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  • UBEC handover multi-million naira model smart school to Jigawa govt

    UBEC handover multi-million naira model smart school to Jigawa govt

    • Commission reaffirms commitment to smart education

    The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has handed over the newly inaugurated multi-million naira Smart School in Hadejia, Jigawa to the state government.

    The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, who inaugurated the school, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to digital technology-driven education in the country.

    Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, Garba said the event represented another significant milestone in the federal government’s ongoing efforts to reposition basic education as a strong foundation for national development.

    The Smart School integrates ICT-enabled classrooms, digital learning resources, modern laboratories, e-libraries, robotics and innovation hubs, and inclusive facilities for learners with special needs.

    The Hadejia Smart School brings the number of UBEC Smart Schools to 30, one in each state of the Federation and eight model one, in the six geopolitical zones and two in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    Garba disclosed that the UBEC Smart School Programme is a flagship reform initiative designed to transform teaching and learning within the basic education sub-sector through the strategic deployment of modern infrastructure, digital technology, and innovative pedagogy.

    She reaffirmed the commitment of UBEC to equipping the Nigerian child with the knowledge, skills, and values required to thrive in the 21st century, adding that the smart education programme reflected the federal government’s resolve to ensure that Nigerian children, irrespective of location or background, had access to quality, inclusive, and future-ready education.

    She highlighted the imperative of smart education, saying the conception of the UBEC Smart School Initiative was informed by the urgent need to change the narrative of learning outcomes in public basic education schools.

    Garba added that the schools were intended to serve as a benchmark of excellence, providing a model that States can replicate to improve the quality of education delivery nationwide.

    The executive secretary explained that through this initiative, UBEC, in collaboration with State Universal Basic Education Boards and with the support of the Federal Ministry of Education, is laying a solid foundation for technology-driven learning at the formative stages of education.

    She expressed gratitude to the Ministers of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa and Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, for their outstanding leadership and guidance in the education sector, especially the support for implementation of smart education programmes in basic education.

    Garba said: “These schools are designed to promote creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and the acquisition of relevant skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), thereby preparing learners for a rapidly evolving global environment.

    “The UBEC Smart School commissioned today in Hadejia is a State Model Smart School (Model II), thoughtfully designed to cater for learners at the pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary levels, including children with special needs.

    “The school is equipped with well-structured administrative and academic blocks, smart classrooms, e-libraries, science and introductory technology laboratories, robotics and vocational laboratories, health facilities, play areas, water and power infrastructure, and a secure learning environment. These facilities collectively provide a conducive atmosphere for effective teaching and meaningful learning.”

    Garba noted that beyond infrastructure, the Smart School Programme places strong emphasis on quality teaching and effective school management.

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    According to her, while the responsibility for staffing rests with the States, UBEC remains committed to supporting capacity building through training, ICT skills development, and professional guidance to ensure that only qualified and competent personnel are engaged in managing and delivering instruction in these schools.

    She lauded the Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi for his unwavering support for basic education and the strong collaborative partnership that facilitated the establishment of this Smart School, expressing hope that the school would serve as a model of excellence and a catalyst for educational transformation in Jigawa State and beyond.

    “The provision of land, security, and effective coordination by the State Government clearly demonstrates its firm commitment to improving learning outcomes and expanding access to quality education for the children of Jigawa State,” she stated.

    The UBEC boss further noted that the commissioning of the Smart School is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a new phase, maintaining that it is the collective responsibility to ensure the effective utilisation, proper maintenance, and long-term sustainability of the facility so that it delivers the intended impact on teaching quality, learner performance, and community development.

    “The UBEC Smart School in Hadejia stands as a symbol of innovation, hope, and progress. It represents our shared commitment to equipping the Nigerian child with the knowledge, skills, and values required to thrive in the 21st century,” she stated.

  • Terrorism: NAF, UBEC partner to boost security in schools

    Terrorism: NAF, UBEC partner to boost security in schools

    As part of the federal government’s efforts to prevent terrorists from infiltrating schools, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) have formed a partnership to prevent insurgent invasions of schools.

    The partnership was reached during a courtesy visit to UBEC by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Monday.

    According to a statement by the NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised strengthening national education security through a strategic partnership with educational institutions, like UBEC.

    Air Marshal Aneke noted that collaboration between security agencies and education stakeholders has become critical due to evolving threats targeting learning environments.

    The Nation reports that recently, 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted by bandits from a Catholic boarding school in Niger State, and 24 girls from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Kebbi State.

    The NAF Chief welcomed deeper cooperation under UBEC’s Safe School Programme to bolster monitoring, accountability, and protection of basic education institutions nationwide, particularly those in conflict-prone areas.

    He also highlighted NAF’s role in promoting secure, inclusive, and technology-driven schooling across its 33 educational institutions nationwide, 20 primary and 13 secondary, serving both military and civilian populations.

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    “Our responsibility extends beyond protecting communities to nurturing the future of the Nigerian child,” he said.

    Air Marshal Aneke said the NAF was already implementing measures to enhance teacher development, digital literacy, and facility upgrades across its schools.

    He outlined other priority areas for partnership to include intervention for upgrading NAF schools to accommodate more students, collaborative teacher training programmes, integration into UBEC’s digital education platforms, and joint quality assurance mechanisms.

    The CAS emphasized that stronger collaboration with UBEC would expand the reach and impact of these efforts, particularly in deploying modern safe-school technologies and learning systems.

    The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba, expressed the Commission’s readiness to strengthen strategic collaboration with the NAF and commended it for its contributions to national development beyond its defence mandate.

    She said, “No education system can thrive without safety, and no security framework is complete without education.”

    She welcomed the proposed areas of cooperation and affirmed UBEC’s commitment to sustained technical engagement that enhances school safety, improves learning delivery, and builds resilience across Nigeria’s basic education sector.

  • UBEC, Korean agency pledge to advance smart education

    UBEC, Korean agency pledge to advance smart education

    korea International Cooperation Agency, in partnership with Universal Basic Education Commission, has pledged to sustain and expand digital learning initiatives in Nigeria as the first phase of KOICA-UBEC Multimedia Education Project comes to a close.

    Speaking at 2025 KOICA-UBEC Key Stakeholder Closing Workshop in Abuja, Country Director of KOICA Nigeria Office, Eunsub Kim, said the partnership has demonstrated how technology can transform the nation’s education system through innovation, collaboration, and capacity development.

    He explained that the workshop is opportunity for teachers, pupils, and partners to share experiences and shape smart education in Nigeria.

    Kim noted that when KOICA and UBEC first launched the initiative, the goal was to help Nigeria build a foundation for technology-based learning by equipping teachers with digital skills and encouraging pupils to learn creatively and confidently.

    “We are united in our shared role of improving quality of education for Nigerian children through innovation and collaboration.

    “Today, we reflect on progress made under Multimedia Education Project, share lessons, and discuss how we can sustain and build on these achievements. “This is an opportunity to learn together and shape the next smart education in Nigeria,” Kim noted.

    He said through smart classrooms, content development studios, and intense training, they have seen how technology transform how we teach and how pupils think, collaborate, and solve problems.

    “This shows that smart education is not about devices or connectivity, but empowering teachers, engaging pupils, and creating an environment where innovation becomes a part of everyday learning.”

    As the project transitions to its next stage, Kim noted the need to focus on sustainability and scalability.

    “Our focus must shift from implementation to sustainability and scale,” he said.

    “KOICA remains fully committed to supporting Nigeria’s vision of inclusive and technology-driven education. Together, we can ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in a digital world.”

    Also, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at UBEC, Mr. Osahon Igbinoba, who represented the Executive Secretary of UBEC, described the Smart School concept as a viable model for educational transformation aligned with global best practices.

    Mr. Igbinoba also commended the winners of the Smart Education competition held during the workshop, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence.

    He added that the Smart School concept is a viable model for educational transformation that aligns with global best practices toward well-displaced and inclusive learning.

    Read Also: UBEC chief dedicates Fellowship to commission

     “Nigeria cannot be left behind in this technological age. Though there are challenges, they are surmountable, and based on what we have seen, I believe we will get there soon.”

    “On behalf of the Executive Secretary, I congratulate the winners,” he said. “To deepen this initiative, they need to work harder to achieve the set objective of digital learning in Nigeria. To other competitors, please continue to work hard.

    He lauded KOICA and other partners for their continuous support in delivering smart and inclusive education in Nigeria.

    The Project Management Consultant of the Ubion Consortium, Professor Dae Joon Hwang, called on the need for Nigeria to strengthen infrastructure and develop a clear implementation framework to ensure the success of its education innovation and digital transformation agenda.

    Prof. Hwang emphasised that creating master plans and concrete implementation strategies is vital to achieving sustainable digital education reform.

    “Creating master plans and developing concrete implementation strategies are crucial to successful education innovation through digital transformation in Nigeria,” he said. “This includes improving infrastructure, capacity building, educational content, school information systems, and performance evaluation.”

    Prof. Hwang noted that special attention must be given to ensuring a robust internet connection as well as a stable supply of electricity and water, describing them as essential to the effective operation of smart schools and other digital learning environments.

    He urged the government and stakeholders to leverage the achievements of the first phase of the KOICA Education Project to accelerate the ongoing digital transformation of Nigeria’s education sector.

    “We must build on the outcomes of the first phase to expedite digital transformation in Nigeria’s education system,” he added.

    Highlighting the importance of capacity building, Prof. Hwang called for the creation of a two-tier training strategy for teachers and school leaders to develop a critical mass of educators capable of sustaining innovation.

    “We can build a sustainable base for education innovation by adopting a two-tier capacity-building strategy, focusing on both teachers and school leadership across Model Smart Schools (23) and Effective Schools (111),” he explained.

    The consultant also stressed the need to strengthen community and institutional support systems, promoting wider participation in education innovation.

    “We must promote social support for quality education and digital transformation through active involvement of parents, School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), Education Technology Learning Communities (ETLCs), and academia,” he said.

  • UBEC, ICPC to deepen transparency

    UBEC, ICPC to deepen transparency

    Universal Basic Education Commission has said it will continue to promote transparency and accountability in basic education through partnership with Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    At a strategic meeting in Abuja, they stressed the need for stronger collaboration to ensure funds allocated for basic education are used in line with their intended purposes. The renewed partnership is part of efforts to promote integrity in education, improve service delivery, and enhance trust in government agencies in line with Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    UBEC, responsible for coordinating implementation of Universal Basic Education in the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, said it would ensure that every child of school age access free, quality basic education. Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, has always stressed that corruption and mismanagement of funds are challenges affecting achievement of this goal.

    Garba noted this will build on reforms in UBEC, particularly through the new Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units, which will ensure compliance with financial and procurement laws, ethical conduct and preventing misuse of funds meant for education.

    Garba said: “The partnership will strengthen delivery of free, quality basic education from pre-primary to junior secondary, ensuring funds are used for intended purposes.’’

    “Through the establishment of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs), strict compliance with the Procurement and Finance Acts, and continuous capacity-building, UBEC continues to champion integrity in public service.”

    UBEC, under the leadership of Garba has emphasized the importance of accountability mechanisms as a critical part of the Universal Basic Education programme, which covers pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary education. By ensuring that resources are used judiciously, the Commission hopes to bridge gaps in infrastructure, improve learning outcomes, and guarantee that millions of Nigerian children benefit from the education policy.

    The meeting with ICPC aligns with the Federal Government’s broader anti-corruption drive and the push for transparency across public institutions. The ICPC, established in 2000, has continued to play a leading role in enforcing anti-corruption laws and promoting ethical practices within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. In recent years, the Commission has partnered with several government institutions to strengthen internal control systems, encourage whistleblowing, and build the capacity of public servants in ethical compliance.

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    Education analysts have often noted that while Nigeria has made progress in expanding access to basic education, the challenge of corruption, especially in project implementation and fund disbursement, has slowed down the pace of improvement. Cases of uncompleted school projects, abandoned classrooms, and misappropriation of intervention funds have continued to raise concerns about accountability in the system. The renewed UBEC-ICPC partnership is therefore seen as a strategic response to these recurring issues.

    According to data from UBEC, the Commission disburses billions of naira annually to state governments through matching grants for infrastructural development, teacher training, instructional materials, and other basic education needs. However, the effectiveness of these interventions largely depends on how transparent and efficient the fund management process is at the state and local government levels.

    UBEC has also taken steps to digitize some of its processes, including monitoring and evaluation frameworks, to ensure real-time reporting and reduce human interference. The Commission continues to engage with stakeholders such as civil society organizations, community-based groups, and development partners to foster transparency and community ownership of education projects.

    Both UBEC and ICPC reiterated that the ultimate goal of their partnership is to ensure that no child is left behind in the pursuit of education and national development. By promoting transparency and integrity, the agencies aim to create a more sustainable and credible foundation for Nigeria’s educational future.

    The meeting ended with a joint resolution to sustain the collaboration through regular audits, awareness campaigns, and continuous training for staff members on ethical standards and financial compliance.

  • UBEC chief dedicates Fellowship to commission

    UBEC chief dedicates Fellowship to commission

    Executive  Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission, Aisha Garba, has dedicated the Fellowship given to her by Institute of Corporate Administration (ICA) to the commission and stakeholders working to improve basic education.

    Dr. Garba was honoured for her contribution to public service and educational development at ICA’s conference: “Driving High Performance and Excellence through Innovative Strategies,” at the weekend in Abuja.

    Her Special Adviser, Ibrahim Gold, received the award on her behalf.

    In her acceptance, Dr. Garba lauded the institute for the recognition, noting it would motivate the commission to deepen its commitment to innovative practice and excellence in public administration.

    “I accept this award not just in my name but on behalf of the team at UBEC and those working to improve basic education in Nigeria,” she said.

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    Dr. Garba praised the minister of Education’s commitment to Renewed Hope Agenda, describing his support as instrumental in driving impact at the foundational education level.

    She noted that UBEC is focused on innovation through initiatives that expand access to education in remote communities, modernise school infrastructure, and strengthen teacher capacity through digital tools and training.

    She stated, “Whether we are expanding access in remote communities, modernizing infrastructure, or investing in teacher training and digital tools, we are constantly seeking better ways to serve our children, our schools, and our nation.”

    Dr. Garba dedicated the fellowship to Nigerian teachers and every child whose right to quality education must never be compromised, while reaffirming UBEC’s resolve to ensure education for all.

  • UBEC partners JICA to upgrade facilities of model schools in FCT, Nasarawa, Benue

    UBEC partners JICA to upgrade facilities of model schools in FCT, Nasarawa, Benue

    *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.”

  • UBEC takes steps to reduce out-of-school syndrome

    UBEC takes steps to reduce out-of-school syndrome

    The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has taken steps to reduce out-of-school syndrome and increase enrolment across the country.

    Executive secretary of the commission, Aisha Garba, stated that the commission has provided complementary intervention towards enhancing the learning environment.

    Speaking during the South regional flag-off enrolment drive towards reducing out-of-school children held in Uyo, Garba said that UBEC is determined to make sure all school-going age children are enrolled, retained, and complete basic education that would equip them with basic numeracy and literacy.

    Represented by her Special Assistant, Ibrahim Gold, she stated that the commission has provided complementary intervention towards enhancing the learning environment.

    She listed increased teaching and learning materials supplies to schools, improved teacher availability and quality, and widened opportunities for stakeholder participation in school management through the School-Based Management Committees to reduce out-of-school children as some of the interventions.

    “In our quest to swiftly address the OOSC phenomenon, UBEC collaborated with UNICEF to develop a Framework of Action on Out-of-School Children, which serves as a roadmap.

    “It emphasizes innovative enrollment drive models, shared best practices, and state-led campaigns aligned with national education priorities.

    “Therefore, our enrolment drive is a critical endeavour that requires the active participation and engagement of all stakeholders; by working together, we can identify and address the challenges that hinder enrolment, develop effective strategies to promote education, and ultimately increase access to quality education for all,” she stated.

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    While speaking, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, said the government was tackling the issue of out-of-school children by sustaining the free education policy for primary and secondary schools, and the construction of model primary schools in the state.

    Eno, who was represented by the Commissioner of Education, Prof Ubong Umoh, mentioned that the model primary schools are given free books, free uniforms, and shoes, noting that the concept has increased school enrolment by four times in the last two years.

    “In Akwa Ibom State, we have intentionally approached the issue of out-of-school children holistically. We believe that no child should be left alone, nor should the circumstance of one’s birth foreclose the legitimate right of a child to enjoy quality education, which would, in the future, lift the child from poverty.

    “That is the reason we have sustained the free education from primary to secondary policy of previous administrations in the State and have gone ahead to construct model primary schools with modern facilities and living quarters for teachers, all aimed at bringing back what we once had. Christ the King Model Primary School, the venue of this event, was the first of such model schools to be constructed.

    “The pupils here and all other such model primary schools are given free books, free uniforms, and shoes, and this has seen our school enrolment quadruple in the last two years. We are also retraining our primary school teachers and have recruited hundreds of new ones who are exposed and equipped with modern teaching techniques.

    “We are also building model secondary schools that can compare with any such in the world over in the three senatorial districts, as well as the generous grants and bursaries we have provided our students in tertiary institutions,” he stated.

  • UBEC, firm to give 47m laptops, tablets to students, teachers, others

    UBEC, firm to give 47m laptops, tablets to students, teachers, others

    The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a United States (U.S.) corporation, Digital Learning Network (DLN), to implement a comprehensive National Digital Education Transformation Project to increase access and improve the quality of education.

    The MoU, which was signed at UBEC headquarters yesterday in Abuja, is meant to ensure distribution of 47 million laptops and tablets to students and teachers in the basic education sector – pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary schools.

    It is also meant to ensure equitable access to world-class digital learning tools, infrastructure, and training.

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    DLN, working with Deloitte Financial Advisory, United Bank of Africa (UBA) Plc., Zenith Bank Plc, and the National Credit Guarantee Company, will fully fund the project through private investments from development finance institutions that support its global technology partners and institutional investors.

    The UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, noted that the initiative would transform learning in pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary schools, especially in remote and underserved communities.

    She said the project represents one of the most significant educational technology initiatives globally.

    The core components, as contained in the MoU, include device deployment involving the distribution of 47 million DLN-branded laptops and tablets that are pre-loaded with digital textbooks and interactive learning materials and are fully aligned with the Nigerian curriculum set by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).

    There would also be the deployment of a robust hybrid internet infrastructure combining 5G, local telecom partnerships, and SpaceX’s Starlink satellite technology to guarantee minimum broadband speeds of 50 Mbps for schools, even in the most remote and rural communities.

    The UBEC executive secretary said there would also be a nationwide digital pedagogy programme for educators, administrators, and support staff in collaboration with the National Teachers’ Institute to ensure alignment with national standards.

  • UBEC to explore new measures to achieve mandate

    UBEC to explore new measures to achieve mandate

    The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Hajia Aisha Garba, has said the agency will explore new ways to improve efficiency, foster innovation, and deliver on its mandate.

    Hajiya Garba spoke yesterday in Ikeja at the commission’s two-day retreat for Senior Staff-Phase 2.

    The UBEC boss said the retreat was a critical step in advancing the commission’s goals of the 2025–2028 Strategic Blueprint.

    She said the commission had taken important steps to enhance the quality of teaching and learning through the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) programme.

    “We are equipping educators with the knowledge and tools they need to deliver better outcomes for children nationwide.

    “Our mandate is ambitious because we are shaping the future of millions of Nigerian children. The way we plan, collaborate, and lead has a direct impact on what happens in classrooms across the country,” she said.

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    Hajia Garba said over the past few months, there has been meaningful progress together with SUBEBs for the construction of over 4,900 classrooms, the establishment of 34 Model and SMART Schools, the provision of more than 353,000 units of furniture, and the impact on over 2.3 million learners.

    Deputy Executive Secretary Technical, Rasaq Olajuwon, said UBEC must routinely assess its progress, confront systemic bottlenecks, and realign its strategies to ensure improved learning outcomes for every child.

    “Given the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote inclusive and qualitative development for all Nigerians, the Federal Ministry of Education introduced the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) to revitalise the education sector and ensure more coordinated, accountable, and results-driven delivery.

    “The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is fully aligned with this national agenda, particularly the commitment to achieving the 13 ministerial deliverables linked to the Basic Education Programme,” he added.

  • UBEC targets 1m girls for empowerment, education

    UBEC targets 1m girls for empowerment, education

    The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has announced plans to educate and economically empower 1 million underserved Nigerian girls under the Learning, Uniting, Modernising, Innovating, Nurturing, Accelerating, and Harmonising (LUMINAH) 2030 initiative.

    UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, said this at the opening of a five-day programme on LUMINAH 2030-UBEC Migration and Establishment Agenda yesterday in Abuja.

    Garba said the commission had formally taken over the initiative from the Federal Ministry of Education.

    The UBEC executive secretary explained that the takeover of the project was a timely and necessary step to guarantee sustainability and long-term impact.

    She said: “LUMINAH 2030 illuminates the path to education and empowerment. It integrates schooling, skills training, caregiver support, and community engagement to address the root causes that have kept our girls out of school.”

    The UBEC executive secretary, who was represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Technical, Razak Akinyemi, applauded the contributions of Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), the global support programme that has nurtured LUMINAH 2030 since inception.

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    But she noted that AGILE’s international framework has a limited lifespan.

    Garba said embedding LUMINAH 2030 within UBEC ensures institutionalisation, alignment with Nigeria’s education priorities, and a lasting legacy.

    She said: “By institutionalising LUMINA within UBEC, we ensure that it will not fade away but endure. It is fully aligned with UBEC’s seven pillars in the 10-year roadmap (2021–2030) and the national education transformation agenda. Our expectations are clear: to deliver an inclusive, scalable, and data-driven model that reaches the most marginalized girls.”

    Garba outlined UBEC’s commitment to strong partnerships with state governments, the civil society, the private sector, and local communities.

    The UBEC executive secretary stressed the need for accountability and measurable impact through rigorous monitoring and evaluation.

    She urged participants to treat the migration process as more than a formality, but as a transformational moment that must yield concrete actions.

    “Every educator trained, every caregiver empowered, and every community mobilised is a victory for Nigeria,” Darba added.