Federal Gov’t Reaffirms Commitment To Functional Basic Education To School-age Population

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an environment conducive to providing functional basic education to Nigeria’s school-age population.

Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, who announced this in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital during a 5-day training programme, disclosed that 56 Master Trainers have been trained for the recently launched UBEC Effective Schools Programme selected from states across the southern part of the country, including Kwara and Kogi States.

Dr Bobboyi also said the programme marks a significant step towards enhancing educational quality and accessibility.

The UBEC chief further emphasised that the programme was part of the commission’s broader efforts to address the dual challenges of the learning crisis and the high number of out-of-school children.

He said UBEC had taken steps to achieve an effective UBE programme in 111 schools, adding that there were 3 UBE Effective Schools per senatorial zones and 3 in FCT which were selected as pilot for the programme.

Bobboyi added that the training of Master Trainers is one of the activities in the implementation of the ESP.

He added that, “The schools have been equipped with ICT equipment with alternative power supply to enable technology-supported teaching and learning.

“To this end, the commission has established 37 Smart Schools, one in each state and FCT, with some already operational. A Digital Resource Centre (DRC) has been built and commissioned.”

Bobboyi also stressed that the establishment of UBE effective schools aims to provide Nigerian children with the necessary resources for improved learning outcomes and the acquisition of 21st-century skills.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman, OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Adeniran highlighted that the board under his supervision had keyed into the smart education system initiated by UBEC.

He said the board is currently recruiting, with the aim to employ 7,000 primary school teachers who are digitally literate.

Adeniran maintained that the efficient operation of the smart schools in the state, would enhance the overall effectiveness of UBE delivery by ensuring that all educational programmes meet and maintain minimum standards.

The Director, Teachers’ Development, UBEC, Mr. Mayowa Aleshin noted that the UBE Effective schools programme represents a substantial investment in Nigeria’s educational future.

He said it aims to bridge gaps in learning and foster an environment where every child could thrive academically.