The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba, has revealed that recent reforms introduced by the commission have led to a more than 70 per cent increase in states’ access to the Universal Basic Education (UBE) matching grant.
Garba made the announcement during the unveiling of UBEC’s Digital Transformation and Change Management Roadmap and the inauguration of 100 Digital Champions in Abuja.
She explained that the reforms align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies education as a critical pillar of national development.
According to her, UBEC reviewed the framework governing access to the UBE matching grant, making it more flexible and responsive to the varying needs of states. The adjustment, she noted, has enabled more states to benefit from the funding scheme.
“We revised the UBE matching grant framework to improve accessibility for states. As a result of these reforms, access has increased by more than 70 per cent. States that previously struggled to access the funds can now do so because the new structure provides greater flexibility to address their unique educational priorities,” she said.
Garba also disclosed that the commission has adopted a data-driven approach to planning and implementing basic education interventions nationwide.
Under the new system, states are required to base their education plans on enrolment statistics, identified gaps and other relevant data to ensure that projects and interventions address actual needs within the sector.
She added that the planning process has been fully digitalised, enabling states to prepare and submit implementation plans online for review and approval by UBEC.
“The planning template is now entirely digital. Whether a state is in Lagos, Kano or elsewhere, officials can develop and submit intervention plans electronically. UBEC can review and approve these plans online, while the information remains accessible to the public,” she explained.
According to her, the digital platform enhances transparency by allowing citizens to monitor the amount of funding allocated to their states and track the projects being executed under the UBE programme.
“These reforms are strengthening accountability and transparency across the basic education sector,” she added.
The UBEC chief further highlighted the commission’s efforts to advance digital learning through the establishment of technology-enabled learning hubs and the deployment of modern teaching tools in schools.
She said digital learning hubs equipped with smart boards, computers and solar-powered facilities have been introduced in junior secondary schools to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
Garba disclosed that more than 3,000 smart boards have already been distributed to schools across the country as part of the initiative to create smart classrooms and expand access to digital education.
“We are collaborating closely with State Universal Basic Education Boards to expand this initiative. The model combines smart boards, computers and solar energy solutions to ensure uninterrupted access to educational content, both online and offline, for teachers and students,” she said.
Speaking on the inauguration of the 100 Digital Champions, Garba described the initiative as a major milestone in modernising the administration and delivery of basic education services across the country.
She explained that the Digital Champions would spearhead the shift from manual processes to technology-driven operations within UBEC and its programmes.
“This marks a new phase for the commission. We are embracing digital solutions to improve communication, information management and service delivery. The Digital Champions will play a key role in driving and sustaining this transformation,” she stated.
Garba expressed optimism that the digital roadmap and ongoing reforms would enhance efficiency, promote transparency and support evidence-based decision-making in the education sector, ultimately leading to improved learning outcomes for Nigerian children.
