By Gabriella Ogbu
Many Nigerian states have yet to access approximately N45.7 billion in matching grants provided by the federal government for implementing Universal Basic Education (UBE) between 2020 and 2023. This was disclosed by Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), during an oversight visit by the Federal House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Services in Abuja.
Dr. Bobboyi revealed that only 16 states have accessed the 2023 matching grant, representing a mere 41% of the N51.6 billion allocated for that year. As of June 30, 2024, these 16 states had utilized N21 billion of the funds, indicating a significant underutilization of available resources.
The states that have accessed the funds include Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Kano, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Zamfara. Dr. Bobboyi emphasized that the inability of many state governments to promptly and fully obtain UBE matching grants remains a significant challenge for the Commission.
Out of the N103.2 billion appropriated for UBE implementation in 2023, only N55 billion was used by June 30, 2024. This amount covers matching grants, educational disparities, special education, and program funding, reflecting a 54% utilization rate.
Dr. Bobboyi highlighted the need for cooperation from all stakeholders, including the National Assembly, to address the issue of out-of-school children and enhance the quality of basic education in Nigeria. He lamented the lack of political will and commitment from certain state governments, which exacerbates the out-of-school children problem.
Hon. Mark Bako Useni, Chairman of the House Committee on Universal Basic Education and Services, echoed these concerns. He called for an urgent amendment to the nearly 20-year-old UBEC Act, stating that it is outdated and insufficient to address the current challenges in Nigeria’s basic education sector. The amendment bill has already passed its first and second readings in the House and is now at the committee stage.
“The UBEC Act has been in effect for almost 20 years,” Useni noted. “We have gone through multiple stages of evolution since the law’s enactment. Therefore, updating the act is crucial to address issues such as unaccessed funds and to ensure our children receive better education.”
Useni emphasized the importance of the committee’s oversight role in assessing the performance of basic education and identifying areas where UBEC needs to intervene to improve the system. He expressed confidence in UBEC’s capability to meet high standards and ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education.
“UBEC’s intervention is essential for our children’s education,” Useni remarked. “We need to work hard to turn the tide in basic education and ensure that teachers are of high quality and kept up to date. State and local governments must also fulfill their responsibilities in hiring and maintaining teachers.”
He continued, “We must ensure that UBEC fulfills its destiny and overcomes any obstacles it faces. This intervention agency is crucial for our children’s education, and all stakeholders must be aware of their progress and the challenges they encounter.”
