UBEC Gets Over N303 Billion From FG
The Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission, (UBEC), Dr. Hammid Bobboyi on Thursday, said that the federal government has so far released more than N303,933 as the FGN-Universal Basic Education grant as at 31st October, 2017.
He said this at the 2017 Annual National Education Summit organised by Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria, tagged, ‘Whither Basic Education in Nigeria’, held in Lagos.
Bobboyi however, stated that a total of N303, 933, 462 representing 80 per cent of the funds had been disbursed to 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, leaving a balance 20 per cent un accessed.
He said that the Commission had always ensured that the money disbursed was well utilized through rigorous monitoring.
Speaking on challenges faced by the Commission, Bobboyi lamented that some states were exhibiting nonchalant attitude towards basic education, adding that they needed to buckle up.
He also added that the Commission were faced with challenges posed by over 10.5 million out-of-school children and youths, including the Almajiri and children with special needs and getting them into basic education schools.
Other challenges mentioned include: low level of budgetary allocation to basic education at State and local government levels, low quality and inadequacy of teaching staff amongst others.
The Executive Director urged parents and guidance not to neglect or take proper education of their children for granted.
Bobboyi pointed out that education for all is the responsibility of all, saying “Therefore, we must rise up to the occasion to recommend and institute positive turnaround strategies that will improve the basic education sub-sector”.