Weak coordination, partnerships threaten progress in Nigeria’s basic education — UBEC
The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, has emphasised the urgent need for greater collaboration among education stakeholders to address the ongoing challenges facing basic education in Nigeria.
Speaking at a three-day workshop in Abuja, Garba noted that weak coordination and partnerships remain major barriers to improving education at the grassroots level.
The workshop, which brought together Commissioners of Education and Executive Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) from across Nigeria, provided a platform for in-depth discussions on tackling the nation’s education issues.
Garba reiterated the importance of addressing critical issues such as financing for basic education, inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and the lack of access to quality learning materials. She also stressed the need for a more supportive environment for teaching and learning.
“We must work together to address these challenges, the underlying issue is the weak coordination and partnership between key stakeholders. We need greater collaboration among UBEC, the private sector, development partners, civil society, and local communities to tackle this massive task,” she added.
Shehu Adaramaja, the Chairman of Kwara State SUBEB and Dean of Chairmen, also called on his colleagues to adopt best practices aimed at improving learning outcomes across the country.
Adaramaja echoed Garba’s call for collaboration, urging SUBEB chairmen to align with President Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative initiatives to address the out-of-school phenomenon.
“Today’s meeting, like our regular quarterly discussions, is focused on finding solutions to the challenges in the basic education sector,” Adaramaja said. “I am confident that we will identify strategies to improve the quality of education and enhance the effectiveness of our schools.”
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who was represented by his Senior Special Adviser, Dr. Ismaila Adiatu, assured participants of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing quality basic education.
Alausa revealed that a committee had been set up to evaluate schools and identify areas in need of urgent intervention.
“The President has directed all stakeholders in the basic education sub-sector to work together to bring children back to the classroom and reduce the number of out-of-school children.
“We must also ensure that schools are equipped with the necessary programs to develop skills that foster creativity and research, starting from early education,” Alausa said.
The Minister called on workshop participants to develop actionable outcomes that would contribute to achieving the 2030 education agenda.
