By Stanley Onyekwere
In what seems as a major move to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has teamed up with the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB) to distribute a massive cache of teaching and learning materials to public schools across the nation’s capital.
The initiative, flagged off Thursday in Abuja, is part of a nationwide intervention under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at closing the gap in educational resources and improving classroom outcomes.
The FCT leg of the distribution includes a significant boost to both traditional and digital learning.
Key items handed over include: over 137,000 core textbooks, more than 40 interactive smart boards and 30 desktop computers, over 7,000 packs of exercise books and pencils, as well as essential school supplies including bags and shoes.
UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, emphasized that the distribution is designed to ensure every Nigerian child can compete globally.
“This initiative seeks to empower students with materials to improve their experience in the classroom,” Garba stated.
She further revealed that UBEC’s broader national efforts have recently led to the construction of 10,000 classrooms and the successful return of 700,000 out-of-school children to the formal education system.
On his part, the Mandate Secretary for the FCT Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, noted that the FCT Minister has already awarded contracts for the rehabilitation and renovation of 108 schools across the territory, with many projects already completed.
“The FCT Minister is making the President’s agenda a reality. This collaboration with UBEC further strengthens our mission to provide quality learning environments,” Hayyo said.
Acting Executive Chairman of FCT UBEB, Mrs. Florence Wenegieme, hailed the support as a “significant milestone” for educational excellence in the capital.
She urged teachers and pupils to utilize the materials effectively to justify the government’s investment.
Adding a royal perspective to the event, the Emir of Jiwa, Alhaji Idris Musa, commended the commission but issued a stern warning against the diversion of the materials. He stressed that the items must reach the intended students to ensure the project’s success.
The intervention also notably included over 100,000 Quranic learning materials specifically targeted at integrating out-of-school children within the Tsangaya Islamic education system into the broader basic education framework.
