The Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, has said over 8.7 million learners across Nigeria have benefited from improved learning conditions and access to instructional materials under its 2025–2031 Strategic Blueprint.
Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, disclosed this on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 29th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC Management with Executive Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards, SUBEBs, in Abuja.
Garba, who also disclosed that over 244,000 teachers have been trained in inclusive pedagogy and digital literacy, said the achievements mark a significant turning point in the Commission’s reform efforts.
“Over the past year, we have entered a decisive phase in the evolution of the Universal Basic Education programme. Our focus shifted from diagnosing systemic challenges to implementing coordinated, large-scale reforms under the 2025–2031 Strategic Blueprint,” she stated.
She added that the outcomes of these reforms are already visible across the country.
“Over 8.7 million learners have benefited from improved learning conditions and instructional materials, while more than 244,000 teachers have been equipped with skills in inclusive pedagogy and digital literacy.
“These gains represent meaningful progress towards improving learning outcomes across the basic education system,” Garba said.
The UBEC boss also credited the progress to strong leadership within the education sector, acknowledging the roles of the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, as well as development partners.
Speaking on financial disbursements to states, Garba revealed that sustained advocacy efforts helped unlock over N100 billion in previously un-accessed matching grants, with 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory now actively utilising basic education funds.
“We have finalised revised Matching Grants Guidelines that are streamlined, transparent, and fit for purpose, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring every Nigerian child reaches their full academic potential,” she noted.
She further disclosed that procurement performance improved to a 95 percent completion rate for 2024 projects, enabling faster and more efficient delivery of interventions nationwide.
Garba emphasised that digitisation remains central to UBEC’s reform agenda, citing expanded access to digital learning platforms, improved teacher capacity, and enhanced classroom delivery through interactive content.
“Digitisation is not only transforming classroom delivery; it is a critical enabler for strengthening coordination, improving efficiency, and ensuring that decisions are guided by timely and reliable data,” she said.
According to her, the meeting’s theme, “Accelerating Basic Education Performance Through Digitally Enabled Coordination,” reflects the Commission’s next phase of reform, focused on embedding digital systems into planning, monitoring, and implementation processes.
She urged stakeholders to move beyond acknowledging digital transformation to fully institutionalising it.
“The effectiveness of our systems and the learning outcomes of our children will depend on the actions we take here,” Garba said.
While reaffirming UBEC’s commitment, she said the Commission would continue to work closely with SUBEBs to strengthen coordination, improve performance, and deliver measurable impact across Nigeria’s basic education sector.
