UBEC Unveils Learners’ Support Programme Nationwide
The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Aisha Garba, on Friday declared that no Nigerian child should be left behind in access to basic education as she flagged off the national rollout of the Learners Support Programme in Benue State.
Speaking at the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board Basic Education Summit in Makurdi, Garba described the initiative as a decisive step toward addressing the persistent challenge of out-of-school children across the country.
The summit, themed ‘Innovative Strategies for Addressing the Menace of Out-of-School Children: Enhancing Enrolment and Retention of Children in Basic Schools,’ brought together government officials, lawmakers, education stakeholders, development partners, teachers, parents and community leaders.
“This isn’t just a policy update; it is a solemn promise that no child, regardless of their geography or background, will be left behind,” she said.
Garba commended Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, and SUBEB Chairman, Grace Adagba, for hosting what she described as landmark efforts to confront the out-of-school crisis.
She noted that millions of children are still denied their right to education as guaranteed by the Universal Basic Education Act of 2004.
According to her, Benue was deliberately chosen for the national flag-off due to its commitment to improving basic education delivery.
Garba disclosed that the Learners Support Programme would involve the nationwide distribution of 1,155,900 school kits, comprising 288,975 units each of school bags, sandals, pencils and exercise books.
The initiative targets vulnerable children from low-income households to ease financial burdens and boost enrolment, retention and transition rates in schools.
She highlighted that UBEC’s recent reforms have improved access to matching grants by over 80 per cent nationwide, noting that Benue is up to date in accessing and utilising the funds.
Garba also listed infrastructure improvements delivered in Benue, including the construction of 39 classrooms, 50 toilets, 15 offices, five libraries, five ICT laboratories and five Early Childhood Care and Development Education centres, alongside the renovation of 182 classrooms and provision of furniture for pupils and teachers.
Under the School-Based Management Committee-School Improvement Programme, she said 13,670 community-priority projects have been executed, supported by over N1.5 billion in first-tranche funding to 1,142 schools.
She stressed that tackling the out-of-school crisis requires innovation, urgent action and collaboration, urging stronger community mobilisation, improved security in vulnerable schools, girl-child education incentives, inclusive teacher training and non-formal education pathways for older children.
Garba reaffirmed UBEC’s commitment to supporting Benue and other states in scaling up enrolment and retention strategies to ensure more children complete basic education.
