The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has announced the development of a new work plan template aimed at resolving longstanding challenges in the disbursement of Federal Government counterpart funding to state governments for basic education.
UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, made the announcement during a workshop held in Abuja on Tuesday. The forum brought together Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) and Desk Officers from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to deliberate on the proposed funding framework.
According to Dr. Garba, the new template is currently under review and validation, and is designed to close existing gaps that have hindered access to intervention funds. “The need to align with these pillars has necessitated the development of new templates to guide SUBEBs in preparing work plans for accessing UBE intervention funds,” she stated.
The revision comes amid recurring complaints from state education agencies over the bureaucratic hurdles and rigid conditions attached to the current disbursement model. Dr. Garba explained that the restructuring effort is part of a broader realignment with the federal government’s New Hope Education Project, which focuses on rewarding states that make effective use of allocated resources.
“In line with these pillars, the New Hope Education Project of the current administration is a performance-based initiative that rewards states that utilise their resources judiciously in achieving these goals,” she added.
The new funding strategy revolves around four core pillars: expanding access to Universal Basic Education, especially in rural areas; improving the quality of teaching and learning; strengthening accountability and the efficient use of funds; and enhancing monitoring systems for better service delivery.
Also speaking at the event, UBEC’s Deputy Executive Secretary (General Services), Tunde Ajibulu, called for active collaboration from SUBEB officials. “This interactive workshop is timely, and we expect you, as implementers of basic education in your respective states, to contribute meaningfully and help develop effective and practical templates,” he urged.
UBEC continues to play a central role in coordinating basic education across Nigeria, with responsibilities that include disbursing intervention funds, improving infrastructure and learning outcomes, and ensuring equitable access to education at the primary and junior secondary levels.
