Alternative SEO Headlines:
UBEC Raises Concern as States Leave ₦65bn Counterpart Funds, ₦267bn Education Grants Untouched
Aisha Garba Tasks States to Unlock ₦65bn, Spend ₦267bn to Improve Basic Education
UBEC Reviews 2026–2035 Roadmap, Pushes States to Maximise Education Funding
Story:
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has urged state governments to urgently access more than ₦65 billion in counterpart funding and fully utilise about ₦267 billion in previously released intervention funds to improve learning outcomes across Nigeria’s basic education sector.
Speaking at the opening of the 30th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC Management with Executive Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) in Asaba, Delta State, UBEC Executive Secretary Aisha Garba said education investments must translate into measurable improvements in classrooms and better outcomes for pupils.
Garba disclosed that while states have accessed over ₦177 billion in Universal Basic Education (UBE) Matching Grants, more than ₦65 billion in counterpart funds remain unaccessed, with approximately ₦267 billion in intervention funds yet to be utilised.
She called on state governments to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, development partners and civil society organisations to mobilise additional resources for education.
The UBEC boss also announced the review of the Commission’s Ten-Year Strategic Roadmap, which will now cover 2026–2035, to better align investments with emerging priorities in the basic education sector.
As part of ongoing reforms, Garba unveiled the Basic Education Action Plan Management System (BEAP-MS), a digital platform designed to simplify and digitise the preparation and submission of state education action plans, improve coordination and enhance accountability.
She further highlighted the Commission’s Whole School Approach, which integrates classrooms, water and sanitation facilities, furniture, perimeter fencing and other infrastructure into comprehensive school improvement projects rather than isolated interventions.
Garba added that findings from the recently conducted National Learning Assessment, undertaken in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, would provide reliable data to guide planning and targeted interventions aimed at improving learning outcomes.
Representing Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme reaffirmed the state’s commitment to education, noting that Delta had consistently fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations and invested in SMART Schools, technical and vocational education, digital learning, and school infrastructure.
The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, urged education authorities to focus on learning outcomes rather than expenditure alone, stressing that the true measure of success should be the competencies acquired by learners and the futures transformed through quality education.
The quarterly meeting brought together UBEC management, SUBEB chairpersons, education officials and development partners to review progress, strengthen accountability and identify strategies for improving the delivery of basic education across Nigeria.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.