Niger Governor reiterates commitment to revitalising basic education, strengthens partnership with UBEC
Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalising basic education in the state, as the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB) intensified collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
The Executive Chairman of NSUBEB, Dr. Ibrahim A. Liman, alongside board members and the management team, paid a formal visit to UBEC headquarters in Abuja to strengthen institutional cooperation and enhance the implementation of basic education programmes.
According to the Public Relations Officer of NSUBEB, Idris Kolo, the visit provided Dr. Liman with the opportunity to engage directly with the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha M. Garba, and her management team.
During the meeting, Dr. Liman outlined the wide-ranging reforms being implemented in Niger State’s basic education sector under the leadership of Governor Umaru Bago. He noted that the Governor has issued a strong directive for all stakeholders to prioritise the restoration and advancement of basic education in the state, with the goal of returning the sector to its former prominence.
He disclosed that intervention projects for the 2022/2023 cycle are currently at various stages of reconstruction and remodelling across the state.
Dr. Liman also revealed that the Governor has approved and released full funding for the 2024/2025 intervention year, pending UBEC’s matching grant to ensure timely and effective execution of projects.
In her response, Hajiya Aisha M. Garba commended the NSUBEB delegation and congratulated Dr. Liman and his team on their appointments, describing their credentials and experience as a reflection of sound leadership.
She praised Niger State for its consistent performance in educational development, noting that the state has often served as a reference point for others across the country.
The UBEC Executive Secretary encouraged sustained collaboration and urged NSUBEB to fast-track the implementation of its strategic action plan to enable prompt utilisation of the new intervention funds.
To further cement the renewed partnership, Governor Umaru Bago joined the meeting virtually, expressing satisfaction with the productive engagement between Niger State and UBEC.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s unwavering support for NSUBEB and pledged continuous backing to sustain progress in the basic education sector.
He emphasised that education remains a central pillar of his reform agenda and assured UBEC of the state’s readiness to maximise all interventions for the benefit of learners and the future development of Niger State.
Since assuming office, the Umaru Bago-led administration has addressed the backlog of the 2022 UBEC intervention, successfully accessed the 2023 intervention and commenced its implementation across the state.
This progress has been further strengthened by the release of funds for the 2024/2025 intervention, now awaiting UBEC’s matching contribution to advance basic education development in Niger State.
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