FG allocates N100bn yearly for basic education – UBEC

Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission, (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, has disclosed that over N100 billion is allocated to education every year.

Speaking at a One-Day Meeting on Promoting Partnership with the Organised Private Sector, in Abuja, Bobboyi said Nigeria has over 45 million children currently enrolled in its basic education system.

He said more resources is needed to deliver quality education, adding that the resources from the federal government alone can no longer run the system.

He, however, called on the private sector to appreciate the importance of providing education for children at an early age to contribute to the development of the country.

“Resources alone from the federal government cannot run the system. Nigeria has over 45 million children in basic education subsector and with this number, we require the necessary classrooms,” he said.

“A state may get a maximum of maybe N3 billion in the best times, but N3 billion cannot take care of these. It needs instructional materials, you need a lot of other things.”

While stating that education is the foundation of the collective existence of Nigerians, Bobboyyi said if the country neglects education, there would be dire consequences.

The UBEC Chief executive also lamented that there is 29 per cent reduction in the number of teachers in Nigeria’s basic school system following the COVID-19 crisis.

According to him, “Unless we can be able to pay our teachers and compensate them properly, motivate them it is very difficult to deliver the kind of education that we all dream of.”

On her part, the Head Oando Foundation, Mrs. Adegoke Adekanla, commended UBEC for its commitment towards advancing basic education in the country.

Adekanla, represented by an official of the foundation, Mr. Ede Okechukwu said the commitment of Oando Foundation also aligns with the broader initiative to strengthen the Universal Basic Education, (UBE), programme through collaborative partnerships between the public and private sectors.

She said basic education forms the foundation upon which all other forms of learning and development rest.

“It is the fundamental right of every child and the cornerstone of a prosperous and equitable society. Access to quality basic education is not just a goal; it is a moral imperative that shapes the future of nations.”