Nigeria Primary Enrollment
School enrollment, primary (% gross) SE.PRM.ENRR
Nigeria's primary enrollment was 91.26% in 2025, ranked 147th globally. This represents a 1.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Nigeria's primary enrollment stood at 91.26% in 2025, a rise of +1.67pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 91.26% by 2025. Nigeria ranked 147th globally.
Nigeria’s primary school enrollment rate reached 91.26% in 2025, ranking the country 147th globally, according to World Bank data. This reflects a significant recovery from a historic trough of 25.57% in 2015, which followed decades of fluctuation since records began in 1970, when enrollment stood at 41.91%. The all-time peak of 110.62% was recorded in 1982, a figure likely influenced by demographic shifts and expanded access initiatives during that era. Despite recent improvement, Nigeria continues to lag slightly behind peer countries such as Tanzania, where enrollment was 90.80% in 2025, and Kiribati at 92.67%. Persistent regional disparities, gender gaps, and socioeconomic barriers remain key challenges to universal enrollment. The recovery from the 2015 low point suggests progress in education policy implementation and infrastructure development. However, sustained increases in enrollment will depend on addressing insecurity in conflict-affected regions, improving school quality, and expanding access for marginalized populations, particularly in the northern states. Without targeted investments and inclusive reforms, the current upward trajectory may stall before reaching full primary education coverage.
Data & projection
| Year | Primary Enrollment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 92.67% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 91.26% | - | - |
| 2025 | 91.26% | +1.67pp | #147 |
| 2023 | 89.59% | +5.78pp | #137 |
| 2021 | 83.81% | −0.56pp | #155 |
| 2020 | 84.37% | +2.74pp | #157 |
| 2018 | 81.63% | +2.75pp | #157 |
| 2016 | 78.88% | +53.31pp | #164 |
| 2015 | 25.57% | −58.56pp | #170 |
| 2014 | 84.12% | −3.71pp | #160 |
| 2013 | 87.83% | +1.92pp | #150 |
| 2012 | 85.91% | +1.23pp | #157 |
| 2011 | 84.68% | +4.85pp | #159 |
| 2010 | 79.83% | −0.48pp | #155 |
| 2009 | 80.31% | +1.04pp | #159 |
| 2008 | 79.27% | −8.80pp | #159 |
| 2007 | 88.07% | −8.59pp | #158 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nigeria matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw primary enrollment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Nigeria's primary enrollment was 91.26% in 2025. Ranked 147th globally. This represents a 1.9% increase from the previous year.
Nigeria's primary enrollment peaked at 110.62% in 1982.
The lowest primary enrollment in Nigeria was 25.57% in 2015.
Nigeria ranks 147th globally in primary enrollment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.PRM.ENRR. Data sourced from World Bank.
Nigeria's primary enrollment is projected to reach 91.26% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The primary enrollment of Nigeria in 2025 was 91.26%. This ranks 147th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nigeria_primary-enrollment,
title = {Nigeria Primary Enrollment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nigeria/primary-enrollment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}