President Bola Tinubu has directed stakeholders in Nigeria’s basic education sector to intensify efforts in returning children back to classrooms, emphasizing the need for skill-based learning from early education to foster creativity and research.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunde Alausa, conveyed this directive on Monday in Abuja during the quarterly meeting of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) management and chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Commissions (SUBEC). Themed “Strengthening Collaboration for Quality Basic Education Delivery in Nigeria,” the meeting focused on addressing challenges in the education sector.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transforming education, Alausa reminded states that implementing the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program remains their responsibility. He, however, stressed the need for collaboration with relevant agencies to overcome challenges facing basic education.
The minister urged states to reevaluate existing strategies and explore alternative funding sources to ensure quality education for all Nigerian children. He highlighted the government’s expectation that the meeting would foster stronger partnerships, improve implementation strategies, and enhance monitoring and evaluation to achieve the 2030 education agenda.
“We are committed to improving teacher quality, enhancing the school environment, ensuring adequate instructional materials, and implementing an effective quality assurance system,” Alausa stated. He further noted that a committee has been established to categorize schools across the country, identifying areas requiring urgent intervention.
In line with Tinubu’s “Education for Renewed Hope” initiative, Alausa assured that the government would continue supporting states to implement necessary reforms in the education sector. He also congratulated UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, on her appointment, commending her leadership and commitment to advancing basic education reforms.
The federal government’s renewed focus on basic education aims to equip Nigerian youth with skills essential for the 21st-century economy while significantly reducing the number of out-of-school children nationwide.
