ESSPIN worked with states to implement a holistic model of school improvement. It promoted simultaneous action on multiple fronts. Support for schools was accompanied by support for communities, support for state and local government and support for federal policies and budgets. Two-thirds of ESSPIN programme resources were allotted to providing technical assistance, from both inside and outside Nigeria, to improve teaching and management skills in schools and the governance of education at State and Federal level.

The programme worked on a range of thematic areas across the six states, including inclusive education, non-formal education, education technology, EMIS, infrastructure, M&E, teacher and head teacher support and materials development.