Only Kaduna, Katsina Has Accessed Matching Grant For Basic Education —  UBEC

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Universal Basic Education Commission

 

Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria

 

 

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has revealed a worrying trend, as 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are yet to access the 2024 Universal Basic Education (UBE) matching grant, with only Kaduna and Katsina states having done so. This development was disclosed by UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Hamid Bobboyi, during an oversight visit by the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary) to the commission in Abuja.

Truth Live News gathered that Bobboyi highlighted the persistent challenges posed by the inability of most states to access these critical funds, which are essential for improving basic and junior secondary education. He provided a breakdown of matching grant access over recent years, noting that for 2023, only 25 states accessed the first to fourth quarter grants, leaving significant gaps in funding for education infrastructure and resources.

Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra, expressed concern over the high number of out-of-school children, particularly in northern Nigeria, where states often receive higher allocations. Similarly, Senator Sunday Katung, representing Kaduna South, criticized the discontinuation of history in basic education, labeling it detrimental to the younger generation’s understanding of their heritage.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the committee, Senator Lawal Usman Adamu, lauded UBEC’s efforts but stressed the importance of aligning the commission’s activities with legislative resolutions. He urged UBEC to promptly implement recommendations from their recent retreat in Lagos and ensure responsive collaboration with the National Assembly.

The revelation that only two states have accessed the 2024 grants raises questions about the political will of state governments and underscores the urgent need for stronger accountability measures to bridge the gap in Nigeria’s basic education sector.

Senator Lawal Usman Adamu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary), commended the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for its efforts despite operational challenges, emphasizing the need for responsiveness and collaboration between the commission and the legislature.

During the oversight visit to the commission in Abuja, Adamu stressed that the National Assembly recognizes the outdated nature of UBEC’s enabling law and the hurdles it faces in fulfilling its mandate. He urged UBEC to immediately implement resolutions from their recent retreat in Lagos, where the committee discussed actionable steps to improve the commission’s effectiveness.

“It should also be noted that the committee holds the commission in high esteem and would at all times expect a reciprocating disposition,” Adamu stated. He called on UBEC to maintain open communication, provide necessary submissions promptly, and respond to emerging issues comprehensively to ensure the effective delivery of its mandate.

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