UBEC Disburses ₦5 Billion to Combat Out-of-School Crisis

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has initiated a renewed effort to tackle the out-of-school crisis in Nigeria by disbursing ₦5 billion across the country. This initiative was announced during the flag-off of the 2025 School-Based Management Committee School Improvement Program (SBMC SIP) held in Abuja.

UBEC Executive Secretary Aisha Garba emphasized the importance of strengthening the school system to ensure children remain in classrooms. The program targets 518 communities nationwide, with ₦5.18 billion earmarked for various improvements, including the rehabilitation of damaged school structures, provision of classroom furniture, and enhancement of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.

Garba highlighted that beyond enrollment, retention remains a significant concern in the education sector. The program also includes the completion of ongoing projects from previous cycles and aims to support 1,100 schools through various interventions.

Minister of Education Tunji Alausa described the initiative as critical for ongoing reforms in the education sector.