The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission,(UBEC) Aisha Garba, on Thursday, 9 July, 2026 that the commission has invested over ₦20.4 billion in teacher professional development to strengthen classroom instruction, improve school leadership and enhance accountability through the Effective Schools Programme and stronger School-Based Management Committees.
Aisha Garba also disclosed that that the commission had also established over 2,300 Early Childhood Care Development and Education Centres, providing young children with stronger foundations for learning just as she also stressed that that improving teacher quality remained central to the commission’s reforms
Garba made this disclosure on Thursday, 9 July, 2026 during a media luncheon with education correspondents in Abuja.
The UBEC Chief, who also highlighted the commission’s efforts to prepare Nigerian pupils for the digital economy through expanded investments in technology-driven learning, added that the commission was expanding Digital Literacy Centres across the country, strengthening Smart Schools, promoting Artificial Intelligence, coding and robotics, modernising digital learning facilities and equipping learners with future-ready skills.
In addition, she revealed that more than 7.8 million instructional materials had been distributed to schools nationwide to improve literacy, numeracy and foundational learning.
The Executive Secretary said the commission was also widening access to education through Open Schooling, Integrated Qur’anic and Tsangaya Education, girl-child education and inclusive education programmes, while strengthening partnerships with state governments, development partners and the private sector.
“Our commitment goes beyond infrastructure and technology. We are expanding access to education through Open Schooling, Integrated Qur’anic and Tsangaya Education, girl-child education, inclusive education programmes and stronger partnerships to ensure that no child is left behind,” she said.
Garba further noted that UBEC had introduced institutional reforms aimed at improving transparency, strengthening project monitoring and promoting data-driven decision-making to ensure better value for public investments.
She described the media as a critical partner in advancing education reforms, calling for balanced and factual reporting that would promote accountability and increase public confidence in the sector.
“The media remains one of UBEC’s most important partners. Beyond informing the public, you help promote transparency, inspire accountability and bring national attention to the progress, challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s basic education sector,” she said.
She urged journalists to continue highlighting both the achievements and challenges in the education sector, stressing that transforming basic education requires the collective efforts of government, parents, teachers, communities, development partners and the media.
