UBEC Urges States to Access N65bn Counterpart Funds, Utilise N267bn Intervention Funds

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has urged states to urgently access over N65 billion in counterpart funds and utilise approximately N267 billion in previously released intervention funds to improve basic education across the country.

The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, gave the charge in Asaba, Delta State, at the opening of the 30th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC Management with Executive Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), themed “Repositioning Basic Education in Nigeria to Optimise Investment and Impact.”

Garba said states had so far accessed more than N177 billion in UBE Matching Grants, while over N65 billion in counterpart funding remained unaccessed and about N267 billion in previously released intervention funds remained unutilised.

She said the figures showed that the challenge was no longer simply about making funds available, but ensuring that resources were properly planned, implemented and converted into measurable improvements in schools and learning outcomes.

Garba urged states to accelerate the utilisation of available resources and strengthen partnerships with the private sector, development partners and civil society organisations, noting that the scale of challenges facing basic education required broader and more sustainable financing.

She also announced the commencement of the review of UBEC’s Ten-Year Strategic Roadmap, which is being extended to 2026–2035 to align investments with emerging needs and strengthen implementation across the sector.

According to her, the review would provide a framework for improving the effectiveness of interventions and ensuring that investments produce measurable benefits for Nigerian children.

Garba further highlighted the HOPE-EDU Operation as an opportunity to strengthen systems, institutions and capacity for sustainable improvements in basic education. She urged states to prepare fully to participate and maximise the opportunities provided by the initiative.

She also unveiled the Basic Education Action Plan Management System (BEAP-MS), a digital platform designed to replace the largely manual process of preparing and submitting state action plans.

The system, she said, would improve coordination between UBEC and the states, enhance efficiency and reduce the need for repeated physical engagements at the commission’s headquarters.

Garba also outlined UBEC’s Whole School Approach, which she said was designed to move interventions away from isolated projects towards comprehensive school improvement.

Under the approach, facilities such as classrooms, water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, perimeter fencing, furniture and other essential amenities are integrated within selected schools to create more functional learning environments.

She said the successful conduct of the National Learning Assessment, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, would provide credible evidence to guide interventions, improve planning and strengthen learning outcomes.

Speaking through the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori described education as one of the most strategic investments any nation could make.

He said Delta State had prioritised education under its MORE Agenda, supported the Universal Basic Education programme and fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations.

Oborevwori also expressed appreciation to UBEC for approving two additional model SMART Schools for the state, noting that the government had already provided the required land.

He said the state had invested in classrooms, perimeter fencing, toilets, solar power facilities, furniture and staff quarters, alongside SMART Schools and technical and vocational education programmes aimed at equipping young people for a technology-driven economy.

The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, urged UBEC and SUBEBs to focus more on learning outcomes rather than expenditure, saying the success of education investments should be measured by the competencies children acquire and the opportunities created for them.

Azinge described investment in education as the highest form of national capital formation and called for greater attention to inclusive education for girls, children with disabilities, rural and nomadic populations, conflict-affected children and economically disadvantaged children.

He said every classroom constructed, child educated and competent teacher supported contributed to national productivity and the country’s future.

The Executive Chairman of Delta State Universal Basic Education Board, in his welcome address, said the meeting provided an opportunity for SUBEB chairmen to share experiences, identify common challenges and develop practical solutions for improving basic education delivery nationwide.

He commended Delta State’s investment in digital education and SMART Schools, noting that technology-driven school administration and monitoring systems were helping to strengthen oversight and address challenges including teacher absenteeism.

The quarterly meeting brings together UBEC management, SUBEB chairmen, education officials, development partners and other stakeholders to review progress and agree on measures to improve basic education delivery.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to working with states to strengthen accountability, improve resource utilisation and ensure that available education funds translate into better learning environments and outcomes for Nigerian children.