*Signs MoU to boost STEM, vocational education
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have entered into a new phase of school improvement collaboration to advance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as well as pre-vocational education.
Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba made this known during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UBEC and JICA at UBEC headquarters in Abuja.
The UBEC chief explained that the project is a grant aid from the Japanese Government aimed at strengthening the foundation of basic education in Nigeria.
She noted that the implementation of the project would lead to the upgrade of facilities in selected model schools across Nasarawa, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to promote STEM education and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
According to her, five model schools under the project would be upgraded to serve as regional learning hubs, equipping students with hands-on experience in computing, home economics, and technical skills, in line with the newly developed national curriculum.
Garba added that the initiative focuses on providing an improved learning environment through new science laboratories, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) rooms, vocational workshops, and gender-sensitive sanitation facilities.
The UBEC executive secretary said: “We are here not just to sign documents, but to reaffirm a shared commitment, between our two countries, our institutions, and our people, to the future of education, and most importantly, to the children whose lives will be directly impacted by this initiative.
“This project, focused on improving the learning environment in selected model schools across Nasarawa, Benue, and the FCT, is much more than infrastructure and equipment.
“It’s about creating spaces where young minds can thrive in science, technology, mathematics, and pre-vocational education. It’s about ensuring that girls have continued access to education and ultimately, it’s about giving every child the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.
“Because these model schools cater for both primary and junior secondary levels, the investment will have a broad impact—ensuring that learners experience a smooth transition as they progress through the education system, with continuous exposure to STEM and vocational learning from an early age.”
She noted that the UBEC relationship with JICA is not new as they have had a long history of working together to expand access to education and improve quality teaching.
She added: “Between 2004 and 2016, JICA supported the construction of over 1,000 classrooms, nearly 1,000 wash facilities, and water facilities across five states. These were not just buildings, they were lifelines for communities and opportunities for thousands of learners.
“Over 200,000 teachers have benefited, and independent assessments confirm that it is making a measurable difference in classrooms.”
Country Representative of JICA in Nigeria, Mr. Ishigame Keiji, noted that the new Grant Aid project titled “the Project for Educational Environment Improvement at Model Schools for Basic Mathematics, Science and Pre-Vocational Education” is targeted at improving school facilities and equipment necessary for STEM and vocational education.
He commended UBEC and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for their leadership and collaboration, noting that the new initiative reflects Japan’s continued commitment to improving learning outcomes in Nigeria.
The JICA representative explained that the project’s vision extends beyond infrastructure, aiming to position the model schools as regional hubs for educational excellence.
Keiji said: “Through these efforts, we hope to contribute to the development of industrial human resources vital for Nigeria’s future. In the educational sector, JICA remains committed to tackling the global challenge of learning poverty by supporting initiatives that improve learning outcomes.”