Digital Reform: UBEC Unlocks ₦100bn to Transform Learning for 8.7m Students

The high-level gathering focused on modernizing education standards through digital integration and enhanced stakeholder coordination.

Under the theme “Accelerating Basic Education Performance Through Digitally-Enabled Coordination,” UBEC Executive Secretary Dr. Aisha Garba emphasized that the Commission is shifting from routine operations toward large-scale, data-driven reforms designed to bridge the gap between planning and real-world results.

“Within just one year, through collective interventions by SUBEBs and UBEC, we have already impacted over 8.7 million learners.”

She explained that the interventions cover distribution of instructional materials, improvement in learning conditions, provision of wash facilities and furniture, as well as large scale teacher training.

“These learners have benefited from improved instructional materials, better learning conditions, wash facilities, furniture, and the training of nearly 500,000 teachers.”

She added that improved coordination and strategic use of data have strengthened implementation and access to funding across states.

“Our efforts have also been reinforced by stronger coordination and more strategic use of data. We have unlocked over ₦100 billion that was previously unaccessed.”

Garba noted that digitalisation has become central to the reform process, extending beyond classroom tools to the overall management of basic education.

“Digitalisation has remained central to all these reforms. We are not just talking about classroom tools, but the entire system of managing basic education,” she said.

She also highlighted ongoing efforts to enforce minimum standards across the sector, including infrastructure, instructional materials, and teacher training, noting that these benchmarks will guide implementation across states.

“One of our key roles as a regulator is to ensure minimum standards in basic education… those standards must be met.”

The Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Mr. Razaq Olajunwon, emphasised the importance of stronger coordination and real time data in improving planning, transparency, and accountability.

“With stronger coordination and real time data, we can significantly improve planning and accountability. Together, we can accelerate progress for the Nigerian child,” he said.

Also speaking, the Dean of SUBEB Chairmen, Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, described the reform agenda as achievable but dependent on addressing key operational challenges.

“The digital transformation agenda may look ambitious, but it is achievable if properly implemented across all SUBEBs,” he stated.

He identified manpower gaps, electricity supply, and maintenance culture as major constraints, while stressing that digital tools remain critical for improving coordination and service delivery across the system.

Supporting partners including FCDO, the World Bank, and UNICEF pledged continued support for the initiative, noting that despite existing challenges, they remain committed to strengthening service delivery and transforming Nigeria’s basic education sector.