The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is holding an interactive workshop for the revised Basic Education Action Plan (BEAP) in Uyo with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB) from states in Southern Nigeria.
The workshop held at CEEDAPEG Hotel in Ewet Housing Estate has in attendance delegates from other South-South, South-East, and South-West states, including Kwara State. The exercise aims to build capacity and train the delegates on the new proposal template to make it easier for states to apply for UBE funds transparently.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, who was represented by her Personal Assistant, Barr. Ibrahim Gold noted that since assuming office in January 2025, the Federal Ministry of Education and the Commission have been putting in place some reforms that ensure the delivery of cognitive basic education in our schools across the country.”
“The thinking in the commission is to have only one work plan for different envelopes of the imperfection funds, which are matching grants, teacher professional development, special needs, etc.”
“Therefore, there is a need to come up with a workable template for the preparation of a work plan to replace the existing one that has been in operation for over two decades. Many states have been unable to assess the money. The reason is clear: the process for applying has been complicated, unclear and time-consuming. Because of this, over 250 billion naira in UBE funds have remained unused, money that would have been used to improve schools and change lives.”
“To solve this, the Universal Basic Education Commission introduced a new and simplified project proposal template in May 2025. This new template is designed to make it easier for states to apply for UBE funds in a clear, timely and transparent manner. This new approach is more than just paperwork. It helps ensure that states can clearly show what they want to do, whether it is for building classrooms, training teachers, sharing features or purchasing materials. Every submission follows the same format, making the review process fair and straightforward. We can better track how funds are used, increasing transparency and reducing waste or misuse.”
The Akwa Ibom State SUBEB Chairman, Rt Hon. Anietie Etuk, PhD, also speaking, commended the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, who, on “arrival and resumption of duties, decided to change and ensure that we have a much better format of doing this work plan so we can have accountability with results”.
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Etuk also commended the Director of Physical Planning of UBEC, Engr Sadiq Saad, as well as all participants from the Southern States of Nigeria, for attending the workshop.
The high point of the event was the training on the new proposal template and the inauguration of the communique group.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion include Beatrice Okey, the Zonal Acting Director, and Engr. Sadiq Saad, UBEC Director of Physical Planning.
