Abayomi Susan
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has announced a major milestone in the transformation of Nigeria’s basic education sector, following the recovery and mobilisation of over N100 billion in previously inaccessible matching grants.
The UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, disclosed this during a media luncheon with education correspondents in Abuja, where she said the commission was moving beyond policy reforms to delivering measurable outcomes that would improve schools, strengthen teachers and expand learning opportunities for millions of Nigerian children.
Garba described the recovery of the funds by states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a significant breakthrough in the implementation of the Federal Government’s education reforms, noting that the development marked a new phase in the commission’s efforts to reposition basic education nationwide.
“Today, UBEC is writing a new chapter in basic education. Guided by our 2025–2031 strategic blueprint and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, we are moving beyond reforms to delivering measurable results that are improving schools, empowering teachers and expanding opportunities for millions of Nigerian children,” she said.
She explained that the recovered funds were already being utilised by states to upgrade school infrastructure and create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
According to her, UBEC, in partnership with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), has constructed more than 4,600 classrooms, renovated over 6,100 classrooms, provided 2,780 toilet facilities and 678 boreholes, while supplying more than 334,000 units of furniture to public schools across the country.
The UBEC boss added that the commission had established over 2,300 Early Childhood Care Development and Education Centres (ECCDECs) to expand access to quality foundational education for young learners.
She further disclosed that more than N20.4 billion had been invested in teacher professional development, stressing that the quality of any education system depends largely on the competence and capacity of its teachers.
Garba said the investment was aimed at improving classroom delivery, strengthening school leadership and enhancing accountability through initiatives such as the Effective Schools Programme and School-Based Management Committees.
On technology-based learning, she said UBEC was expanding Digital Literacy Centres, smart schools and programmes that introduce pupils to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, coding and robotics, to prepare them for future opportunities.
She also revealed that over 7.8 million instructional materials had been distributed to schools nationwide to improve literacy, numeracy and foundational learning.
The Executive Secretary noted that UBEC was widening access to education through initiatives such as Open Schooling, Integrated Qur’anic and Tsangaya Education, girl-child education and inclusive education programmes, ensuring that Nigerian children have access to quality basic education irrespective of their location or background.
She added that the commission was implementing institutional reforms focused on improving transparency, strengthening project monitoring and promoting data-driven decision-making to maximise the impact of education investments.
Garba described the media as a key partner in national development, urging education correspondents to continue providing balanced and accurate reports that would promote accountability, boost public confidence and attract increased support for basic education reforms.
She emphasised that while government would continue to provide leadership and funding, achieving lasting transformation in the education sector requires the collective efforts of parents, teachers, communities, development partners and the media.
“Our achievements demonstrate that UBEC is not only investing in schools but also building a stronger, more resilient and future-ready basic education system,” she said.
