The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has disbursed a total of N10.61 billion to support school renovation, completion of ongoing projects, and a new learner retention initiative nationwide.
The intervention includes N5.18 billion released under the 2025 School-Based Management Committee–School Improvement Programme (SBMC-SIP), N434.5 million as the final tranche for the 2023 and 2024 cycles, and an additional N5 billion earmarked for a newly introduced Learners’ Retention Programme.
Speaking during the national flag-off of the 2025 SBMC-SIP in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Rasaq Akinyemi, said the disbursement reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening basic education delivery.
She explained that the initiative is aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing learning environments, and addressing the persistent challenge of out-of-school children in the country.
Under the 2025 SBMC-SIP cycle, 518 communities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to benefit, with 14 schools selected per state for intervention.
Garba noted that the programme would focus on the renovation of dilapidated classrooms, provision of furniture, and improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in public schools.
She added that since its inception, the SBMC-SIP has supported over 1,112 schools nationwide, facilitated more than 13,670 projects, and improved learning conditions for an estimated 400,000 pupils.
According to her, the release of N434.5 million for the 2023 and 2024 cycles will enable the completion of 11,484 ongoing projects, consolidating gains from previous interventions.
Garba further revealed the introduction of the Learners’ Retention Programme, designed to tackle socio-economic barriers responsible for school dropouts, particularly among vulnerable children.
The programme will target one million learners across eight states in its first phase, with funding support of N5 billion to improve school attendance and completion rates.
Chairman of the UBEC Board, Umaru Al-Makura, emphasized that the success of the intervention depends largely on transparency and accountability at the community level.
He urged School-Based Management Committees to ensure proper management of funds, accurate record-keeping, and strict adherence to project specifications.
Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, represented by Director of Basic Education, Folake Davies, said the interventions align with national education priorities and global development goals.
She stressed that the programmes are expected to deliver measurable improvements in school infrastructure, enhance learning outcomes, and significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children across Nigeria.
UBEC maintained that the combined interventions demonstrate a dual strategy—addressing both infrastructure deficits and socio-economic barriers—as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s basic education system.
