The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) says its interventions have impacted more than 8.7 million learners across Nigeria within the past year, as it intensifies efforts to reform the country’s basic education sector.
The commission also revealed that over ₦100 billion in previously unutilised funds have now been accessed, with more than 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory actively drawing from the pool.
UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, during the commission’s 29th quarterly meeting with chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs).
The meeting focused on the theme: “Accelerating Basic Education Performance Through Digitally-Enabled Coordination.”
Garba explained that the progress recorded aligns with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that joint interventions between UBEC and SUBEBs have significantly improved access to quality education.
According to her, millions of learners have benefited from the provision of instructional materials, upgraded learning environments, improved sanitation facilities, and new classroom furniture.
She added that nearly 500,000 teachers have also received training within the same period.
She described the achievements as evidence of a shift from routine administrative processes to more coordinated and large-scale reforms in the education system.
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“Over the past year, we have moved beyond business as usual to a more structured and nationwide reform approach,” she said.
Garba further noted that increased collaboration with state governments has enhanced access to education funds, leading to improved implementation of projects.
She revealed that about 95 per cent of projects initiated in 2025 have already been completed, reflecting better delivery timelines.
Emphasising the role of technology, she said digitalisation has become central to the reform process, not just in classrooms but also in planning, monitoring, and overall system management.
From 2026, she added, all basic education action plans will be fully digitised, allowing stakeholders and development partners to access real-time data and improve decision-making.
Despite the progress, Garba raised concerns about persistent infrastructure challenges in schools, highlighting cases of overcrowding and inadequate sanitation facilities.
“We still see schools with thousands of students but fewer than ten toilets. That falls below acceptable standards,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Shehu Adaramaja, Chairman of SUBEB in Kwara State, acknowledged the ambition behind the digital reform drive but pointed out practical constraints.
He noted that issues such as infrastructure deficits, limited capacity, and unreliable electricity supply could hinder effective implementation if not properly addressed.
“Technology alone cannot solve coordination challenges. What matters is how well it is aligned with existing systems,” he said.
Adaramaja added that improved digital frameworks would enhance transparency and accountability, enabling stakeholders to track projects, teacher training, and fund utilisation more effectively.
He encouraged states to adopt best practices from one another to strengthen overall performance.
UBEC’s Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Rasaq Akinyemi, also stated that the commission would focus on consolidating gains and improving coordination going forward.
Nigeria’s basic education sector continues to grapple with challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, uneven distribution of teachers, and limited learning resources.
However, stakeholders believe that sustained reforms and improved collaboration between federal and state authorities could significantly enhance outcomes.
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