The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has increased the matching grant allocation for quality assurance from 2 percent to 5 percent for states to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of basic education across Nigeria.
This was announced by UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, during a 3-day refresher training and strategic meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
Garba explained that the increased funding is part of the Commission’s commitment to improving learning outcomes through data-driven decision-making and stronger accountability systems in public schools.
She emphasised that the increase goes beyond financial support, representing a strategic investment in system reform and educational standards.
Garba noted that quality assurance is a central pillar of the UBEC 2025-2028 strategic blueprint.
“In recognition of the importance of quality assurance, UBEC Management has reviewed the allocation from 2% to 5% of the Matching Grant to States.
“This was officially unveiled at the 26th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC Management with Executive Chairmen of SUBEBs held in Makurdi, Benue State on 25th and 26th May, 2025,” Garba said.
The training, she said aims to deepen participants’ knowledge, equip them with modern tools and strategies, and enhance their capacity to evaluate and improve education standards.
Garba urged participants to approach the meeting with open minds and solution-driven thinking, focusing on using data to drive meaningful improvements in teaching and learning.
Also speaking, UBEC’s Director of Quality Assurance, Madam Ada Ogwuche, emphasised that quality assurance is a continuous internal commitment and a culture that demands improved capacity among evaluators.
“Quality Assurance is not just a one-time event or an external commitment. It is a continuous internal commitment. It is a culture, and central to this culture is the capacity of our evaluators,” Ogwuche said.
On his own part, Director of Quality Assurance at Ekiti SUBEB and Dean of SUBEB/UBEB Directors, Mr. Owolabi Dele, encouraged participants to engage actively and work together to get the most out of the training.
He emphasised that collaborative efforts can help strengthen Nigeria’s educational system, enabling it to better meet the changing needs of students and educators.
Owolabi noted that the meeting not only enhances expertise but also fortifies the foundation of the educational system, which plays a crucial role in nurturing minds, building vision, and driving national development.
