The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has launched the 2025 cycle of its School-Based Management Committee–School Improvement Programme (SBMC-SIP), committing over N5 billion to upgrade public schools and improve learner retention across Nigeria.
The initiative, unveiled in Abuja by UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, also includes the introduction of a new Learners’ Retention Programme aimed at tackling the persistent challenge of out-of-school children.
Represented by UBEC’s Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Rasaq Akinyemi, Garba said the intervention underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening basic education delivery and expanding access to quality learning.
“The flag-off of the 2025 SBMC-SIP demonstrates unequivocally that the Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to equitable access, improved infrastructure, and enhanced learning outcomes at the basic education level,” she said.
According to UBEC, a total of N5.18 billion has been earmarked for 518 communities nationwide, with each state and the Federal Capital Territory benefiting from 14 schools. The programme is targeted at underserved areas facing acute infrastructure deficits.
Garba explained that the funds would support the renovation of dilapidated school buildings, provision of classroom furniture, and improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities—key factors influencing teaching and learning conditions in public schools.
Since its inception, the SBMC-SIP has supported 1,112 schools and funded over 13,000 community-driven projects, with UBEC estimating that about 400,000 pupils have benefited from improved learning environments.
In addition, the commission released N434.5 million as the final tranche for the 2023 and 2024 project cycles to enable the completion of 11,484 ongoing school-based projects.
“Today’s disbursement… will enable beneficiary schools to complete 11,484 ongoing projects across the country,” Garba stated.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Learners’ Retention Programme, which targets one million pupils in eight states during its first phase, backed by a N5 billion budget. The programme is designed to address socio-economic barriers (such as poverty and household pressures) that often force children out of school.
Chairman of the UBEC Board, Umaru Al-Makura, emphasised the importance of community ownership in sustaining educational gains.
“Government alone cannot deliver quality education without active community ownership,” he said, warning that the funds must not be misused.
“These funds are not for random spending. They must be tied to clear plans that deliver meaningful impact and improve the well-being of our children.”
Also speaking, Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, represented by the Director of Basic Education, Dr Folake Davies, said the initiative aligns with national priorities and global education targets, particularly efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children.
“Education transformation cannot be driven from the centre alone,” the minister noted, adding that the retention programme is a “targeted intervention designed to reduce the number of out-of-school children, particularly in high-volume states.”
He urged stakeholders to ensure measurable impact: “The impact of these interventions must be visible, not just on paper… it must be measurable and transformative.”
With rising concerns over school enrolment and retention amid economic pressures, the UBEC intervention reflects a growing policy shift from infrastructure provision alone to a more holistic approach that keeps children in school and supports their completion of basic education.
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