TMV Hails UBEC for Releasing N100bn Unaccessed Education Grants to States

The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has commended the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for mobilising and disbursing N100 billion in previously unaccessed matching grants to states, describing the move as a landmark intervention in Nigeria’s basic education sector.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary, Segun Ogedengbe, the group said the intervention was particularly significant because many state governments had failed over the years to provide the counterpart funding required to access the grants.

TMV noted that the release of the funds forms part of UBEC’s efforts to deliver measurable improvements in basic education under its 2025–2031 Strategic Blueprint, while aligning with the education objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The group recalled that UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, had recently outlined the commission’s achievements during a press luncheon in Abuja, highlighting major investments in school infrastructure and learning facilities across the country.

According to TMV, the commission has constructed 4,600 classrooms, renovated more than 6,100 classrooms, provided 2,780 toilets and 678 boreholes, while distributing 334,000 pieces of school furniture nationwide.

It observed that one of the most remarkable achievements was the mobilisation and disbursement of N100 billion in previously unaccessed matching grants to states.

“It is gratifying that under the present administration, the commission mobilised as high as N100 billion, which we believe will go a long way in helping it deliver on its mandate,” the group said.

TMV explained that matching grants are jointly funded by the Federal Government and state governments, with states traditionally required to contribute 40 per cent counterpart funding before accessing the federal allocation.

It, however, noted that many states had been unable to meet this obligation over the years, leaving substantial education funds unutilised.

The group argued that the Federal Government’s decision to release the funds despite the inability of the affected states to fulfil their counterpart obligations demonstrated its commitment to improving access to quality basic education.

“We also applaud the Federal Government under President Tinubu through UBEC for the release of the funds despite the inability of the affected states to fulfil their own side of the bargain. We consider this gesture unprecedented and a milestone in the benevolence of the Tinubu administration in the education sector,” the statement added.

TMV further maintained that the commission’s achievements reflected the impact of ongoing reforms within the education sector, particularly in the areas of transparency, project monitoring and data-driven decision-making.

The group expressed confidence that the reforms would strengthen service delivery and improve learning outcomes across the country, while urging UBEC to sustain what it described as its commitment to accountable governance.

It added that the release of the unaccessed grants underscores the Tinubu administration’s resolve to invest in the education of future generations and ensure that no state is left behind in the drive to improve basic education.