UBEC Unlocks Over N100bn in Dormant Education Funds for States, FCT

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has unlocked more than ₦100 billion in previously unaccessed matching grants for states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), marking a major milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen basic education across Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, disclosed this on Thursday during a high-level media luncheon with education correspondents in Abuja.

According to Garba, the funds, which had remained dormant for years, are now being invested in critical areas, including school infrastructure, teacher development, and improved learning outcomes, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She explained that the commission’s 2025–2031 Strategic Blueprint is driving a shift from policy reforms to measurable improvements in access to quality basic education across the country.

Garba said the intervention has already delivered significant results through collaboration with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), including the construction of more than 4,600 classrooms, renovation of over 6,100 classrooms, provision of 2,780 toilets, 678 boreholes, and more than 334,000 pieces of school furniture. The commission has also established over 2,300 Early Childhood Care Development and Education Centres nationwide.

On teacher development, she revealed that UBEC has invested over ₦20.4 billion in professional training programmes aimed at improving classroom instruction, strengthening school leadership, and enhancing accountability through the Effective Schools Programme and School-Based Management Committees.

Garba also highlighted the commission’s increased investment in technology-driven learning to prepare Nigerian pupils for the digital economy, while urging the media to continue supporting transparency and accountability in the education sector.

She stressed that transforming basic education requires sustained collaboration among government, teachers, parents, communities, development partners, and the media.