The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) says it has facilitated the release of more than N100 billion in previously unaccessed matching grants for states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to strengthen basic education across Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, disclosed this on Thursday while speaking with journalists in Abuja, describing the development as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to transform the country’s basic education sector.
According to Garba, the funds, which had remained inaccessible for several years due to states’ inability to meet the requirements for accessing them, are now being utilised to improve learning environments nationwide.“One of UBEC’s biggest achievements has been unlocking over N100bn in matching grants for states and the FCT. These resources are now being invested in improving learning environments across the country,” she said.
Garba revealed that, in partnership with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), the commission has embarked on the construction of more than 4,600 classrooms, renovated over 6,100 classrooms, and provided 2,780 toilets as well as 678 boreholes to improve school infrastructure.
She added that UBEC has supplied more than 334,000 pieces of furniture to schools and established over 2,300 Early Childhood Care Development and Education Centres to strengthen early childhood learning.
To enhance the quality of teaching, Garba said the commission has invested more than N20.4 billion in teacher professional development programmes aimed at improving classroom instruction, strengthening school leadership, and promoting accountability.
She also highlighted the implementation of the Effective Schools Programme and efforts to strengthen School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) to improve school oversight and encourage greater community participation in education.
Speaking on technology integration, Garba said UBEC is expanding Digital Literacy Centres, strengthening Smart Schools, and promoting the teaching of artificial intelligence (AI), coding, and robotics to prepare pupils for the future digital economy.“In addition to infrastructure and technology, we are investing in the skills Nigerian children need to compete in the future economy,” she said.
The Executive Secretary further disclosed that the commission has distributed more than 7.8 million instructional materials to schools across the country to improve literacy, numeracy, and foundational learning.
She noted that UBEC is also expanding access to education through programmes designed for vulnerable groups, including Open Schooling, Integrated Qur’anic and Tsangaya Education, girl-child education, and inclusive education initiatives.“Our commitment goes beyond infrastructure and technology. We are expanding access to education through Open Schooling, Integrated Qur’anic and Tsangaya Education, girl-child education, inclusive education programmes and stronger partnerships to ensure that no child is left behind,” Garba said.
Garba also disclosed that the commission has introduced institutional reforms to improve transparency, strengthen project monitoring, and encourage data-driven decision-making in the implementation of basic education programmes.
According to her, UBEC’s 2025–2031 Strategic Blueprint is designed to deliver measurable improvements in access to education, teaching quality, and learning outcomes across Nigeria.“Today, UBEC is writing a new chapter in basic education. Guided by our 2025–2031 Strategic Blueprint and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, we are moving beyond reforms to delivering measurable results that are improving schools, empowering teachers and expanding opportunities for millions of Nigerian children,” she said.
UBEC is the Federal Government agency responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Universal Basic Education programme, covering early childhood, primary, and junior secondary education.
The commission also provides matching grants to states and the FCT to support the development of school infrastructure, strengthen teacher capacity, and expand access to quality basic education.
