Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
In a landmark legislative stride that could redefine the future of basic education in Nigeria, Senator Lawal Adamu Usman (Senator LA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary), has led the push for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Amendment Bill, 2025, a bold initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s educational framework from the very roots.
Truth Live News gathered that this novel Bill, now receiving strong attention in the National Assembly, proposes two pivotal amendments to the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act 2004—one to integrate Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE) into the national education policy, and another to increase education funding from 2% to 5% of the Federal Government’s revenue.
For the first time in Nigeria’s legislative history, children aged 0 to 5—often left out of mainstream education policy—are being brought into the national conversation. The amendment spearheaded by Senator LA seeks to embed Early Childhood Care and Development Education (ECCDE) into the legal framework of the UBE Act.
“This is about building the nation from the foundation. We can no longer ignore the toddler generation. Their emotional, cognitive, and social development must be central to our planning,” Senator LA stated in his remarks to the Committee.
Under this amendment, Nigeria will formally recognize the importance of structured learning from birth, addressing a critical gap that has left millions of children vulnerable, especially in low-income and rural areas.
Impact highlights include:
The creation of a new national education stratum for toddlers.
Support for working families, especially mothers.
Improved nutrition and care for infants.
Prevention of toddler abuse and neglect.
Seamless transition from creche to nursery to primary education.
In what has been described as a “fiscal revolution for education”, Senator LA is also leading the charge to increase UBE funding allocation from 2% to 5% of the Federal Government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.
“Education must be funded like our future depends on it—because it does,” he emphasized during the presentation of the amendment.
The additional 3% allocation is projected to:
Drive infrastructure development in public schools.
Scale up teacher training and retention initiatives.
Provide more learning materials and resources.
Reinforce campaigns to reduce out-of-school children.
Revive the Almajiri Education System with a modern outlook.
Senator LA’s Amendment Bill doesn’t stop at funding and inclusion—it also prioritizes transparency and inclusive education. The Bill proposes a publicly accessible reporting platform that will detail UBEC’s spending and outcomes, ensuring every naira spent is trackable.
Moreover, the Bill emphasizes enhanced collaboration with local government authorities, recognizing them as the frontline actors in delivering education at the grassroots. The decentralization of basic education governance is expected to increase adaptability and responsiveness to local needs.
UBEC, in its official response, fully backs the amendments, describing them as “timely and transformational.” The Commission has pledged its commitment to ensure effective implementation and transparency in fund utilization.
Stakeholders have hailed Senator LA’s initiative as visionary and people-centered, describing it as a turning point in Nigeria’s journey toward inclusive and equitable education. Education advocacy groups, civil society organizations, and parent-teacher associations across the country have also applauded the move.
Speaking on the broader implications, Senator LA remarked, “We are not just amending a law; we are rewriting the story of basic education in Nigeria. Every child—regardless of their age, location, or background—deserves a head start. This is how we build a prosperous, inclusive, and secure Nigeria.”
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Amendment Bill, 2025, under Senator LA’s leadership, reflects a legislative boldness that aligns with global educational standards and Nigeria’s national development goals. With ECCDE integration and enhanced funding, the Bill positions Nigeria to not only meet but exceed the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).