UBEC partners UNICEF, IDPs, World Bank on ECE

The Universal Basis Education Commission (UBEC) said it is partnering with international development partners, IDPs, the World Bank and the United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on the development of a sustainable plan on early child education (ECE) and development in Nigeria.

UBEC desk officer, Mr. Aleshi Mayo, who made the above disclosure at a recent UNICEF media workshop in Kano, also maintained that the commission has been making free books available to pupils as well as ensuring the provision of infrastructures, classrooms, furniture and lunch

He further maintained that the commission frequently organises capacity building workshops for teachers. He also acknowledged the role of government in setting up Early Child Center Education (ECCDE), minimum standards including early learning development standards; develop curriculum as well as disseminating materials for learning

UBEC, according to him, is currently carrying out a National personnel audit of all private public schools to authenticate 10.5million out of school syndrome as reported

He said: ’’UBEC collaborates with IDPs including UNICEF, World Bank and UNESCO. Funds are released based on action plans submitted while instructional materials are provided at the national level, for IDPs collaboration is based on program implementation”.

He described the major challenges confronting the commission to include, apathy on the part of policy makers and government officials. He pointed at instances of Osun state education policy that is hampered by inadequate and unqualified personnel

Augustine Okezie, Abuja