The 28th Quarterly Meeting of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) with the Executive Chairpersons of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was held in Maiduguri, bringing together education leaders, policymakers, and officials from across Nigeria.
Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba opened the meeting by welcoming participants, and commended the Borno State Government for its gaint strides in Education sector across the state.
“It is my pleasure to welcome you today to the 28th quarterly meeting of UBEC and the Executive Chairpersons of the State Universal Basic Education Boards.
“This gathering provides us an important platform to reflect on our achievements, align our strategies, and renew our commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child, regardless of background, has access to quality basic education,” she said.
She highlighted recent achievements in Borno State, including visits to newly commissioned schools the bilingual education school in Kologuna, and a 60-classroom facility in Zanali Kaleri.
- “These schools are a reflection of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative’s vision: modern, safe learning spaces that inspire academic excellence, creativity, and hope. Today, we have witnessed what leadership and determination can achieve, and Borno State stands as a symbol of resilience and progress,” the executive secretary said.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, commended the Federal Government and state collaboration, he said, “We are implementing system-wide reforms to strengthen basic education, improve teacher quality, enhance infrastructure, and expand digital learning. Our goal is to ensure that every child, especially in underserved and conflict-affected regions, has a pathway to success.
“The leadership and vision we see in Borno are exceptional. The quality of these schools, classrooms, and facilities is unmatched. I have visited universities and other schools across Nigeria, yet what we see here in primary and secondary schools in Borno is outstanding. This demonstrates that political will and prioritisation of education can transform communities.”
Governor Babagana Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s focus on education as the foundation for development, “we have to ensure that teachers are supported with accommodations and incentives.
Very soon, in sha Allah, the government will roll out plans to motivate teachers and expand technical and vocational education. Education is key to the prosperity of our children and the future of Borno State,” the Governor said.
Teachers welfare
Zulum also highlighted the state’s commitment to teachers’ welfare, noting that the minimum wage has been fully implemented for primary and secondary school educators. He emphasized the importance of inclusive and safe learning.
“Our vision is that every child, every girl and boy, should compete with their peers anywhere in the world. We will continue to invest in human capital, modern facilities, and educational programs that restore hope and opportunity to our communities.”
The meeting also highlighted UBEC’s ongoing role in providing infrastructure support, teacher training, and digital learning tools nationwide, with a particular focus on vulnerable and displaced children.
Both the ES and the governor stressed the importance of collaboration between federal and state agencies to ensure inclusive and quality education.
Lateefah Ibrahim