The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has entered a new phase of collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as well as pre-vocational education across Nigeria.
Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the UBEC headquarters in Abuja, Executive Secretary Aisha Garba explained that the initiative is a grant aid project funded by the Japanese Government, aimed at reinforcing the foundation of basic education in the country.
Under the project, facilities in selected model schools across Nasarawa, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be upgraded to promote STEM education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Garba stated that the initiative will create an improved learning environment through the provision of modern science laboratories, ICT rooms, vocational workshops, and gender-sensitive sanitation facilities. She added that five model schools would be transformed into regional learning hubs to equip students with practical skills in computing, home economics, and technical subjects in line with the new national curriculum.
“We are here not just to sign documents but to reaffirm a shared commitment between our two countries and institutions—to the future of education and, most importantly, to the children whose lives will be transformed by this initiative,” Garba said.
Highlighting the long-standing partnership between UBEC and JICA, she noted that between 2004 and 2016, JICA supported the construction of over 1,000 classrooms, nearly 1,000 wash facilities, and numerous water projects across five states. According to her, the collaboration has directly benefited more than 200,000 teachers, with independent assessments showing significant improvements in classroom performance.
In his remarks, Mr. Ishigame Keiji, JICA’s Country Representative in Nigeria, described the new Grant Aid initiative—titled “The Project for Educational Environment Improvement at Model Schools for Basic Mathematics, Science and Pre-Vocational Education”—as a vital step toward upgrading facilities and equipment required for effective STEM and vocational education.
He commended UBEC and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for their leadership, noting that the project reflects Japan’s ongoing commitment to improving learning outcomes in Nigeria.
Keiji emphasized that the project’s goal extends beyond physical infrastructure, as it aims to position model schools as regional centers of excellence that can nurture future innovators and skilled professionals.
“Through these efforts, we hope to contribute to the development of industrial human resources crucial for Nigeria’s growth. In the education sector, JICA remains committed to addressing learning poverty by supporting initiatives that enhance learning outcomes,” he added.
