By Mariam Abeeb
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has announced that its nationwide interventions have impacted over 8.7 million learners within a single year. This milestone coincides with the successful unlocking of more than N100 billion in previously dormant education funds.
The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, disclosed these achievements on Tuesday during the commission’s quarterly meeting with the State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) in Abuja.
According to Garba, the strategic release of funds has led to tangible improvements in the classroom experience.
These interventions, according to herhave prioritized facility upgrades, instructional materials, and teacher development.
This, said manifest in the renovation and construction of school buildings, provision of essential learning tools for students, and nearly 500,000 teachers have undergone specialized training.
Garba described this progress as a significant shift from “routine administration” to a “coordinated national reform” strategy.
A major hurdle for basic education in Nigeria has historically been the inability of states to access federal grants due to a lack of matching funds. However, Garba noted a positive trend as over 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are now actively accessing their allocations.
UBEC reports that 95% of projects initiated in 2025 have already been completed, reflecting a major improvement in delivery timelines
“We have unlocked over N100 billion, enabling more effective implementation across states.
“This is not just about classroom tools, but about transforming management and accountability systems,” she stated.
Looking ahead, the commission plans to fully digitize education action plans starting in 2026. While digitalization is a cornerstone of the reform agenda, officials acknowledge that technology is not a “silver bullet.”
SUBEB Chairman Shehu Adaramaja cautioned that digital reforms must be grounded in practical reality. “Technology alone cannot solve coordination issues without proper alignment,” he noted.
Despite the financial breakthroughs, severe infrastructure gaps remain. Many schools continue to struggle with high student-to-teacher ratios, and inadequate water and toilet facilities.
Education experts maintain that while the unlocking of N100 billion is a landmark success, sustained funding and rigorous policy coordination will be critical to long-term improvements in Nigeria’s basic education sector.
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