The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has successfully unlocked more than ₦100 billion in previously unaccessed matching grants for states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), marking a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s basic education sector.
UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, announced the development on Thursday during a high-level media luncheon with education correspondents in Abuja.
According to Garba, the funds, which had remained dormant for years, are now being channelled into critical education projects, including school infrastructure, teacher training and initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes across the country.
She explained that the intervention aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and UBEC’s 2025–2031 Strategic Blueprint, which focuses on delivering measurable improvements in access to quality basic education.
“Today, UBEC is writing a new chapter in basic education. Guided by our 2025–2031 Strategic Blueprint and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, we are moving beyond reforms to deliver measurable results that are improving schools, empowering teachers and expanding opportunities for millions of Nigerian children,” Garba said.
She described the mobilisation of over ₦100 billion in matching grants as one of the commission’s most significant achievements, noting that the resources are already transforming learning environments nationwide.
Thousands of Classrooms, Toilets and Boreholes Delivered
Garba revealed that, in collaboration with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), UBEC has supported the construction of more than 4,600 classrooms and renovated over 6,100 classrooms across the country.
The commission has also provided over 334,000 pieces of school furniture, constructed 2,780 toilets, installed 678 boreholes, and established more than 2,300 Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE) Centres to improve access to quality learning for young children.
₦20.4 Billion Invested in Teacher Development
Highlighting the importance of teacher quality, the UBEC Executive Secretary disclosed that the commission has invested over ₦20.4 billion in professional development programmes for teachers.
She said the investment is aimed at improving classroom instruction, strengthening school leadership and enhancing accountability through the Effective Schools Programme and stronger School-Based Management Committees.
Expanding Digital Learning and Future Skills
Garba also outlined UBEC’s efforts to prepare Nigerian pupils for the digital economy through increased investment in technology-driven education.
According to her, the commission is expanding Digital Literacy Centres, strengthening Smart Schools, promoting Artificial Intelligence (AI), coding and robotics, and upgrading digital learning facilities to equip learners with future-ready skills.
In addition, UBEC has distributed more than 7.8 million instructional materials to schools nationwide to improve literacy, numeracy and foundational learning.
Inclusive Education Remains a Priority
The Executive Secretary said the commission is broadening access to education through programmes such as Open Schooling, Integrated Qur’anic and Tsangaya Education, girl-child education, and inclusive education for vulnerable learners.
She noted that partnerships with state governments, development agencies and the private sector remain crucial to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education.
“Our commitment goes beyond infrastructure and technology. We are expanding access to education through Open Schooling, Integrated Qur’anic and Tsangaya Education, girl-child education, inclusive education programmes and stronger partnerships to ensure that no child is left behind,” she stated.
Commitment to Transparency
Garba added that UBEC has introduced institutional reforms to strengthen transparency, improve project monitoring and promote data-driven decision-making, ensuring greater value for public investments in education.
She also described the media as an essential partner in advancing education reforms, urging journalists to provide balanced and factual coverage that promotes accountability while highlighting both achievements and challenges within the sector.
UBEC is the Federal Government agency responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Universal Basic Education programme across Nigeria. Through its matching grant system, the commission supports the development of public early childhood, primary and junior secondary education while driving reforms aimed at improving access, teacher capacity, digital learning and educational outcomes nationwide.
