The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, has urged states to urgently access more than ₦65 billion in counterpart funds and utilise about ₦267 billion in previously released intervention funds, stressing that education funding must translate into improved learning environments and measurable outcomes for Nigerian children.
Garba made the call in Asaba, Delta State, at the opening of the 30th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC Management with Executive Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), with the theme: “Repositioning Basic Education in Nigeria to Optimise Investment and Impact.”
She disclosed that states had so far accessed more than ₦177 billion in UBE Matching Grants, while over ₦65 billion in counterpart contributions remained unaccessed and approximately ₦267 billion in intervention funds already released to the states had yet to be utilised.
The UBEC boss said the figures showed that the challenge was no longer only about making funds available but ensuring that resources were properly planned, implemented, monitored and converted into tangible results.
She called on states to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, development organisations and civil society groups, noting that the scale of challenges facing basic education required broader and sustainable financing mechanisms.
Garba also announced the commencement of the review of UBEC’s Ten Year Strategic Roadmap, which is being extended to cover 2026–2035.
According to her, the revised roadmap will align investments, strengthen implementation and respond to emerging needs in the basic education sector.
She urged states to prepare adequately for the HOPE-EDU Operation, describing the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen the systems, institutions and human capacity required to deliver sustainable improvements in basic education.
On digital transformation, Garba disclosed that UBEC had developed the Basic Education Action Plan Management System (BEAP-MS) to digitise the preparation and submission of state action plans.
She said the platform would improve coordination between UBEC and the states, increase efficiency and reduce the need for repeated physical engagements at the Commission’s headquarters.
The Executive Secretary also highlighted the Whole School Approach, which she said was shifting UBEC’s interventions from isolated projects to comprehensive school improvement.
Under the approach, facilities such as classrooms, water and sanitation infrastructure, perimeter fencing, furniture and other essential amenities are integrated within selected schools to create safer and more functional learning environments.
Garba further said the successful conduct of the National Learning Assessment, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, would provide credible data for targeted interventions, better planning and improved learning outcomes.
Delta Prioritises Education
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori described education as the most strategic investment a nation could make, saying its value should ultimately be measured by the quality of learning, opportunities created and the future secured for children.
He said the Delta State Government had prioritised education under its MORE Agenda, consistently supported the Universal Basic Education programme and fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations.
Oborevwori thanked UBEC for approving two additional model SMART Schools for the state, noting that government had already provided the required land.
He said the state had also invested in classrooms, perimeter fencing, gatehouses, toilets, solar power facilities, furniture and staff quarters, alongside SMART Schools and technical and vocational education programmes.
According to him, the interventions are aimed at providing safer learning environments while equipping young people with skills needed for a technology driven economy.
Education Must Focus on Learning Outcomes
The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, described investment in education as the highest form of national capital formation, saying the country’s greatest wealth lies in the minds of its children.
He urged UBEC and SUBEBs to focus more on learning outcomes than expenditure, arguing that success should be measured by the competencies children acquire and the lives transformed rather than budgets approved or infrastructure delivered.
Azinge also called for greater attention to inclusive education for girls, children with disabilities, rural and nomadic populations, children affected by conflict and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (D-SUBEB) said hosting the meeting in Delta State underscored the national importance of basic education and the collective responsibility to strengthen the foundation of the country’s future.
He commended UBEC for its partnership with Delta State, noting that the meeting provided SUBEB chairmen with an opportunity to share experiences, identify common challenges and develop practical solutions to improve basic education delivery.
The D-SUBEB chairman also highlighted the state’s efforts to digitalise education and develop SMART Schools, as well as the use of technology for school administration and monitoring.
He said SMART Board technology and digital monitoring systems were strengthening school oversight and helping to address challenges such as teacher absenteeism.
The 30th Quarterly Meeting brings together UBEC management, SUBEB chairmen, education officials, development partners and other stakeholders to review progress, address common challenges and agree on measures to strengthen basic education delivery across the country.
The meeting is expected to deepen collaboration between UBEC and the states, accelerate the utilisation of available resources and strengthen planning, implementation and accountability in the basic education sector.
