FG to reform UBEC funding guidelines, upskill youths in modern agriculture

The federal government has announced plans to reform the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funding guidelines and introduce modern agricultural training for young Nigerians, in a bid to strengthen basic education and tackle youth unemployment.

Suwaiba Ahmad, the minister of state for education, said efforts are on to revise the guidelines for state governments to access intervention funds from UBEC.

Ahmad disclosed this during an interactive session on government-citizen engagement organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) in Kaduna, when she said the aim is to introduce more flexibility and performance-based fund disbursement.

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The minister emphasised that future fund releases will be tied to clear performance metrics to ensure quality control and value for money in education projects across states.

Meanwhile, Aliyu Abdullahi, the minister of state for agriculture, unveiled a new initiative targeting the empowerment of young farmers.

Abdullahi highlighted the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration, involving agriculture, environment, water resources, livestock development, and the marine and blue economy sectors, to achieve sustainable agricultural growth.

Besides, he announced plans by the ministry of livestock development to establish breeding centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to boost livestock productivity and sustainability.

The minister said the ministry of agriculture and food security, in collaboration with the ministry of education, is redesigning the agricultural curriculum to equip youths with modern farming skills, technology-driven knowledge, and innovative practices.

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The initiative aims to improve education delivery while equipping the next generation with practical, future-proof skills in agribusiness and food production.