The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) has formally validated the reviewed Universal Basic Education (UBE) Guidelines for accessing and utilizing the Federal Government of Nigeria Universal Basic Education Matching Grant, marking a major step toward transparent and efficient management of basic education intervention funds in the State.
The validation exercise, held under the HOPE EDU initiative, brought together policy actors, education stakeholders, vendors, legal advisors, Education Secretaries from Local Government Education Authorities, representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations, School-Based Management Committees, Parents’ Forums and Others.
The session served as a participatory platform for participants to review, refine, and adopt the proposed amendments to the UBE Guidelines.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, explained that the Universal Basic Education Intervention Fund, established under the UBE Act of 2007, remains a critical tool of the Federal Government designed to strengthen infrastructure, improve access, enhance capacity building, and promote equitable learning opportunities for children of school age across Nigeria.
He noted that the Guidelines are currently being reviewed nationwide to ensure they align with the peculiar realities of each State. In line with this, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu approved the constitution of a Technical Working Committee to review the existing framework and propose amendments relevant to Lagos State’s needs.
Dr. Shittu stated that the Committee has concluded its work, and the validation session was convened to ensure that the reviewed guidelines are practicable, inclusive, and responsive to the State’s educational goals. He reaffirmed that LASUBEB’s principle of “Leave no child behind, carry all stakeholders along” remains at the core of the Board’s operations.
A participant, Mr. Babatunde Shoneye, Education Secretary Kosofe LGEA, described the exercise as the key for planning within the education system. “As actors in basic education, it is necessary for us to come together in decision-making for development in education. This will not only boost collaboration but also ensure that every decision reflects collective understanding and responsibility,” he said.
At the close of the session, stakeholders formally validated the reviewed Universal Basic Education Guidelines for Lagos State, paving the way for their effective rollout and implementation.#AGreaterLagosRising #ubec
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