One of the vital structures in the educational system in Nigeria is the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). It is an agency that plays a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of education in Nigeria. While it may not be a household name to many, UBEC’s influence on the nation’s basic education system is immeasurable.
The Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme was launched in Nigeria in 1999, during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, as a response to the country’s growing need for educational reform. The aim was simple but profound: to provide free, compulsory, and universal basic education for all Nigerian children from primary to junior secondary school, regardless of socio-economic background, religion, or geographic location. However, it wasn’t until 2004 that the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) was formally established through the UBE Act, as a legal and regulatory body to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the UBE programme.
The creation of UBEC was driven by the stark realities facing Nigeria’s education system at the time. With millions of children out of school, dilapidated school infrastructure, unqualified teachers, and a curriculum that did not meet modern standards, the education sector was in dire need of revitalisation. UBEC was formed to address these issues, serving as a watchdog, enforcer, and facilitator in implementing policies that would guarantee access to quality education for every Nigerian child.
UBEC is tasked with ensuring that all Nigerian children are enrolled in school and have access to education from primary through junior secondary school (JSS 3).
UBEC provides Pre-primary education which is the education given to younger learners before the age of entering primary education (6 years). Early childhood education or pre-primary education is defined by the National Policy on Education. They also provide primary school education as well as the first 3 years of secondary school. One of UBEC’s major focuses is reducing the rate of illiteracy in Nigeria. By making education free and compulsory, the commission aims to create a literate society that can contribute to national development.
UBEC plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of education in Nigeria. Through curriculum development, teacher training, and the provision of instructional materials, UBEC ensures that Nigerian children receive an education that is in line with global standards. The commission is dedicated to addressing disparities in the education system, ensuring that vulnerable children, including those in rural areas, girls, and children with disabilities, have equal access to education. A key part of UBEC’s role is improving school infrastructure by constructing classrooms, renovating existing buildings, and providing learning materials and equipment, particularly in underserved areas.
One of the most critical aspects of UBEC’s operations is its funding model. The UBE Act stipulates that the programme be funded through a combination of federal, state, and local government resources. However, UBEC operates a counterpart funding model, in which the federal government provides matching grants to state governments that commit to funding their basic education programmes.
Under this system, states are required to contribute a certain percentage of funds, and UBEC matches these funds with grants from the federal government. This approach is intended to ensure that states have a financial stake in improving their education systems and to promote accountability in the use of public funds.
While the counterpart funding model has been effective in driving investment in education, it has also faced challenges. Many states have been unable to access UBEC funds due to their inability to provide the required counterpart funding. This has resulted in billions of naira being left unclaimed, while children in those states continue to suffer from inadequate school facilities and lack of educational resources. Also, corruption and mismanagement of funds remain a major problem in Nigeria, and the education sector is not immune. There have been cases of UBEC funds being diverted or misappropriated, leaving students and schools without the resources they need.
Despite the challenges, UBEC has made significant efforts in improving Nigeria’s education system since its inception. One of UBEC’s most significant achievements has been the increase in school enrolment across the country. By making education free and compulsory, the commission has helped millions of children, especially those in rural areas, access education. Statistics on UBEC official site shows that more than 47,010,008 are enrolled in school. UBEC has also invested in the training and retraining of teachers to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills to provide quality education. As a result of this, UBER currently has more than 1.6 million teachers worldwide. This has led to an improvement in teaching standards and, consequently, better student outcomes.
The commission has been involved in the construction and renovation of thousands of classrooms across the country. In addition to building new schools, UBEC has provided furniture, teaching materials, and learning aids to ensure that students learn in conducive environments. Also, UBEC has been instrumental in the distribution of textbooks and instructional materials to public schools. This has helped reduce the burden on parents and has ensured that students have the resources they need to succeed academically.
UBEC remains an important part of Nigeria’s educational system, and its role is even more important today, given the growing population of school-age children and the evolving demands of the 21st century. As Nigeria works towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education, UBEC’s mandate is more relevant than ever. Moreover, UBEC must continue to focus on equity in education, ensuring that marginalised groups, such as children in rural areas, girls, and children with disabilities, are not left behind. By doing so, the commission can contribute to building a more inclusive and literate society, which is essential for Nigeria’s long-term development.
