UBEC reviews quality assurance allocation to 5%

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has announced a substantial increase in its allocation for quality assurance, moving it from 2 per cent to 5 per cent of the Matching Grant provided to states.

Dr. Aisha Garba, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, revealed this significant development at a three-day refresher training held in Abuja on Wednesday.

The training brought together Zonal Directors, Quality Assurance Officers, and Directors of Quality Assurance from State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Garba stated that the increase reflects the Commission’s steadfast determination to align policy with tangible resource backing.

She underscored the vital role quality assurance plays in improving Nigeria’s basic education system, emphasizing that the training aimed to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of data-driven decision-making while aligning with emerging educational standards.

“This meeting presents a critical opportunity to sharpen our skills, reinforce collaboration, and align our actions with national priorities,” Garba said. “As quality assurance officers, your role is central to our collective success.”

In a further move to enhance educational oversight, Garba also introduced a new Basic Education Action Plan (BEAP) template. This template is specifically designed to improve planning, monitoring, and reporting systems across all tiers of basic education, with the expectation that it will foster more focused and impactful interventions.

Speaking at the event, UBEC Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Mr. Rasaq Akinyemi, reiterated the critical importance of quality assurance in strengthening the education system.

ALSO READ : Alleged 27bn fraud: Court overrules Ishaku’s admissibility objection

He commended participants for their commitment, noting that the training would equip them with modern tools and strategies to raise educational standards nationwide.

Mrs. Ada Ogwuche, Director of Quality Assurance at UBEC, described the training as essential in today’s dynamic educational environment. She stressed that quality assurance should be viewed as a continuous internal commitment and an integral part of an institution’s culture, driven by well-equipped evaluators.

“Quality assurance is not just a one-time event or an external requirement,” she stated. “It is a continuous internal commitment. It is a culture, and central to this culture is the capacity of our evaluators.”

In his remarks, Mr. Dele Owolabi, Director of Quality Assurance at Ekiti SUBEB and Dean of SUBEB/UBEB Directors, encouraged teamwork and active engagement among participants to ensure they derive maximum benefit from the training.

“Through this meeting, we are not only enhancing our expertise but also strengthening the foundation of our educational system, one that nurtures minds, builds vision, and drives national development,” Owolabi concluded.