8.7m learners benefit as 30 states access UBEC funds 

…commission releases over N100bn for education

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has announced that more than 8.7 million learners across Nigeria have benefited from its interventions within the past year, as over 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory accessed funding for basic education.

UBEC also disclosed that it has unlocked over N100 billion in previously unutilised funds, significantly boosting the implementation of projects across the country.

Aisha Garba, Executive Secretary of UBEC, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja during the commission’s 29th quarterly meeting with Executive Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs).

According to Garba, the achievements were driven by improved collaboration between UBEC and SUBEBs, aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She explained that beneficiaries include pupils who received instructional materials, improved classroom environments, furniture, and access to better sanitation facilities, as well as nearly 500,000 teachers who underwent training.

Garba noted that the commission has shifted from routine administrative processes to more coordinated and large-scale reforms aimed at transforming the basic education sector.

“In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and through joint interventions by SUBEBs and UBEC, we have impacted more than 8.7 million learners within just one year.

“These are students who have benefited from the instructional materials distributed, the improvement in learning conditions, the wash facilities, the furniture, as well as almost 500,000 teachers who have been trained,” she said

On funding, she revealed that UBEC successfully unlocked over N100 billion previously unaccessed by SUBEBs, with more states now actively utilising the resources.

“We have unlocked over N100bn that was previously unaccessed by SUBEBs. Now over 30 states and FCT are actively drawing from and using the fund more actively and effectively,” Garba stated.

Garba also highlighted improved project execution, noting that about 95 per cent of projects initiated in 2025 had already been completed, reflecting better efficiency and delivery.

She emphasised that digitalisation remains central to ongoing reforms, extending beyond classroom tools to include planning, management, and accountability processes within the education system.

According to her, from 2026, all basic education action plans will be fully digitised to enhance transparency and enable real-time access to data by stakeholders and development partners.

Despite the progress, the UBEC boss raised concerns about infrastructure deficits in some schools, citing overcrowding and inadequate sanitation facilities.

“We have seen schools with over 5,000 students and fewer than 10 toilets. That is not acceptable. There must be minimum standards,” she said.

In his remarks, Shehu Adaramaja, Chairman of SUBEB in Kwara State and Dean of SUBEB Chairmen, acknowledged the potential of digital reforms but warned of practical challenges such as poor infrastructure, limited capacity, and unreliable electricity supply.

He added that improved digital systems would enhance transparency by enabling better tracking of projects, teacher training, and fund utilisation across states.

“Technology on its own does not resolve coordination. The real task is not just adoption but alignment

“When you begin to think through what it requires, it becomes less tidy.

“You start to see practical questions about readiness, infrastructure gaps, capacity issues, and even electricity problems,” Adaramaja explained.

Also speaking, Rasaq Akinyemi, UBEC Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), said the commission would focus on consolidating the gains made while strengthening coordination among stakeholders.

Nigeria’s basic education sector continues to grapple with challenges including inadequate infrastructure, uneven teacher distribution, and resource gaps, despite ongoing reform efforts.