By Sodiq Adelakun
The Federal Government has allocated N2.035 billion to 1,147 School-Based Management Committees (SBMC) across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the release during the national flag-off ceremony for the Universal Basic Education (UBE) School-Based Management Committee-School Improvement Programme (SBMC-SIP) in Abuja on Monday.
Dr. Alausa underscored the significance of these reforms, stating: “The Teacher Professional Development programme aligns with the Ministry’s vision of improving learning outcomes by strengthening teacher quality in the sector, ensuring that we meet global standards.”
He went on to outline the objectives behind the reforms: “The key pillars driving education sector renewal initiatives include increasing enrolment, reducing the number of out-of-school children, enhancing technical and vocational education, advancing girl-child education, and strengthening quality assurance.”
In addition to the N2.035 billion disbursement, the Ministry of Education plans major infrastructural upgrades, including the construction of 7,200 new UBE facilities, the provision of 1.68 million pieces of furniture, the renovation of 195,000 classrooms, the installation of 22,900 water boreholes, 28,000 toilets, and the construction of perimeter fencing for 14,000 schools nationwide.
Dr. Alausa encouraged states and local governments to contribute additional local funds to the SBMC-SIP to maximise its impact, adding: “While the Federal Ministry of Education intensifies its efforts in mobilising resources to achieve the outlined goals, it also recognises the importance of improving partnerships and collaborations with all stakeholders in every aspect of education service delivery.”
The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, acknowledged the challenges that persist in the sector, despite the progress made.
She remarked: “Our basic education sector has made strides, but serious gaps remain. While enrolment increased by 7 percentage points between 2016 and 2021, access to education has not expanded universally; about 17 million children are still out of school, especially in rural and low-income communities. Only 9 percent of children aged 7–14 in rural areas demonstrated age-appropriate reading skills.”
Garba further stressed the need for targeted investments, saying: “These numbers are not just statistics—they are a call to action for urgent, targeted investments in infrastructure and teacher development, in order to expand equitable access across Nigeria.”
The N2.035 billion allocated to the SBMCs will support 15,155 improvement projects in schools. These projects will include classroom renovations, the provision of furniture, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, and security measures to enhance the safety of students.
Garba concluded, “A total of N2.035 billion will be disbursed to 1,147 school-based management committees across all 36 states and the FCT under the SBMC-SIP. These funds will support 15,155 improvement projects, including classroom renovations to make learning environments more conducive, provision of furniture, WASH facilities, and security enhancements.”
