Victoria Mbangwa
In a bold move to overhaul Nigeria’s basic education standards, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has increased the quality assurance component of its Matching Grant to states from 2% to 5%, signaling a strategic pivot towards data-driven education reforms and stronger accountability mechanisms across the country.
The announcement was made by UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, at the opening of a three-day refresher training and strategic meeting held in Abuja, which brought together key stakeholders from across Nigeria’s education system. Participants included Zonal Directors, Quality Assurance Officers, and Directors from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“In recognition of the importance of quality assurance, UBEC Management has reviewed the allocation from 2% to 5% of the Matching Grant to States,” Dr. Garba emphasized.
She further noted that the enhanced funding aligns with the Commission’s newly launched 2025–2028 strategic blueprint, which positions quality assurance as a central pillar of educational transformation. The revised allocation was officially unveiled during the 26th Quarterly UBEC/SUBEBs Executive Chairmen meeting held in Makurdi, Benue State, in May 2025.
According to Dr. Garba, the strategic blueprint pushes for more rigorous monitoring, transparent reporting, and the effective use of educational data to guide decision-making at all levels. “We are not just here to review reporting templates, but to deepen our understanding of how to use data to drive meaningful improvements in teaching and learning,” she said.
The training event served as a launchpad for introducing an upgraded quality assurance reporting template and monitoring tools. UBEC’s Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Mr. Rasaq Olajuwon Akinyemi, highlighted the initiative as essential for equipping state-level officers with the skills and digital tools necessary to meet the growing demands of education quality control.
Director of Quality Assurance, Madam Ada Ogwuche, underscored the importance of building a sustained culture of quality evaluation. “Quality Assurance is not just a one-time event or an external commitment. It is a continuous internal commitment,” she said, urging participants to embrace innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Owolabi Dele, Director of Quality Assurance at Ekiti SUBEB and Dean of SUBEB/UBEB Directors nationwide, called for team spirit and active engagement throughout the training. “We are not only enhancing our expertise, but also strengthening the foundation of our educational system that nurtures minds, builds vision, and drives national development,” he said.
