The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has announced plans to adopt new strategies to effectively deliver on its mandate of ensuring equitable access to quality basic education across the country.
Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday during a stakeholders’ review meeting on the state of basic education. He noted that despite progress made under the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme, several challenges still hinder the sector’s optimal performance, particularly issues of out-of-school children, inadequate infrastructure, and poor teacher quality.
According to him, the commission is working on a comprehensive reform plan that will incorporate technology-driven learning, improved teacher training, and stronger accountability frameworks for states receiving UBE intervention funds.
“We recognize that basic education is the foundation for national development. UBEC is therefore exploring innovative approaches to ensure no Nigerian child is left behind. This includes leveraging digital learning platforms, promoting community participation, and ensuring timely disbursement and utilization of intervention funds,” Bobboyi said.
He stressed that state governments must show stronger commitment in counterpart funding and proper management of resources, adding that UBEC alone cannot achieve the mandate without effective collaboration.
Also speaking, the Director of Academic Services, Mrs. Amina Ali, revealed that UBEC will soon roll out pilot projects in selected states aimed at integrating smart classrooms, strengthening early childhood education, and addressing gaps in rural schools.
Representatives of civil society groups and education experts at the meeting commended UBEC’s renewed commitment, but called for transparency, better monitoring, and involvement of local communities to ensure sustainability.
Education analysts say the new measures, if well implemented, could significantly improve learning outcomes and reduce the over 10 million out-of-school children population in Nigeria.
