

Nigerian govt targets out-of-school children with ₦5bn grassroots education intervention
Oladipupo Olamiposi@olamiposioladipupo247606
9 days ago
In a move aimed at tackling the growing out-of-school children crisis, the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC has committed over 5.18 billion naira to grassroots education interventions.
The commission said the move, under its School-Based Management Committee School Improvement Programme, aims to improve school infrastructure, strengthen community participation, and boost learner retention across the country.
Speaking on the development, Executive Secretary of the commission, Aisha Garba, stated that the funds have been earmarked for the programme, covering 518 communities nationwide, with each state and the Federal Capital Territory benefiting from interventions in 14 schools.
“Access to education is important, but retention is what ensures that its promise is fulfilled. We must address the realities that force children out of school,” she said.
Garba emphasized that the intervention is specifically targeted at underserved communities, with a focus on rehabilitating dilapidated classrooms, providing school furniture, and upgrading water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.
“This represents a renewed national commitment to strengthening community participation in school governance, improving learning environments across the Federation, and ensuring that every Nigerian child not only enrolls in school but remains in school to successfully complete basic education,” she said.
She said the programme represents a renewed national commitment to strengthening community participation in school governance, improving learning environments across the Federation, and ensuring that every Nigerian child not only enrols in school but remains in school to successfully complete basic education.