UBEC Unlocks Over N100bn for Basic Education Funding

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has accessed over N100 billion in previously unutilised matching grants to boost basic education delivery across Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba stated this during the opening of the Commission’s 29th quarterly meeting with Executive Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) held in Abuja, Nigeria.

Garba attributed unlocking of the funds to reforms in the matching grant guidelines, which have been revised to ensure transparency, efficiency, and ease of access for states.

She said that “the now easily accessible funds have enabled 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory to actively draw down on grants that had remained idle for years, stressing that the intervention has already impacted about 1.8 million children within one year, alongside broader gains across the sector.”

According to her, the meeting, themed “Accelerating Basic Education Performance Through Digitally Enabled Coordination,” underscores the Commission’s renewed focus on leveraging technology to improve planning, monitoring, and service delivery.

Garba explained that “UBEC’s shift from diagnosing systemic challenges to implementing large-scale reforms under its 2025–2031 Strategic Blueprint has begun to yield measurable results.”

“Throughout 2025, our focus shifted from diagnosing systemic challenges to implementing coordinated, large-scale reforms under the 2025-2031 Strategic Blueprint. This transition reflects our renewed role, not only as a funding institution but also as a systems enabler in the states in the country.

“The results of this collective effort are already evident. Over 8.7 million learners have benefited from improved learning conditions and instructional materials. while more than 244,000 teachers have been equipped with skills in inclusive pedagogy and digital literacy to improve learning outcomes.

“Through sustained, data-driven advocacy, we unlocked over 100 billion in previously un-accessed matching grants, with 30 states and the FCT now actively drawing down on basic education funds. It is aimed at ensuring that every Nigerian child reaches their full academic potential,” Garba explained

She said that prior to the reforms, over N200 billion remained unaccessed due to bureaucratic bottlenecks and low state participation.

Garba further informed that within the past year, the Commission also supported the construction of over 4,000 classrooms and the renovation of more than 5,000 facilities, including toilets and water systems.

The UBEC boss said digitisation has played a central role in the transformation and relationship between UBEC and SUBEBs,

“it enables states to apply for and track funds through an online dashboard cutting processing time from several months to about five days in a more efficient and transparent system,” she said.

Garba called on all the states across Nigeria to key into digitisation process, maintain and sustain it.

The Deputy Executive Secretary, UBEC (Technical), Rasaq Olajuwon Akinyemi stressed the importance of strengthening accountability and achieving better outcomes at the school level using data-driven coordination.

Also the Chairman of SUBEBs, Shehu Adaramaja said digital tools offer significant promise, urging states “to promptly address infrastructure gaps, manpower shortages, and capacity challenges to fully realise their benefits.”

“Effective coordination, powered by integrated digital systems, would enhance planning, improve reporting, and ensure that investments translate into measurable outcomes in classrooms,” he said

UNICEF education Manager, Jutaro Sakamoto acknowledged that technology plays important role in strengthening education systems, however there was the the need for adequate investment in teacher capacity and human resources, as digital tools alone cannot deliver results.

“UNICEF is commitment to supporting Nigeria through data systems, digital learning platforms, and national learning assessments to improve decision-making and educational outcomes,” he said.

The two days meeting involved UBEC and SUBEBs stakeholders from across Nigeria