Victoria Mgbanwa
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is stepping up efforts to attract private sector investment into Nigeria’s basic education system, as part of a broader strategy to improve access and learning outcomes.
UBEC Executive Secretary, Hajia Aisha Garba, has initiated high-level discussions with private sector stakeholders, including the Oando Foundation, to explore new models of collaboration.
During a recent meeting in Abuja, Garba emphasized the critical role of private sector partnerships in complementing government efforts to strengthen the basic education sector.
According to a statement issued by UBEC’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Mr. David Apeh, the commission’s new strategic framework prioritizes Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a means to enhance educational infrastructure, teaching materials, and learning resources.
The discussions also examined potential collaborations with the Education Cluster of the Private Sector Advisory Group for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on innovative financing mechanisms to drive increased private investment in education.
The Programme Manager of Oando Foundation, Tonia Uduimoh, highlighted the foundation’s contributions to Nigeria’s education sector, including infrastructure rehabilitation and the provision of essential teaching and learning materials.
She noted that such investments have played a significant role in improving education quality and access for children across the country.
UBEC has expressed its commitment to reviewing private sector proposals and establishing a structured platform for sustainable investment in the country’s basic education system.
