The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has released over N5 billion to communities nationwide in a renewed push to strengthen basic education and tackle the out-of-school children crisis.
The announcement came during the launch of the 2025 School-Based Management Committee School Improvement Programme (SBMC-SIP) in Abuja.
UBEC Executive Secretary Aisha Garba described the initiative as part of a broader effort to reinforce school systems and keep children in classrooms.
“This represents a renewed national commitment to strengthening community participation in school governance and improving learning environments across the country,” she said.
The programme has a budget of N5.18 billion and will cover 518 communities, with each state and the Federal Capital Territory benefiting through selected schools.
Funds will be directed toward repairing damaged school buildings, supplying classroom furniture, and upgrading water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
Garba also highlighted a persistent challenge in the education sector, keeping children in school after enrolment.
“Access to education is important, but retention is what ensures that its promise is fulfilled. We must address the realities that force children out of school,” she added.
In addition to new projects, UBEC will complete ongoing initiatives from previous phases, building on a track record that has already supported more than 1,100 schools and delivered thousands of interventions nationwide.
The commission expects the programme to bring more children back into the education system.
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa described the initiative as a key component of ongoing reforms.
“These initiatives reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring that every school-age child is enrolled, retained, and able to complete basic education,” he said.
Stakeholders at the event called for stronger collaboration and accountability to ensure the funds translate into tangible improvements across schools.
