Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has disclosed that it facilitated the mobilisation of over ₦100 billion in previously unaccessed matching grants by states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of efforts to transform Nigeria’s basic education sector.
Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajia Aisha Garba, made this known on Thursday at a media luncheon with education correspondents, where she highlighted the commission’s achievements and outlined its reform agenda under the 2025–2031 Strategic Blueprint.
Garba said the funds are being invested in improving learning environments across the country, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to her, UBEC, in collaboration with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), has constructed more than 4,600 classrooms, renovated over 6,100 classrooms, provided 2,780 toilets and 678 boreholes, and supplied more than 334,000 pieces of school furniture nationwide.
She added that the commission has also supported the establishment of over 2,300 Early Childhood Care Development and Education Centres to strengthen foundational learning for young children.
On teacher development, the UBEC boss said the commission has invested over ₦20.4 billion in professional development programmes aimed at improving classroom instruction, school leadership and accountability through the Effective Schools Programme and strengthened School-Based Management Committees.
Garba also said UBEC is expanding Digital Literacy Centres, strengthening Smart Schools, and promoting artificial intelligence, coding and robotics to equip learners with skills required in a technology-driven world. She noted that more than 7.8 million instructional materials have been distributed to schools across the country to improve literacy, numeracy and foundational learning.
The Executive Secretary said the commission is also widening access to education through initiatives such as Open Schooling, Integrated Qur’anic and Tsangaya Education, girl-child education and inclusive education programmes, while deepening partnerships with state governments, development partners and the private sector.
She further highlighted institutional reforms designed to improve transparency, project monitoring and data-driven decision-making, stressing that the commission is committed to ensuring value for every investment in basic education.
Garba described the media as a critical partner in advancing education reforms, calling for balanced, factual and constructive reporting to strengthen public confidence and encourage greater stakeholder participation.
“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,” she said.
She reaffirmed UBEC’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child, regardless of background or location, has access to safe, inclusive, equitable and quality basic education.
