UBEC Reports Drop in Unaccessed Education Grants

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) reported a significant decrease in unaccessed education grants, dropping from N260 billion to N26 billion. This reduction follows reforms introduced to enhance access to basic education resources.

Dr. Aisha Garba, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, disclosed this information during an interaction with members of the Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria.

She explained that 90 percent of the accumulated funds remain unaccessed due to states facing challenges in meeting previous requirements. The review of matching grant guidelines aims to provide states with the flexibility needed to develop their basic education action plans.

Garba noted that the reforms would enable states to access N100 billion in matching grants. She also highlighted that the funds contributed to constructing 4,600 classrooms, renovating 6,100 dilapidated classrooms, and providing essential facilities such as toilets and boreholes.

Furthermore, she mentioned that 40 percent of existing basic education infrastructure is in poor condition and emphasized the importance of teacher quality in transforming basic education.