The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • 10 fully funded global scholarships for Nigerians to explore

    10 fully funded global scholarships for Nigerians to explore

    Are you a Nigerian student looking to pursue higher education abroad? Do you dream of studying at top universities worldwide without financial constraints? Look no further, We have got you covered, Below are 10 verified fully funded scholarships available to Nigerians, covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and more.

    1. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK/Commonwealth countries): Master’s and PhD studies, covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and visa costs.

    2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA): Master’s and PhD-level research, including living stipends (partially funded, depending on the award).

    3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany): Postgraduate studies, covering monthly stipends, health insurance, travel support, and sometimes full tuition waiver.

    4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EU): Graduate programs across European universities, covering participation costs, living allowance, insurance, and often travel.

    Read Also: UNN establishes grants, scholarships directorate for global academic collaboration

    5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (University of Cambridge, UK): Fully funded for non-UK applicants, covering tuition, living stipend (£20,000+ per year), travel, visa fees, and academic development grants.

    6. MEXT (Japan) Japanese Government Scholarship: Undergraduate, master’s, or PhD levels, providing tuition waiver, monthly stipend, airfare, and sometimes accommodation subsidy.

    7. Mandela Rhodes Scholarship (South Africa): Postgraduate studies in South Africa, including full tuition, accommodation, meals, book & general allowances, travel, and leadership training (open to candidates under 30).

    8. Leventis Foundation Scholarship (Greece): MBA or MSc in Finance at Alba Graduate Business School, covering full tuition, accommodation, and stipend (≈€250/month).

    9. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada): Doctoral studies, providing CAD 50,000 per year for up to three years, covering tuition and living expenses.

    10. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland): Postgraduate research, covering tuition, monthly living allowance, travel, and health insurance.

  • UNN pro-chancellor seeks greater investment in education

    UNN pro-chancellor seeks greater investment in education

    The Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Kayode Olubunmi Ojo, has called for more investment in the education sector by all tiers of government.

    He said this is a credible way to restore and regain Nigeria’s educational glory and recognition.

    The pro-chancellor noted that such investments would ensure that adequate facilities and modern infrastructure are provided to aid effective learning and teaching.

    Ojo spoke at UNN’s 54th convocation ceremony for the first degree and post-graduates degrees as well as honorary degree conferment on worthy individuals.

     The pro-chancellor noted that the problems plaguing the Nigerian higher institutions were enormous, including acute lack of facilities to infrastructural decay.

    He said the dearth of facilities could potentially stifle the development of education in the country.

    Ojo, however, expressed optimism that UNN would benefit immensely under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in infrastructural renewal, provision of modern facilities and adequate funding for research and innovations.

    READ ALSO: Transforming health sector

    He said his priorities include the provision of tight security and creation of an environment conducive for learning, scholarship, training, and development.

    Ojo said UNN’s admission quota had improved and capable of admitting more students, unlike in the past when it was difficult for some  diligent students to be admitted.

    Also, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele pledged Federal Government’s support to transform the institution with modern and befitting facilities in line with President Tinubu’s plan to upgrade tertiary institutions across the country.

    Bamidele, who was a guest at the conferment of honorary degree, Master’s degrees, and Doctor of Philosophy at the university, said the school needed improved security, digital learning facilities, good roads, as well pipe-bone water.

    Addressing reporters, Bamidele described the UNN as one of the institutions he always expected the best from at all times.

    He noted that with the intervention of the new governing council, the university was expected to be among the best in Africa.

  • Achievax Base Schools hold 18th valedictory

    Achievax Base Schools hold 18th valedictory

    Achievax Base Schools, Alakuko, Lagos, has held its 18th graduation ceremony with colour and excitement as pupils dazzled guests with choreography, cultural dances, a spelling bee, fashion parade, and more.

    Among the graduating pupils was the Senior Prefect, Joseph Omotola, son of the school’s Proprietor, Ayodeji Omotola, who expressed immense pride and joy over the accomplishments of the outgoing students.

    “I am overwhelmed with joy,” Omotola said. “You have completed your six-year journey with us, and I thank your parents for being the unwavering backbone of your success. They sacrificed time, resources, and comfort to see you through.”

    He urged the graduates to uphold the school’s core values—integrity, resilience, and excellence—as they take on new challenges. “Life will test you, but let your roots and values guide you. You’re not just equipped with knowledge but with wisdom. Each of you has unique potential, and your achievements will be immeasurable.”

    Read Also: Keyamo’s aide gives free schools uniforms to pupils in Iperu Remo

    Highlighting the celebratory mood, Head of the Economics Department at Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olarenwaju Ogunlana, wowed the crowd with a self-composed school anthem, “Achievax Base Schools is stronger and stronger,” drawing resounding applause.

    Senior Prefect Joseph Omotola and his female counterpart, Olamide Coker, expressed gratitude to their parents and teachers for their support and guidance. They encouraged their peers to embrace the future with courage and urged junior students to “be bold and kind.”

    Distinguished guests included LASU scholars—Dr. Atoyebi Kehinde, Dr. Abarin Titilayo, and Mr. Dotun Kabir, as well as the event chairperson, Mrs. Oreyemi Elizabeth.

  • Oyo maintains high female enrollment in WASSCE, NECO SSCE – Report

    Oyo maintains high female enrollment in WASSCE, NECO SSCE – Report

    Oyo State has maintained high female enrollment in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council Senior School Certificate Examination (NECO SSCE) with roughly equal participation by girls and boys across public schools.

    For the third year in a row, Saki East local government area is having consistently high performance in examinations while LGAs such as Ibarapa North, Iwajowa, Irepo, and Iseyin reported low progression rates with up to 90 percent of girls failing to achieve the necessary credits for advancement in some cases.

    The reports form parts of findings of the Volume II report of the State of Girl Child Education (SoGE) in Oyo State launched by a non governmental organization, Onelife Initiatives.

    Funded by Malala Funds, the report which was launched at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of educational equity for girls in the state by bringing together key stakeholders, who provided a comprehensive analysis of the current state of girl child education in the state.

    The stakeholders included representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Women Affairs, civil society organisations, education networks, and students from eight public schools in the state

    Presenting the report, the Executive Director of Onelife Initiative, Sola Fagorusi, expressed concerns over the findings, stating that the drivers of high performance in Saki East Local Government Area of the state remained unclear and are not easily replicable in other areas where girls are consistently underperforming. 

    He emphasised the importance of using the report to inform decisions that would lead to impactful interventions for the growing population of girls in the state’s secondary schools and beyond.

    According to him, the findings of the report did not only celebrate progress, but also highlighted ongoing challenges, serving as an essential guide for future interventions aimed at empowering girls and fostering their academic success.

    He said: “The academic cycles of 2023 and 2024 reveal a complex and growing landscape for the girt child education in public secondary schools across Oyo State. Progress is evident in many districts, but persistent disparities highlight the urgent need for targeted intervention. 

    “Our findings in this Vol. II revealed that Oyo State maintained high female enrollment in both the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council Senior School Certificate Examination (NECO SSCE) with roughly equal participation by girls and boys across public schools

    “For the 2024 NECO SSCE, 13,202 girls sat for the public exam, compared to 11,351 in 2023, demonstrating both population growth and increased school retention. The pass rate for girls (minimum five credits including English and Mathematics) improved slightly from 52.2% (2023) to 54.8% (2024) in NECO SSCE. 

    “The gender gap is narrowing, boys saw a pass rate of 56.5% in 2024, compared to 54.8% for girls, thus down from a 6% gap in 2023. In some LGAs, girls matched or even outperformed boys. Standout performances for girts are still rare. 

    “Saki East led with a 62.6% pass rate among females, while the majority of LGAs recorded pass rates under 40% for girls. In the worst-performing LGAS, notably Ibarapa North, Ibarapa East, Afijio, Iseyin, and Irepo less than 2% of female candidates passed. Some rural LGAs sadly saw zero girts meet the benchmark.

    Read Also: Oyo Assembly approves appointment of civil, judicial service commissions members

    “Of note is the consistent colourful performance by Saki East Local Government in WASSCE and NECO SSCE over a 5-year period. What is however worrisome is that the drivers of these performances are not clear and duplicable in underperforming Local Government Areas like Ibarapa North, Iwajowa, Irepo, Iseyin and others where more than half and sometimes up to 9 in 10 girls failed to obtain the required credits for progression. 

    “Several schools in these areas reported no girls passing at all. It is not surprising that urban and relatively resource-rich LGAs displayed far better outcomes for girls. However, select rural locations (notably Saki East) demonstrated otherwise. The “urban advantage remains clear, but it is not absolute, focused interventions can and do deliver strong results even in rural spaces.”

    Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, who was represented by the Local Inspector of Education, Ibadqn North, Mr. Kayode Okesade, praised Onelife Initiative’s efforts and reiterated the state’s commitment to girl child welfare through initiatives like Menstrual Hygiene Day and the Day of the Girl Child.

  • Group donates books, others to pupils

    Group donates books, others to pupils

    Pupils of Talim –ul  Primary Schools , Yaba , Lagos were delighted  when Advancing Inclusive  Education  for Arts, (AIEA) a non-governmental organisation based in Lagos recently donated books, candies, beverages  and other consumables to them.

    Donating the items, co-founder of the organisation, Dang Dang Ying, stated that she was happy to extend charity to pupils.

    She said: “We are here not just to donate notebooks but to sow seeds — seeds of learning, of curiosity, and of hope.  These notebooks may seem like simple tools, but within their blank pages lie the power to shape dreams, sharpen minds, and build a better future.

    “At AIEA, we believe that education is the most effective weapon for empowerment. It is the bridge that connects a child’s potential to their possibilities.

    “And every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to that bridge.

    Read Also: Attaining food sovereignty is Nigeria’s target – Shettima

    “To the pupils here today: let your imagination run wild, let your curiosity guide you, and let your education be your superpower. And to the teachers and administrators: thank you for the incredible work you do, day in and day out, to shape young minds.”

    Chief Project Advocacy  and Communication Officer  at AIEA, Chilaka Patrick added that AIEA is poised to ensure that public schools in need of educational intervention in host communities in Lagos, are given the much needed support since the government cannot do it all alone.

    Educational Officer 1 at Talim-ul Islamadiya Primary school, Azeez Kamil Adeleke, thanked the organisation for its gesture and promised to make good use of the donations to the benefit of the pupils.

    He said: “We are happy to see this people come to our school today to donate writing materials to our pupils and want to believe that if their parents were to see what is being given to their children, they will be happy too because majority of our parents are struggling to send their children to school especially when it comes to writing materials. The pupils are happy, we teachers too are also happy. We are very grateful.”

  • Aptech, German varsity to offer Nigerians final-year degree entry

    Aptech, German varsity to offer Nigerians final-year degree entry

    Aptech, a global leader in vocational and technology-driven education, has signed a landmark Articulation Agreement with Germany’s International School of Management (ISM).

    The agreement is to create a new academic pathway for Nigerian students.

    Through this partnership, students enrolled in Aptech’s Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering (ADSE) programme can now gain direct entry into the final year of ISM’s undergraduate degree in Information Systems via a credit transfer arrangement.

    Read Also: AfDB commits $1.2m to Nigeria Battery Energy storage system feasibility study

    The agreement allows Nigerian students to transfer credits earned during their ADSE training and complete their degree at ISM by studying 13 additional modules.

    Upon graduation, students will earn a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Information Systems from ISM, one of Germany’s leading private business schools.

    The partnership was officially signed at ISM’s headquarters in Dortmund by Prof.Audrey Mehn, Managing Director of ISM; Caroline Krabs, Head of International Business; and Liu Yue, Head of Student Intake.

  • Educationist to pupils: imbibe academic excellence

    Educationist to pupils: imbibe academic excellence

    The keynote speaker at Dominican College’s Prize giving/Graduation ceremony, Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, has urged pupils to debunk the belief that ‘education is a scam’.

    “Education is not a scam. To the graduates, as you progress to a higher level of learning,  make sure that it improves you intellectually and socially, so that you give yourself the opportunity for your desired future success,” she said.

     Outstanding pupils were awarded at the ceremony. They received prizes for their outstanding academic achievements in Mathematics, English studies, Science and technology, Languages, Food and nutrition, Data processing, ICT, Web design and coding, Catering and confectionaries, event planning and decorations.

    Read Also: How bio technology can tackle Nigeria’s food crisis, by clerics, experts

    In her speech titled “Audacity to stand alone”, Mrs. Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, urged the pupils to have the audacity to mould themselves and be different from others.

    “Your preparation starts now. You must distinguish yourself to be too excellent. Be the first to break barrier in your lineage. Good grades matters. Not just to pass. Good character matters,” she said.

  • Connecting with Nigeria’s best minds through Diaspora BRIDGE platform

    Connecting with Nigeria’s best minds through Diaspora BRIDGE platform

    In a historic first by the Bola Tinubu-led administration, the Federal Government has introduced a platform to close gaps in education and research as well as raise Nigeria’s global academic standing. Frank Ikpefan reports

    On Monday, the government took a bold step to connect with Nigerian professionals in diaspora with the launch of the Bridging Research, Innovation, Development, and Global Engagement (BRIDGE) Diaspora Platform.

    The platform serves as a national handshake across oceans to connect with Nigeria’s best minds and strengthen tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

    Experts believe that the platform would help turn Nigeria’s brain-drain into a brain-gain. It will also provide the opportunity to harness talents of Nigerians abroad to transform education in Nigeria.

    The Diaspora BRIDGE platform was unveiled at a colourful event at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja by Vice President Kashim Shettima, along with Ministers of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad; Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Yusuf Tuggar among other dignitaries. Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah represented the Nigerian Governors’ Forum at the event.

    What the initiative is all about

    The platform was developed through strong collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Education and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and is designed to work seamlessly with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund); National Universities Commission (NUC); National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and other key agencies.

    The platform was developed to connect Nigerian professionals and academics in the diaspora with tertiary education and research institutions across Nigeria.

    It is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at leveraging the expertise of Nigerians abroad to advance national development goals in education, science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEM-M).

    The platform enables diaspora professionals to register, upload their credentials, and indicate areas of interest.

    Nigerian institutions, in turn, can conduct self-assessments, identify research and teaching gaps, and request targeted collaborations.

    The platform also includes features such as virtual seminar hosting, e-learning modules, collaboration tracking, and a searchable directory of experts and also supports project life cycle monitoring, from proposals to execution, through integration with TETFund’s Tertiary Education, Research, Application and Services (TERAS).

    Experts on the initiative

    A research expert, Dipo Awojide, who is a Senior Management Consultant in the United Kingdom, in a short video on X (Twitter), said the platform provides an opportunity for Nigerian professional in diaspora to contribute to research.

    He said: “I am really proud of the Minister of Education, Dr. Alausa for introducing the Diaspora BRIDGE – a great initiative that will benefit the Nigerian education sector. I look forward to bringing my knowledge back home.

    “It is an opportunity for us to connect with Nigerian universities and research institutes. I could get the opportunity to teach in the University of Lagos (UNILAG); Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU); University of Abuja (UNIABUJA; Osun State University; Ahmadu Bello University Zaria etc.

    “As someone who has supervised two PhD students and being an internal examiner for a PhD graduate, this is an opportunity for me to contribute to research in Nigeria.”

    While presenting an overview of the platform, Special Adviser to the President on Diaspora Engagement, Dr. Bayo Adedewe, said BRIDGE was anchored on President Tinubu’s vision to institutionalise diaspora contributions.

     “The idea is to tap into the immense potential of our professionals abroad and create a system that ensures their contributions are structured, impactful, and aligned with national priorities,” he explained.

    Vice President: this is a very good programme

    Speaking at the launch, Shettima, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, described the platform as a symbol of restored trust, a framework for renewed partnership, and a strategic pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He said: “BRIDGE is not just another government programme; it is a deliberate effort to reconnect Nigeria’s greatest asset, its people, no matter where they are in the world.

    “By building a technology-enabled platform that connects diaspora professionals with institutions in Nigeria for research, teaching, mentorship, and innovation, we are not only opening doors, we are redesigning the architecture of collaboration.

    “We are saying to our diaspora: ‘You belong. You matter. You are needed. And we are saying to our institutions: You will no longer be left behind in the global conversation.’”

    The Vice President said that the platform will help reverse years of fragmented engagement between diaspora professionals and home institutions caused by distance, bureaucracy, and a deficit of trust.

    “This programme recognises a simple truth: that Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people — both at home and abroad. Our scholars, scientists, technologists, teachers, doctors, and innovators are scattered across the globe, achieving great things and raising the Nigerian flag high in every corner of the world. What we lacked was a system to harness their passion and expertise in a structured, dignified, and sustainable manner. That is what BRIDGE provides.”

    Platform is a bold, transformative step, says Alausa

    On his part, Dr. Alausa said that the platform was a bold and transformative step to restore Nigeria’s intellectual capital and global partnerships.

    He stated: “This is a defining moment for our country. Nigeria can no longer afford to watch its finest minds excel abroad while our institutions struggle at home. BRIDGE is a powerful response to that challenge. It’s a call to action and a national handshake across oceans.

    “Through BRIDGE, we are launching a digital platform that allows for collaborative teaching, mentorship, joint research, capacity-building and policy innovation — all driven by diaspora and home-based professionals alike.

    “It will offer flexible channels for virtual and physical engagement, and empower universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and teaching hospitals to define their specific needs and match them with global Nigerian expertise.

    “In doing so, we will not only close gaps in education and research, but raise Nigeria’s academic standing in the world.”

    The minister added: “As someone who trained in Nigeria and excelled abroad, I understand the importance of giving back. BRIDGE is our answer to turning brain-drain into brain-gain, connecting those who left, with the institutions they once called home.

    “We’re not just asking our diaspora to return, we’re creating flexible pathways to contribute through collaborative teachings, virtual mentoring, research, curriculum review and institutional development.

    “To our diaspora professionals — this is your invitation to reconnect. Not as outsiders looking in, but as co-builders of a better Nigerian education system.

    “To our institutions — BRIDGE will help you access talent, partnerships, and innovation from beyond our borders. And to our students — BRIDGE is a promise that your education will prepare you to compete and lead in the global knowledge economy.”

    The minister said that BRIDGE would enable structured collaboration through teaching, mentorship, joint research, policy innovation, and project partnerships, all within a flexible digital environment.

    He revealed that the platform would also integrate with TETFund’s TERAS to ensure transparency and seamless project monitoring.

    Read Also: New dawn for Nigeria’s secret police

    BRIDGE is a game-changer, says Dabiri-Erewa

    Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the Federal Ministry of Education for what she described as a game-changer that will redefine how the diaspora contributes to nation-building.

    She said: “This initiative is not just a digital hub, it’s a national bridge. We’ve spoken with the diaspora for years, but BRIDGE now gives them the platform to engage meaningfully.

    “We salute your sacrifices and urge you to share your knowledge, mentor our learners, organise workshops, and offer scholarships. Together, we will move Nigeria forward.”

    Dabiri-Erewa revealed that some Nigerian diaspora professionals have already started donating equipment and medical resources to support local institutions.

    “This is our moment. Let us all take advantage of it,” the NiDCOM chair added.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, described the platform as a necessary ideological shift that will not only strengthen the education sector but also reduce the pressure for migration.

    “This platform offers remote learning and collaboration opportunities that can keep our talents connected without necessarily relocating,” he said.

     Pate: a step toward deepening trust

    Also speaking, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the initiative was a step toward deepening trust and shared responsibility between diaspora and local stakeholders.

     “This is more than a digital platform. It’s about building national capacity by combining the power of both Diasporas and locals,” Pate stated.

    Nnaji: programme is timely

    Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, said the programme was timely and strategic in a world where innovation moves rapidly.

    “Nigeria cannot afford to let brilliant minds remain disconnected. BRIDGE aligns with our ministry’s mission to upgrade national research capabilities,” he said.

    ‘An urgent call to reconnect our diaspora with our local institutions’

    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, who represented the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, said BRIDGE was “an urgent call to reconnect our diaspora with our local institutions.”

    He stressed the importance of preparing Nigerian graduates to not only compete globally but to become local innovators and builders of our future.

    According to Mbah, the initiative is designed to match diaspora expertise with local institutions based on identified needs, fostering targeted collaborations aligned with Nigeria’s development goals.

    He said: “In addition to serving as matchmaking-hub for expertise and institutional needs, the BRIDGE empowers Nigerian tertiary institutions to conduct self-assessments, identify gaps in teaching and research, and express interest in specific collaborations.

    “This forum offers more than a passive nod to education as the single most important sector upon which Nigeria’s socio-economic fate depends.

    “For years, understanding of the role of the Nigerian diaspora was mostly via the basic economic lines of their remittances.

    “What has been lacking is a formal platform where their expertise and collective financial part could be hosted. Let us recognise, however, that this gathering is not just for the discussion.

    “It is urgent call to reconnect global expertise with local purpose.

    “We must build living bridge between rich patterns of our diaspora and developmental needs of Nigeria’s higher education system.”

  • Outcry over states’ failure to utilise accessed N250b UBEC cash

    Outcry over states’ failure to utilise accessed N250b UBEC cash

    Amidst outcry of underfunding of the education sector, stakeholders have expressed concerns over the alleged N250 billion still being retained as unutilised in the coffers of the 36 State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) and the Federal Capital Territory UBEB, Assistant Editor Bola Olajuwon reports.

    Education sector and problem of underfunding

    There is a consensus that current funding levels in the Nigerian education sector are insufficient to meet the sector’s needs and that the situation is impacting infrastructure, teacher training and welfare, curriculum development and overall educational outcomes.

    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recommends that countries allocate 15% to 20% of their total public expenditure to education in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals. While some have mistakenly cited a 26% recommendation, UNESCO’s official recommendation is within the 15-20% range.

    Nigeria’s budget this year allocates N6.13 trillion to education, representing 9.27% of the total national budget. This falls short of UNESCO’s recommendation and the World Bank’s 20-30% benchmark for education funding. While the allocation is an increase from previous years, experts suggest it remains insufficient to address the sector’s challenges.

    States’ failure to utilise accessed N250b UBEC cash

    This is why stakeholders were alarmed over the week that amidst the underfunding crisis, out-of-school challenge and learning difficulties, state governments allegedly retained N250 billion Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funds they accessed instead of utilising the resources to develop basic education.

    UBEC is a federal agency saddled with coordinating all aspects of the UBE programme implementation. It was introduced in 1999 as a reform programme aimed at providing greater access to and ensuring the quality of basic education. Its vision is to be a world-class education intervention and regulatory agency for the promotion of uniform, qualitative and functional basic education in Nigeria.

    Its mission is to operate as an intervention, coordinating and monitoring agency to progressively improve the capacity of states, local government agencies and communities in the provision of unfettered access to high-quality basic education.

    The scenario of not utilising accessed N250 billion cash baffled education stakeholders since the most common issue with the UBEC fund was the failure of states to provide counterpart funding to enable them to access it. The commission (UBEC) had in November last year revealed that a staggering N135,540,905,308.92 in matching grants had not been accessed by states between 2020 and 2023.

    Speaking on the issue, UBEC Executive Secretary Dr. Aisha Garba, who was represented by Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Razaq Akinyemi, disclosed the new twist to the UBEC arrangement at a financial management training programme in Abuja.

    Dr. Garba said: “The basic challenge remains not only accessing the remaining UBE Intervention Fund, but importantly, the slow utilisation of the Fund with over N250 billion still being retained as unutilised in the coffers of the 36 SUBEBS & FCT-UBEB as at today.”

    Lapses identified by the UBEC boss included slow access to the UBE Matching Grant, slow utilisation of the fund, non-compliance with the fund utilisation guidelines, diversion of funds, non-deduction and remittance of taxes, non-compliance with the due process in the award of contracts for the execution of basic education projects, and non-adherence to the approved action plan, among others.

    Garba emphasised that UBEC’s goal was to ensure that participants understood and carried out the very crucial responsibility of ensuring that every naira allocated to the UBE programme was accounted for and effectively utilised in ways that add value and have a positive impact on the learning outcomes of the Nigerian child.

    “That is why we have carefully ensured that this particular training is expected to cover a range of pertinent areas, including the new template for preparing SUBEB Action Plans, Overview of the Nigerian Tax Reforms Act, 2025, financial infractions, violations resulting in audit queries & red flags in the execution of UBE-funded projects, Procurement Procedures, and maintenance of financial records, among others,” Dr. Garba said.

    Stakeholders react

    To the Chairman of Board of Trustees, National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, the alleged failure to utilise accessed N250 billion UBEC cash is a surprise and appalling.

    Ogunbanjo asserted:  “I don’t know why the state governments do not want to play their own part in order to access the funds. I think states must make use of the opportunity, put their own funds there in order to access it. So, states must be encouraged and must understand that they have to access these funds to improve education.

    “Now, they’ve paid counterpart funding, they’ve accessed the funds, and they are keeping the funds in bank accounts or something. They are not spending the money for basic education.

    Read Also: Accessibility of UBEC funds under review, says education minister

    “We don’t want to use the word divert, but they refused to spend the money. But, there are guidelines before you access the funds, and after accessing the money, what you should do with it.

    “Well, I think NAPTAN will ensure that every stakeholder in the education sector ensures that we condemn it. Then, we need the list of the states that have accessed it and are not doing anything with money accessed.

    “If we can get the list, then we will ensure that all those states tell us why they are not spending that money for what they said they are going to spend it on. We have to complain to the Federal Government to do something about the situation.

    “It’s only five months to the end of the year. So, next year, there will also be another budget. So, the Federal Government should declare those states that have not accessed it ineligible for next year.

    “They should give theose who accessed the funds deadlines to ensure that they are being utilised before the end of the year.”

    Professor Kayode Soremekun, a Senior Fulbright Research Scholar and Rockefeller Fellow and a former Vice Chancellor of Federal University Oye-Ekiti noted: “This dismal disposition on the part of the various subnational governments speaks to the zero priority, which is attached to education.

    “Beyond this is the clear demonstration that they even lack ideas as regards how to get things done in this critical area of our national life.

    “Prior to now, we all thought that the problem around this particular issue revolved around the lack of capacity to provide the relevant and requisite counterpart funding. But now, with the funds accessed and nothing is still happening, it shows that the problem goes beyond funding. It centres on attitude.

    “Such an attitude is vividly reflected in the latest broadsides from the U.S Embassy in Nigeria. Specifically, it was reported that state governors are more interested in building giant edifices rather than governance and building facilities like schools and clinics.

    “So, what we are really seeing in terms of these unaccessed funds is perversely consistent with the dehumanising and dehumanised profile of our post-colonial masters.”

    Executive Coordinator for Iyaniwura Children Care Foundation, Olajumoke Matilda Otitoloju, said the underfunding of education in the country remained a critical barrier to national development.

    “While the government has consistently lamented a lack of funds, the revelation that over N250 billion from the UBEC remains unutilised by states is both troubling and unacceptable.

    “This failure reflects a deeper issue—not just funding, but poor governance, lack of political will, and weak accountability structures within the education sector. When states are unable or unwilling to provide the required counterpart funding to access these funds, it means children are being denied the infrastructure, teachers, and resources they desperately need,” Otitoloju said.

    Therefore, she said: “Governments should prioritise education in state budgets. State governments must stop treating education as an afterthought. Counterpart funding should be promptly provided to unlock UBEC grants. UBEC disbursements and usage should be tracked publicly. Civil society, media and education stakeholders must be empowered to monitor the implementation of projects.

    “Governments should strengthen capacity: Some states lack the technical ability to plan and execute education projects. UBEC and the Federal Ministry of Education must assist states in developing these capacities.

    “Ultimately, education is too important to be left to chance. Governments at all levels must take responsibility—not just for allocating funds, but for spending them wisely and effectively to secure the future of our children and the nation.”

    Also commenting on the issue, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, IA Foundation, Ibironke Adeagbo, advised government to prioritise education in budgeting.

    “States need to treat education as a core development pillar, not an afterthought. They need to allocate a significant percentage of their budgets to education. Release funds on time and ensure that implementation is transparent.

    “Federal Government needs to take out the state’s UBEC counterpart funding from their monthly allocation before giving it to the state. States with poor educational infrastructure and high out-of-school children should be named and shamed. The UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, must work collaboratively with state governments to ensure they carry out their responsibility to provide basic education for the citizenry.”

  • Fed Govt sets up panel on FCE Akoka crisis

    Fed Govt sets up panel on FCE Akoka crisis

    The Federal Government has inaugurated a special visitation panel to investigate and resolve the lingering institutional crisis at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka.

    The 10-member panel was inaugurated on Tuesday in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

    Alausa explained that the panel’s formation followed a report submitted by the Governing Council of the College, which documented a prolonged crisis that had severely disrupted academic and administrative operations at the institution.

    He described the government’s action as a decisive step toward addressing the crisis holistically and restoring discipline, accountability, and effective governance at the college, as well as at other tertiary institutions facing similar issues.

    “This is not a fault-finding mission driven by sentiment. It is a structured intervention aimed at restoring institutional integrity and creating an environment conducive to learning and academic growth.

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    “The panel has been given a two-week deadline to submit its findings and recommendations to the ministry,” he said.

    Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening institutional credibility under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Alausa urged members of the panel to approach their task with diligence, fairness, and a strong sense of national duty.

    Responding on behalf of the panel, Chairman Mohammed Abubakar, SAN, pledged a thorough and impartial investigation into the crisis at the institution.

    “I am accepting this knowing full well that it is a very important responsibility.

    “I assure you that we will leave no stone unturned in getting to the root of the problem,” Abubakar stated.

    He commended the minister for his foresight in constituting the panel and lauded the selection of experienced professionals to handle the assignment.

    He also assured the minister, the commission for Colleges of Education, and all stakeholders that the panel would discharge its duties with integrity, objectivity, and professionalism.

    The panel has been tasked with examining the background and nature of the crisis, investigating the role of staff unions, and assessing the actions of both former and acting Provosts.

    It is also expected to identify individuals involved in misconduct and evaluate the College’s internal disciplinary mechanisms, among other responsibilities.

    Members of the panel include Prof. Faruk Haruna, Dr Adamu Kwami, Dr Ismail Aidatu, Dr Smart Olubeko, Dr Danladi Misheliza, Mr Omotayo Adeyemi, Peters Adeyemi, Godwin Egbunefu, and Mr Etu Samuel.