The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) says it has facilitated the 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) mobilise over ₦100 billion previously unaccessed matching grants.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Aisha Garba disclosed this at a Media Luncheon with Education Correspondents in Abuja on Thursday.
Garba informed that UBEC was writing a new chapter in basic education. Guided by their 2025 to 2031 Strategic Blueprint and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, she said they were moving beyond reforms to delivering measurable results that are improving schools, empowering teachers and expanding opportunities for millions of Nigerian children.
Highlighting recent gains since her assumption of office, the UBEC Boss stated:
“One of our most significant achievements has been facilitating the mobilisation of over ₦100 billion in previously unaccessed matching grants by states and the Federal Capital Territory. These resources are now being invested in improving learning environments across the country.
“Through our partnership with State Universal Basic Education Boards, over 4,600 classrooms have been constructed, more than 6,100 classrooms renovated, 2,780 toilets and 678 boreholes provided, while over 334,000 pieces of school furniture have been supplied. We have also supported the establishment of more than 2,300 Early Childhood Care Development and Education Centres, giving thousands of young children a stronger foundation for learning”, she said.
Garba stated that the Commission has recognised that no education system can rise above the quality of its teachers, hence they invested over ₦20.4 billion in teacher professional development.
“UBEC invested over ₦20.4 billion in teacher professional development. We are strengthening classroom practice, improving school leadership and promoting greater accountability through the Effective Schools Programme and stronger School-Based Management Committees.
“As education evolves, so must our schools. UBEC is expanding Digital Literacy Centres across the country, strengthening Smart Schools, promoting Artificial Intelligence, coding and robotics, modernising digital learning facilities and equipping learners with the skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven world. We have also distributed over 7.8 million instructional materials to schools nationwide to improve literacy, numeracy and foundational learning”, she said.
According to the Executive Secretary, the Commission’s 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 with state governments, development partners and the private sector to ensure that no child is left behind”, she said.
Furthermore, Garba disclosed that UBEC had undergone institutional reforms to strengthen transparency, improve project monitoring, enhance data-driven decision-making and ensure that every investment delivers greater value for Nigerian children.
Addressing Journalists present, she stated that the media remained one of UBEC’s most important partners. “Beyond informing the public, you help promote transparency, inspire accountability and bring national attention to the progress, challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s basic education sector.
“Education is a shared responsibility. Government can provide leadership and resources, but lasting transformation requires the collective commitment of communities, teachers, parents, development partners and the media.
“Together, we can ensure that every Nigerian child, regardless of background or location, has access to safe, inclusive, equitable and quality basic education”, she concluded.
