Thirty states, FCT tap UBEC N100bn, reach 8.7m learners

The scale of Nigeria’s basic education intervention is coming into clearer focus, as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) reveals that more than 30 states and the FCT have accessed its N100 billion intervention fund previously unassessed.

Aisha Garba, the executive secretary at UBEC, disclosed this during the commission’s 29th quarterly meeting with executive chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards, when she said that the interventions have reached more than 8.7 million learners across Nigeria within a year.

Speaking at the meeting with the theme, ‘Accelerating Basic Education Performance Through Digitally-Enabled Coordination’, Garba said, “In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and through joint interventions by SUBEBs and UBEC, we have impacted more than 8.7 million learners within just one year.

 “These are students who have benefited from the instructional materials distributed, the improvement in learning conditions, the wash facilities, the furniture, as well as almost 500,000 teachers who have been trained.”

She emphasised that the commission is committed to transforming basic education through digital innovation and improved coordination with state education boards.

Besides, she said that the achievement reflects a shift from routine administration to more coordinated and large-scale reforms in the sector.

 “Over the past year, we have entered a decisive phase in the evolution of universal basic education in Nigeria.

 “Throughout 2025, you must agree with me when I said the focus has shifted from business as usual in basic education to a more systematic, coordinated, and large-scale reform nationwide,” she said.

Moreover, Garba emphasised that improved funding access and collaboration with states have strengthened implementation, with more states now utilising education funds.

“We have unlocked over N100bn that was previously unaccessed by SUBEBs. Now over 30 states and FCT are actively drawing from and using the fund more actively and effectively,” she said.

Speaking about the commission’s project delivery, Garba said, “Within just 2025, already 95 percent of the projects have been completed. This shows timely delivery of interventions.”

The UBEC boss also underscored the role of digitalisation in driving reforms, particularly in planning and accountability.

Garba also expressed concerns about inadequate infrastructure in schools, citing instances of overcrowded facilities with insufficient sanitation.

“We have seen schools with over 5,000 students and fewer than 10 toilets. That is not acceptable. There must be minimum standards,” she said.

Rasaq Akinyemi, UBEC deputy executive secretary (Technical), speaking at the meeting, said that the commission would focus on consolidating gains and improving coordination.

Nigeria’s basic education sector continues to face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, uneven teacher distribution, and gaps in learning resources across states.

Despite ongoing reforms, implementation has often been affected by funding delays and coordination issues between federal and state education bodies.