The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has disbursed over ₦5 billion to communities across Nigeria as part of efforts to improve basic education and reduce the number of out-of-school children.
The announcement was made during the national flag-off of the 2025 School-Based Management Committee School Improvement Programme (SBMC-SIP) held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, UBEC Executive Secretary Aisha Garba said the initiative is part of a broader plan to strengthen school systems and ensure children stay in school.
“This represents a renewed national commitment to strengthening community participation in school governance and improving learning environments across the country,” she said.
She revealed that ₦5.18 billion has been set aside for the programme, targeting 518 communities nationwide, with each state and the Federal Capital Territory benefiting.
Represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Rasaq Olajuwon Akinyemi, she explained that the funds will be used to repair damaged school buildings, provide classroom furniture, and improve water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.
Garba stressed that keeping children in school is just as important as enrolling them.
“Access to education is important, but retention is what ensures that its promise is fulfilled. We must address the realities that force children out of school,” she added.
She also noted that the programme includes completing ongoing projects from earlier phases, alongside new funding to support them.
According to her, previous phases have supported over 1,100 schools and delivered thousands of interventions across communities.
Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the programme as vital to ongoing reforms in the education sector.
Represented by the Director of Basic Education, Folake Olatunji-David, the minister said the initiative aligns with national education policies aimed at increasing access to learning.
“These initiatives reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring that every school-age child is enrolled, retained, and able to complete basic education,” he said.
He urged stakeholders, including state education boards and community leaders, to ensure transparency and proper use of the funds.
Participants at the event also stressed the need for continued collaboration to ensure that education programmes lead to real improvements in schools across Nigeria.
