UBEC Raises Quality Assurance Matching Grant To 5%

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has increased the matching grant allocation for quality assurance from 2 to 5 per cent to states to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of basic education across Nigeria.

UBEC Executive Secretar, Dr. Aisha Garba disclosed this during the opening ceremony of a 3-day refresher training and strategic meeting in Abuja, on Wednesday.

The meeting brought together Zonal Directors, Quality Assurance Officers, and Directors of Quality Assurance from the 36 States and the FCT to deliberate on the new quality assurance reporting template and related tools.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Garba emphasised that the increased quality assurance funding signals the Commission’s firm commitment to improving learning outcomes through data-driven decision-making and stronger accountability systems in public schools.

“In recognition of the importance of quality assurance, UBEC Management has reviewed the allocation from 2% to 5% of the Matching Grant to States.

“This was officially unveiled at the 26th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC Management with Executive Chairmen of SUBEBs held in Makurdi, Benue State on 25th and 26th May, 2025,” Garba said.

She noted that the increase goes beyond financial support, but a strategic investment in system reform and educational standards, highlighting that quality assurance is a central pillar of the UBEC 2025–2028 strategic blueprint.

She called on all stakeholders to align with the evolving standards and monitoring tools.

While commending the Department of Quality Assurance for organising the training, Garba urged participants to approach the meeting with open minds and solution-driven thinking.

“We are not just here to review reporting templates, but to deepen our understanding of how to use data to drive meaningful improvements in teaching and learning,” she said.

Also speaking, the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical) of UBEC, Rasaq Olajuwon Akinyemi, emphasised the critical role of quality assurance in strengthening the education system and commended the participants for their commitment.

Akinyemi said the training aims to deepen participants’ knowledge, equip them with modern tools and strategies, and enhance their capacity to evaluate and improve education standards.

Earlier, Director of Quality Assurance, Madam Ada Ogwuche emphasised that the training was essential in today’s dynamic educational landscape, aligning with the vision of UBEC’s Executive Secretary in her commitment to repositioning the Commission for better outcomes.

Ogwuche, who described Quality Assurance as a continuous, internal culture that demands improved capacity among evaluators, urged participants to fully engage, collaborate, ask questions, and embrace change.

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

In his remarks, Director of Quality Assurance at Ekiti SUBEB and Dean of SUBEB/UBEB Directors, Mr. Owolabi Dele encouraged active participation and teamwork to maximise the value of the training.

He stated that through joint efforts, Nigeria’s educational system can be strengthened to meet the evolving needs of students and educators.

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