On Tuesday, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) unlocked over N100 billion in previously unaccessed matching grants, with 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) now actively drawing down funds to boost basic education delivery across Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, disclosed this on Tuesday at the opening of the 29th Quarterly Meeting of the Management with Executive Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) in Abuja.
Garba explained that the development followed sustained, data-driven engagement with states, describing it as a major step toward addressing long-standing funding gaps in the basic education sector.
She said: “We unlocked over N100 billion in previously unaccessed matching grants, with 30 states and the FCT now actively drawing down on basic education funds.”
The UBEC boss added that the commission had also revised its matching grants guidelines to make them “Streamlined, transparent, and fit for purpose,” ensuring more efficient utilisation of funds
Highlighting progress recorded under the ongoing reform agenda, Garba revealed that over 8.7 million learners had benefited from improved learning conditions and instructional materials, while more than 244,000 teachers had been trained in inclusive pedagogy and digital literacy.
According to her, UBEC has transitioned from identifying systemic challenges to implementing large-scale reforms under its 2025–2031 Strategic Blueprint.
“This transition reflects our renewed role, not only as a funding institution but also as a systems enabler, driving alignment, strengthening delivery, and ensuring that impact is felt across all states.
The UBEC boss further disclosed that procurement performance had improved significantly, with a 95 per cent completion rate for 2024 projects, enabling faster delivery of interventions nationwide.
On digital transformation, she said the commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, had expanded access to digital learning platforms and strengthened teachers’ capacity in digital pedagogy.
Garba noted that UBEC was also enhancing data-driven decision-making through improvements to its Nigeria Education Data Initiative platform and the development of the Basic Education Management Information System.
She explained that under the revised funding formula, 75 per cent of grants would go to infrastructure, while the remaining 25 per cent would cover ICT, teacher training, planning, and education management information systems..
“These milestones signal a system that is becoming more coordinated, accountable, and increasingly results-driven,” she said.
Speaking on the theme of the meeting, “Accelerating Basic Education Performance Through Digitally Enabled Coordination,” Garba urged stakeholders to move beyond acknowledging the importance of digital transformation to fully institutionalising it.
“The effectiveness of our systems and the learning outcomes of our children will depend on the actions we take here.”
She commended the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, for their leadership, as well as development partners for their continued support to the sector.
Garba reaffirmed UBEC’s commitment to working closely with SUBEBs to improve coordination, strengthen performance, and deliver measurable impact in basic education nationwide.
