UBEC Urges States to Fund $552M Education Programme

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has issued a warning to state governments regarding the necessity of making adequate budgetary provisions for the implementation of the $552.18 million World Bank-supported education programme, known as the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity in Education (HOPE-EDU). This initiative targets 29 million Nigerian children and 500,000 teachers, alongside 65,000 public schools and 10,000 non-formal learning centres, including the construction of 13,000 new classrooms nationwide.

Dr Aisha Garba, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, stated that the programme became effective on February 27, 2026, and is now in its implementation phase. She urged state governments to incorporate relevant activities and funding into their 2027 budgets, warning that failure to meet funding requirements could result in losing access to corresponding disbursements.

The programme aims to improve learning outcomes, expand access to basic education, and strengthen accountability in education delivery across Nigeria.