The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has increased the allocation for quality assurance from 2 per cent to 5 per cent of the Matching Grant provided to states.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba, during a three-day refresher training for Zonal Directors, Quality Assurance Officers, and Directors of Quality Assurance from the 36 State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) and the Federal Capital Territory.
Dr Garba said the increase demonstrates UBEC’s determination to “match policy with tangible resource backing” and underscored the central role quality assurance plays in enhancing Nigeria’s basic education system.
“This meeting presents a critical opportunity to sharpen our skills, reinforce collaboration, and align our actions with national priorities.
As quality assurance officers, your role is central to our collective success,” she stated.
During the training, Garba also unveiled a new Basic Education Action Plan (BEAP) template designed to improve planning, monitoring, and reporting processes across all levels of the basic education system. She said the new template is expected to lead to “more focused and impactful interventions”.
UBEC’s Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Mr Rasaq Akinyemi, addressed the participants, reaffirming the importance of quality assurance in fortifying the education sector. He applauded their commitment and said the training would “equip them with modern tools and strategies to raise educational standards nationwide”.
Director of Quality Assurance at UBEC, Mrs Ada Ogwuche, stressed the long-term importance of the exercise in today’s evolving educational environment.
“Quality assurance is not just a one-time event or an external requirement.
It is a continuous internal commitment. It is a culture, and central to this culture is the capacity of our evaluators,” she said.
Also speaking at the session, Mr Dele Owolabi, Director of Quality Assurance at Ekiti SUBEB and Dean of SUBEB/UBEB Directors, urged participants to embrace collaboration and take full advantage of 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,” he remarked.
