The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba, has commended the Delta State Government for its commitment to the development of basic education, particularly its consistent access to the UBE Matching Grant.
Dr. Garba made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba Kingdom, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, as part of activities to kick-start the 30th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), holding in Asaba, Delta State.
The UBEC Boss who led the management of UBEC and Executive Chairmen of SUBEBs across the country on the visit, said the Commission was delighted to hold the quarterly meeting in Delta State.
She described the visit to the Asagba as an opportunity to pay homage to the revered monarch and strengthen partnership between UBEC and traditional institutions in advancing basic education in the country.
“We deeply appreciate your unwavering support and commitment to advancing basic education in Nigeria,” Dr. Garba said.
The Executive Secretary noted that Delta State had demonstrated a strong record in accessing the UBE Matching Grant, stressing that all allocations up to 2025 had been accessed by the state.
Dr. Garba also applauded the state for exploring innovative solutions to challenges in the education sector, particularly the Attend360 technology-enabled attendance management platform designed to strengthen teacher attendance and accountability.
She said initiatives such as the platform could improve systems supporting teaching and learning and ensure that investments in education translate into better learning outcomes.
The UBEC Executive Secretary further drew attention to the HOPE-EDU Programme, a World Bank-supported initiative of over $500 million aimed at improving education financing and strengthening foundational learning.
She explained that participation required states to have accessed their 2026 UBE Matching Grant and achieved at least 50 per cent implementation of activities contained in their approved 2025 Basic Education Action Plan.
Dr. Garba therefore urged the Delta State Government to sustain its support for basic education, continue accessing available UBE intervention funds, and ensure their timely utilization.
She said this would position the state for successful participation in the HOPE-EDU Programme.
“We are confident that this will not only consolidate the remarkable progress already achieved but also accelerate improvements in access, quality and learning outcomes across the state’s basic education system” she said.
Responding, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, warmly welcomed the UBEC delegation to Asaba, describing it as a privilege for the kingdom to host the quarterly meeting of UBEC management and SUBEB chairmen from across the federation.
The Asagba said the traditional institution would continue to support government efforts at all levels to provide quality basic education for Nigerian children.
“Every child in Nigeria deserves that basic education, and we know that the responsibility on you is quite enormous,” he said.
Obi Azinge expressed the kingdom’s strong support for the education drive of the Delta State Government, noting that quality basic education remains fundamental to the development of the people and the future of the nation.
The visit was attended by the Delta State Commissioner for Basic Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu, SUBEB Chairmen across the country, including the host, Hon. Samuel Mariere, the 25 Local Education Authority Secretaries in Delta State, and a cross-section of the Council of Chiefs of Asaba Kingdom.