership Frameworks

Existing training materials will be reviewed and updated.

Step 3: Train Education Leaders

Headteachers and education officials will participate in leadership development activities.

Step 4: Support Implementation

Partners will help leaders apply new skills within schools.

Step 5: Document Results

Progress, lessons and outcomes will be recorded for future improvement.

Why This Initiative Matters

Strong school leadership is essential for improving education quality.

Effective education leaders can:

• Support teachers
• Improve learning environments
• Strengthen accountability
• Increase student achievement

This programme helps build sustainable education systems that better serve children.

Benefits of the Programme

The initiative will contribute to:

• Improved teaching quality
• Better school governance
• More inclusive education
• Stronger education planning
• Better learning outcomes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Focusing Only on Training

Leadership improvement requires more than workshops.

Successful programmes should include:

• Coaching
• Practical application
• Continuous support

Ignoring Local Context

Solutions should consider:

• Community needs
• School realities
• Regional challenges

Weak Monitoring Systems

Partners should track:

• Training outcomes
• Leadership improvements
• School-level changes

Poor Inclusion Planning

Education approaches should address barriers faced by:

• Girls
• Children with disabilities
• Marginalised learners

Tips for a Strong Application

A strong proposal should demonstrate:

• Experience in education programmes
• Knowledge of school leadership systems
• Ability to train large groups
• Strong monitoring approaches
• Understanding of inclusive education

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the UNICEF Nigeria school leadership opportunity?

It is a programme to strengthen school leadership, instructional practices and education management across selected areas in Northwest Nigeria.

2. Which states are included?

The programme covers Kano, Jigawa and Sokoto states.

3. How many education leaders will be supported?

The initiative will target 1,432 headteachers and education leaders.

4. What topics will training cover?

Training will cover leadership, school management, data use, coaching, inclusion and education planning.

5. Who can apply for the Expression of Interest?

Organisations with experience in education development, leadership training and capacity building can apply.

6. What is the duration of the programme?

The programme will run from September 2026 to December 2027.

7. What is the expected impact?

The initiative aims to improve teaching quality, school accountability and learning outcomes for children.

Conclusion

The UNICEF Nigeria School Leadership Capacity Development Initiative provides an opportunity to strengthen education systems through improved leadership, planning and inclusive practices.

By supporting headteachers and education leaders, the programme aims to create safer, more effective and more equitable learning environments for children across Northwest Nigeria.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.