The Federal Government has announced plans to overhaul the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funding guidelines and introduce modern agricultural training for young Nigerians as part of efforts to enhance basic education and reduce youth unemployment.
Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, revealed that the current UBEC funding model is under review to allow state governments greater flexibility in accessing intervention funds. She explained that the revised framework would adopt a performance-based approach, ensuring that disbursements are linked to measurable outcomes. This, she said, would promote transparency, accountability, and improved quality in the execution of education projects across the country.
Ahmad made these remarks during a government-citizen engagement session organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna.
In a related development, Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Abdullahi, also spoke at the event, where he introduced a new initiative aimed at empowering young farmers. He stressed the importance of collaboration among key ministries—such as agriculture, environment, water resources, livestock development, and the marine and blue economy—to drive sustainable agricultural development.
As part of this effort, the Ministry of Livestock Development plans to establish breeding centres in each of the six geopolitical zones to support livestock productivity and long-term sustainability.
Abdullahi further noted that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, is currently redesigning the agricultural curriculum. The goal, he said, is to equip young Nigerians with modern, technology-driven farming skills and innovative agricultural practices. This initiative is expected to enhance both the quality of education and the employability of young people, preparing them for success in agribusiness and food production.
