The Universal Basic Education Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the number of out-of-school children across the country.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Aisha Garba, gave the assurance on Thursday while speaking at a retreat for senior staff of the commission held at the Tahir Guest Palace Hotel in Kano.
“We want to ensure we achieve the mandate of universal basic education, which is 100% access to education, reduce the number of out-of-school children — which has been a national challenge — and improve the quality of education,” she said.
Garba revealed that the commission had so far established 34 model and SMART schools across the country as part of efforts to expand access to basic education.
She also noted that significant improvements had been made in school infrastructure, with over 3,700 classrooms constructed, more than 142,000 units of furniture provided, and over 181,000 learners positively impacted.
“Working closely with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), we have constructed over 3,700 classrooms, established 34 model and SMART schools, provided over 142,000 units of furniture, and positively impacted more than 181,000 learners,” she continued.
Garba added that the commission had also taken key steps to enhance the quality of teaching and learning through its Teacher Professional Development Programme, aimed at equipping educators with the skills and knowledge needed to improve learning outcomes nationwide.
“We are not just managing a commission; we are shaping the future of millions of Nigerian children. The way we work — how we plan, collaborate, and lead — has a direct impact on what happens in classrooms across the country,” she added.
According to her, the retreat was designed to give participants the opportunity to take stock of achievements recorded over the past six months since she assumed office.
“They will also look at the key priorities we need to deliver in the next six months and in the next year. One of the key objectives is for us to work together as a team to foster collaboration with both national and state-level governments to ensure alignment of our priorities and deliver basic education for the betterment of the Nigerian child.
“I am confident that we will leave this retreat better aligned, more connected, and energised for the work ahead,” she concluded.
