The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Thursday stated that it facilitated the unlocking of N100 billion in previously unaccessed matching grants by states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
UBEC is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Universal Basic Education programme across Nigeria by providing matching grants to states for the development of public basic education, covering early childhood education, primary education and junior secondary education.
Speaking in Abuja during an interaction with education correspondents, the executive secretary of UBEC, L Aisha Garba, said the funds, which had remained unaccessed for years, are now being invested in school infrastructure, teacher development and improved learning outcomes in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said the development is a major milestone in the federal government’s drive to improve basic education across Nigeria, saying the commission was implementing a new strategy focused on delivering measurable improvements in access to quality basic education.
She said: “The media remains 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.
“Today, UBEC is writing a new chapter in basic education. Guided by our 2025 to 2031 Strategic Blueprint and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, we are moving beyond reforms to delivering measurable results that are improving schools, empowering teachers and expanding opportunities for millions of Nigerian children.
“One of our most significant achievements has been facilitating the mobilisation of over N100 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.”
Also speaking, the chairman of Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ECAN), Mr Chuks Ukwatu, lauded the executive secretary of UBEC for carrying the media along in her activities, saying the initiative was a demonstration of UBEC’s commitment to transparency, accountability and public enlightenment.