By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has unlocked more than ₦100 billion in previously unaccessed matching grants for states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in a landmark intervention expected to accelerate the development of basic education across Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, disclosed this on Thursday during a media luncheon with education correspondents in Abuja, describing the release of the dormant funds as a major breakthrough in the Federal Government's efforts to revitalise the nation's basic education system under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Garba said the commission's renewed focus is anchored on its 2025–2031 Strategic Blueprint, which seeks to shift attention from policy formulation to measurable outcomes capable of transforming schools, improving teaching standards and expanding access to quality education for millions of Nigerian children.
"Today, UBEC is writing a new chapter in basic education. Guided by our 2025–2031 Strategic Blueprint, we are moving beyond reforms to deliver measurable results that are improving schools, empowering teachers and expanding opportunities for millions of Nigerian children," she said.
According to her, the successful mobilisation of over ₦100 billion in matching grants, which had remained unclaimed by several states for years, represents a significant milestone in addressing longstanding funding gaps that have hindered the development of public basic education.
She explained that the released funds are already being channelled into priority projects aimed at improving learning environments, expanding access to education and strengthening teacher capacity across the country.
Providing an update on the commission's achievements, Garba revealed that UBEC has supported the construction of more than 4,600 new classrooms while over 6,100 classrooms have been renovated to provide safer and more conducive learning environments for pupils.
She added that the commission has also constructed 2,780 toilet facilities and drilled 678 boreholes in schools to improve sanitation and access to clean water, while supplying more than 334,000 pieces of classroom furniture to address shortages affecting effective teaching and learning.
In its drive to promote early childhood education, UBEC has established 2,300 Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE) Centres nationwide, aimed at expanding access to foundational learning for young children.
Garba stressed that improving teacher quality remains at the heart of the commission's reform agenda, disclosing that UBEC has invested over ₦20.4 billion in teacher professional development programmes across the country.
She noted that continuous capacity-building initiatives are equipping teachers with modern pedagogical skills and innovative teaching methods needed to improve learning outcomes in Nigerian classrooms.
The UBEC boss further highlighted the commission's commitment to preparing learners for the demands of the digital economy through the expansion of Digital Literacy Centres and the strengthening of Smart Schools across the federation.
She said the commission is increasingly integrating artificial intelligence (AI), coding and robotics into basic education to equip pupils with digital competencies and future-ready skills.
Beyond infrastructure and technology, Garba disclosed that UBEC has distributed about 7.8 million instructional materials to schools nationwide to enhance classroom learning.
She also noted that the commission continues to broaden access to education through interventions such as Open Schooling, girl-child education programmes, and initiatives promoting inclusive education for children with special needs and other vulnerable groups.
To ensure value for money and improved project implementation, Garba said UBEC has introduced a number of institutional reforms designed to strengthen transparency, accountability and effective monitoring of education projects nationwide.
She emphasised that accountability remains critical to achieving sustainable improvements in the sector and ensuring that public resources translate into tangible benefits for learners.
The Executive Secretary also acknowledged the crucial role of the media in promoting education development, describing journalists as strategic partners in driving reforms and fostering public trust.
She urged education correspondents to continue reporting both the successes and challenges within the sector objectively, noting that balanced reporting would encourage greater stakeholder participation and accountability.
"Our partnership with the media is essential in sustaining public confidence in education reforms. By highlighting both achievements and existing gaps, the media contributes significantly to improving the education system," she said.
Garba reiterated that the commission's long-term vision under the 2025–2031 Strategic Blueprint is to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children, strengthen teacher capacity, expand digital learning opportunities and ensure equitable access to quality basic education for every Nigerian child.
She expressed confidence that the implementation of the blueprint, backed by improved funding and stronger collaboration with states, would reposition Nigeria's basic education sector to meet the aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda while ensuring that no child is left behind.
