By Adeola Kunle
The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, has urged states to urgently access over ₦65 billion in counterpart funds and utilise approximately ₦267 billion in previously released intervention funds, stressing that education resources must translate into tangible improvements in schools and measurable outcomes for Nigerian children.
Garba gave the charge in Asaba, Delta State, at the opening of the 30th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC Management with Executive Chairmen of the State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), themed “Repositioning Basic Education in Nigeria to Optimise Investment and Impact.”
She disclosed that states had accessed over ₦177 billion in UBE Matching Grants, while more than ₦65 billion in counterpart funding remained unaccessed and approximately ₦267 billion in previously released intervention funds remained unutilised across the states. She said the figures underscored the need for states to move beyond accessing resources to ensuring that available funds are properly planned, implemented, monitored and converted into measurable results.
Garba urged states to strengthen collaboration with the private sector, development partners and civil society organisations, noting that the scale and complexity of the challenges confronting basic education required broader and more sustainable financing partnerships. She also announced the commencement of the review of UBEC's Ten-Year Strategic Roadmap, which is being extended to cover 2026–2035, saying the revised framework would align investments, strengthen implementation and respond to the changing needs of the basic education sector.
According to her, the HOPE-EDU Operation presents an opportunity to strengthen the systems, institutions and capacity required to deliver sustainable improvements in basic education. She therefore urged states to ensure full readiness to participate and maximise the opportunities provided by the initiative.
The Executive Secretary further disclosed that UBEC had developed the Basic Education Action Plan Management System (BEAP-MS) to transform the preparation and submission of state action plans from a largely manual process into a fully digitised system. She said the platform would improve coordination between UBEC and the states, enhance efficiency and reduce the need for repeated physical engagements at the Commission's headquarters.
Garba also highlighted the Whole School Approach, which is repositioning UBEC's interventions from fragmented projects towards comprehensive school improvement. Under the approach, investments in classrooms, water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, perimeter fencing, furniture and other essential infrastructure are brought together within selected schools to create more complete and functional learning environments.
She added that the successful conduct of the National Learning Assessment, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, would provide credible evidence to guide targeted interventions, strengthen planning and improve learning outcomes.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori described education as the most strategic investment any nation can make, stressing that its true value lies in the quality of learning delivered, opportunities created and the future secured for children. He said the Delta State Government had prioritised education under its MORE Agenda, consistently supported the Universal Basic Education programme and fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations.
The Governor expressed appreciation to UBEC for approving two additional model SMART Schools for Delta State, noting that the state had already provided the required land. He highlighted investments in classrooms, perimeter fencing, gatehouses, toilets, solar power facilities, furniture and staff quarters, as well as SMART Schools and technical and vocational education, saying the interventions were designed to provide safer learning environments while equipping young people with skills for a technology-driven future.
The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, described investment in education as the highest form of national capital formation, stressing that the real wealth of Nigeria lies in the minds of its children. He said every classroom constructed, child educated and competent teacher supported contributes to national productivity, adding that basic education provides the foundation for literacy, numeracy, character, citizenship and innovation.
Azinge urged UBEC and SUBEBs to place greater emphasis on learning outcomes rather than expenditure alone, stressing that success should be measured by the competencies children acquire and the futures transformed, rather than simply by budgets approved or classrooms constructed. He also called for stronger attention to inclusive education for girls, children with disabilities, rural and nomadic populations, conflict-affected children and those from economically disadvantaged households.
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (D-SUBEB) said hosting the meeting in Delta State underscored the national importance of basic education and the collective responsibility to strengthen the foundation of Nigeria's future. He commended UBEC for its continued partnership with Delta State and said the meeting provided SUBEB Chairpersons an opportunity to share experiences, identify common challenges and develop practical solutions for improving basic education delivery nationwide.
The D-SUBEB Chairman also commended the Delta State Government's commitment to digitalising education and developing SMART Schools, as well as the use of technology for school administration and monitoring. He said SMART Board technology and digital monitoring systems were helping to strengthen school oversight and address challenges such as teacher absenteeism, while acknowledging the contribution of the First Lady of Delta State to the welfare and educational development of vulnerable children.
The 30th Quarterly Meeting brings together UBEC Management, Executive Chairpersons and Chairpersons of SUBEBs, education officials, development partners and other stakeholders to review progress, address shared challenges and agree on practical measures to strengthen basic education delivery nationwide. The meeting is expected to deepen collaboration between UBEC and the states, accelerate utilisation of available resources and strengthen planning, implementation and accountability across the sector.
The Universal Basic Education Commission, under the leadership of Executive Secretary Aisha Garba, reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all states to strengthen accountability, improve resource utilisation, expand strategic partnerships and maximise the impact of basic education investments. UBEC assured that it would continue to provide the coordination, technical support and reform leadership required to help states optimise available resources, improve learning outcomes and ensure that every Nigerian child, regardless of location or circumstance, has the opportunity to learn, develop and succeed.
Adeola Kunle
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