The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has increased the allocation for quality assurance from 2 per cent to 5 per cent of the matching grant it provides to state governments. This move is aimed at enhancing the monitoring and evaluation of basic education across the country.
UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, made the announcement on Wednesday during the opening of a three-day refresher training and strategic meeting in Abuja. The programme brought together Zonal Directors, Quality Assurance Officers, and Directors of Quality Assurance from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Dr. Garba said the increase reflects UBEC’s renewed commitment to improving learning outcomes in public schools through data-driven decision-making and stronger accountability systems. She noted that the revised allocation was officially introduced at the 26th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC Management and the Executive Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) held in Makurdi, Benue State, on May 25–26, 2025.
“This adjustment is more than a financial boost. It is a strategic investment in systemic reform and educational standards,” she said. “Quality assurance is a central pillar of UBEC’s 2025–2028 strategic blueprint, and we call on all stakeholders to align with new standards and monitoring tools.”
Dr. Garba also emphasized the need for participants to approach the meeting with open minds and a focus on solutions, stressing that the goal is not just to review templates, but to learn how data can be used to drive meaningful improvements in teaching and learning.
UBEC’s Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Rasaq Olajuwon Akinyemi, also addressed the gathering. He underscored the critical role of quality assurance in strengthening Nigeria’s education system and commended participants for their commitment. According to him, the training is designed to deepen the participants’ knowledge, equip them with modern tools and strategies, and enhance their capacity to evaluate and improve education standards.
Earlier in the programme, UBEC’s Director of Quality Assurance, Madam Ada V. Ogwuche, described the refresher training as crucial in today’s dynamic educational landscape. She said it aligns with the vision of Dr. Garba, who is working to reposition UBEC for better outcomes.
“Quality assurance is not a one-time event or an external requirement. It is a culture—an ongoing internal commitment,” Ogwuche said. She urged participants to engage actively, ask questions, and embrace the evolving systems.
In his remarks, Mr. Owolabi Dele, Director of Quality Assurance at Ekiti SUBEB and Dean of SUBEB/UBEB Directors, highlighted the significance of the meeting in advancing educational quality, including health education. He called for active participation and teamwork, stressing that collective effort is essential to build an education system that meets the needs of Nigerian learners.
“Through this meeting, we are not only enhancing our expertise but also strengthening the foundation of our educational system that nurtures minds, builds vision, and drives national development,” he said.
