By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has paid off a backlog of Universal Basic Education (UBE), matching grants totaling N3 billion for the years 2019 to 2021.
This move positions the state to access fresh grants for 2022, 2023, and 2024 from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
Chairperson of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr Vera Nwadinobi, made this known during a midterm briefing on the implementation of UBE projects in the state.
She said the clearing of the backlog was crucial for the state to meet its counterpart funding obligations and remain eligible for subsequent grants.
“Before Governor Soludo assumed office on March 17, 2022, Anambra had unaccessed UBE matching grants for three years due to the failure to fulfill counterpart funding requirements.
“The governor has now paid the outstanding grants, demonstrating his administration’s commitment to basic education,” she said.
Dr Nwadinobi praised Soludo’s vision for basic education, saying that the cleared backlog and consistent payment of counterpart funds would significantly enhance teaching and learning across public schools in the state.
“It is indeed worthy of celebration that within three years, Governor Soludo has not only cleared the backlog but has remained committed and current in funding.
“We at ASUBEB are proud to carry out his education agenda with full dedication,” she added.
Anambra State recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UBEC on June 16, paving the way for participation in an advanced training on the new template for accessing federal UBE grants.
The training held at Abuja Continental Hotel from June 19 to 20, was presided over by UBEC Executive Secretary, Hajiya Aisha Garba.