FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Press Release
July 28, 2025
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REFORMS DRIVING RECORD ACCESS TO BASIC EDUCATION FUNDS ACROSS STATES
The Federal Government has achieved a major breakthrough in the utilization of Universal Basic Education (UBE) Matching Grants, with 27 states and the FCT accessing ₦78.6 billion out of the ₦121 billion unutilized as of January 2025. This 65% increase follows targeted reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The progress reflects the impact of the revised Matching Grant formula introduced under the UBEC 2025–2030 Strategic Blueprint, developed in collaboration with UBEC, State UBEBs, and the Ministry of Education. The new formula emphasizes equity, accountability, and quality service delivery, aligning funding with national priorities and local needs.
To accelerate access, the Ministry and UBEC launched a targeted advocacy drive, directly engaging state governors with performance feedback and reform metrics. These engagements renewed state commitment to counterpart funding obligations and spurred swift fund drawdowns for critical education investments.
Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, stated,
“This progress is a result of deliberate reforms and stronger federal-state collaboration. We commend proactive states and urge others to act.”
He affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring UBE funds are effectively programmed for infrastructure, teacher quality, and learning outcomes.
This milestone underscores the Renewed Hope Agenda’s drive for meaningful, accountable governance in education.
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
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