The Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, says it has facilitated the mobilisation of more than N100 billion in previously un-accessed matching grants for states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to accelerate improvements in basic education infrastructure and learning outcomes across Nigeria.
Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, disclosed this at a Media Luncheon with Education Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria, ECAN, in Abuja on Thursday.
Garba said the Commission was implementing far-reaching reforms under its 2025–2031 Strategic Blueprint, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, to deliver measurable improvements in schools, teacher quality and access to education.
She noted that the funds are already being channelled into projects that are transforming learning environments nationwide.
She stated that, in collaboration with State Universal Basic Education Boards, SUBEBs, UBEC has constructed more than 4,600 classrooms, renovated over 6,100 classrooms, provided 2,780 toilets, drilled 678 boreholes, and supplied over 334,000 pieces of school furniture.
She added that the Commission has also supported the establishment of more than 2,300 Early Childhood Care Development and Education Centres to strengthen foundational learning.
The Executive Secretary disclosed that UBEC has invested over N20.4 billion in teacher professional development, describing quality teachers as the foundation of a strong education system.
According to her, the Commission is improving classroom practice, strengthening school leadership and enhancing accountability through the Effective Schools Programme and more vibrant School-Based Management Committees.
She further revealed that UBEC is expanding Digital Literacy Centres nationwide, strengthening Smart Schools and promoting the teaching of Artificial Intelligence, coding and robotics to prepare learners for a technology-driven future.
She added that more than 7.8 million instructional materials have been distributed to schools to improve literacy, numeracy and foundational learning.
Garba also highlighted the Commission’s efforts to expand access to education through Open Schooling, Integrated Qur’anic and Tsangaya Education, girl-child education and inclusive education programmes.
She said UBEC is deepening collaboration with state governments, development partners and the private sector to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality basic education.
The UBEC boss noted that the Commission has introduced institutional reforms aimed at improving transparency, project monitoring and data-driven decision-making to ensure greater value for public investments in education.
She called on the media to remain active partners in promoting accountability and showcasing progress in the education sector through balanced and factual reporting, stressing that the transformation of basic education requires the collective efforts of government, teachers, parents, communities, development partners and the media.
Garba reaffirmed UBEC’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive and future-ready basic education system that guarantees every Nigerian child, regardless of background or location, access to safe, equitable and quality education.
