The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding inclusive and equitable education across Nigeria, with particular emphasis on riverine and historically significant communities.
Garba made this known in a statement released on Thursday via her official X account, where she highlighted the importance of ensuring that every Nigerian child, regardless of geographical location, has access to quality education.
“As part of our ongoing campaign for inclusive and equitable education for every Nigerian child, I embarked on an inspection tour across riverine communities in Lagos State, covering Ibeshe, Moba, Ojo, Olorunda, and Badagry LGAs,” she stated.
During the tour, the UBEC boss inspected several key education projects, including the Smart School initiative located in Olorunda Local Council Development Area. She emphasized that the project would serve as a model for innovation and quality learning once completed.
“Highlights of the tour included an inspection of the Smart School project at Epeme Village, Olorunda LCDA, where I reassured His Royal Majesty, Oba Kososko, the Kabiyesi of Iworo, and his people of our commitment to complete and deliver the facility soon to serve as a model of innovation and quality learning in the region,” she said.
In addition to new projects, Garba also visited Nigeria’s oldest primary school, St. Thomas Primary School in Badagry, which was established in 1843. She described the school as a vital part of Nigeria’s educational heritage and called for efforts to preserve it for future generations.
“We also made a historic stop at St. Thomas Primary School, Badagry (est. 1843), the first primary school in Nigeria, where I emphasised the need to preserve and restore its heritage for future generations,” she added.
Garba noted that she was accompanied on the tour by top UBEC officials, as well as local government chairmen and traditional leaders. Their participation, she said, highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing access to quality basic education in underserved areas.
“I was joined by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), the Chairmen of Badagry, Olorunda, and Badagry West LCDAs, alongside senior UBEC management staff. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort between UBEC, local governments, and traditional institutions in advancing access to quality basic education in riverine and historically significant communities,” she stated.
She concluded her message with a call for unity and collective responsibility, affirming that Nigeria’s progress depends on strengthening its educational foundations. “Together, we are building a stronger foundation for Nigeria’s future,” she said.
