The Nigerian Association of Evaluators (NAE) is set to host its highly anticipated National MERL Symposium and Training in Abuja on the 24th and 25th of November 2025. This major national event will bring together evaluation professionals, researchers, policymakers, development partners, and practitioners from across Nigeria and beyond, all united by a shared commitment to strengthening the country’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) systems.
The two-day symposium and training will provide a vibrant platform for participants to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore innovative approaches to evidence generation and utilization. It will feature keynote presentations, interactive plenary sessions, and hands-on training workshops designed to enhance participants’ technical capacity in modern evaluation and learning methodologies. Through these sessions, attendees will gain deeper insights into emerging MERL trends such as data-driven decision making, adaptive management, digital tools for monitoring, and the institutionalization of evaluation practices within the public and private sectors.
In addition to capacity building, the symposium will serve as a hub for networking and collaboration. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with peers, mentors, and thought leaders in the evaluation field, creating new partnerships and sharing best practices that can improve programme design and policy outcomes. The event also underscores NAE’s continued leadership in promoting a culture of accountability, learning, and evidence use across Nigeria’s development landscape.
Overall, the NAE National MERL Symposium and Training promises to be an enriching experience for anyone interested in advancing evaluation practice in Nigeria. It will not only equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to strengthen their MERL systems but also inspire collective action toward achieving sustainable development through evidence-based decision making.