The Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board, FCT UBEB, has flagged off the distribution of about 140,000 instructional materials to public basic schools across the FCT, to strengthen teaching and learning.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, said the intervention is expected to directly benefit no fewer than 10,000 pupils across the territory.
She stressed the importance of the initiative, declaring: “The instructional materials we are distributing today are not just books; they are tools of empowerment, resources that will enable our teachers to teach more effectively and our pupils to learn more meaningfully.”
Garba reiterated UBEC’s broader commitment to improving education nationwide, stating: “Education remains the cornerstone of national development… Our goal is clear: to build a strong, inclusive, and equitable education system that leaves no child behind.”
She further linked the intervention to ongoing national reforms, noting: “The Nigerian child remains at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda… our resolve to place Nigerian children at par with their counterparts across the globe remains unshaken.”
The UBEC boss added that the FCT distribution builds on several nationwide interventions already implemented by the Commission, including millions of learning support kits, library resources, and instructional materials deployed across states.
Also speaking, the Acting Chairman of FCT Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs. Florence Wenegieme, described the exercise as a landmark moment for education in the territory.
“Today marks a significant milestone… Education is the bedrock of the development of every nation, and that is why we must continue to strengthen it,” she said.
Wenegieme assured stakeholders of transparency and inclusiveness in the distribution process, adding: “These materials are going to be distributed to all the six area councils… to strengthen education in the FCT and encourage children, especially those out of school, to return to the classroom.”
She also expressed appreciation to UBEC for its sustained support: “We are highly honoured to collaborate with our parent agency… for ensuring that these materials are provided to enhance the growth of education in Nigeria and in the FCT in particular.”
On his part, the Emir of Jiwa, His Royal Highness Idris Musa, raised concerns about accountability in the handling of public education resources.
“If these items reach the schools, those who are going to handle them should not divert them… If you go to schools, most of the items that have been donated, you cannot see them again,” he cautioned.
The traditional ruler stressed that proper utilization of the materials would restore confidence in public schools, adding: “That is what makes us backward… people who can afford it refuse to take their children to public schools because there are no materials.”
He called on traditional leaders to take active roles in monitoring schools, saying: “I urge all traditional rulers to be visiting schools to ensure that these items remain there in the interest of the public.”
