The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba, has urged the Delta State Government to sustain its investment in basic education and access available UBE intervention funds to qualify for the over $500 million HOPE-EDU Programme.
Dr. Garba made the call on Monday in Asaba during a courtesy visit to the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, ahead of the 30th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC Management and Executive Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) being hosted by Delta state.
Dr Garba described Delta as a state that continues to demonstrate tremendous progress in the education sector, particularly in basic education.
She said, “It is indeed a great pleasure to be in Delta State. We are delighted to experience firsthand the warmth and hospitality for which this great state is renowned, reaffirming the values embodied in its proud identity as The Big Heart of the Nation”.
The UBEC Executive Secretary thanked the Governor for hosting the quarterly meeting and for his administration’s support to UBEC.
“On behalf of the UBEC management, I wish to sincerely thank Your Excellency for graciously receiving us today and for hosting the 30th Quarterly Meeting. We deeply appreciate your unwavering support and commitment to advancing basic education in Nigeria”, she stated.
Dr. Garba maintained that the visit was to acknowledge the efforts of the state government and strengthen partnership with UBEC.
“This visit therefore provides an opportunity not only to pay our respects to Your Excellency, but also to acknowledge the efforts of your administration and to strengthen the partnership between Delta State and UBEC”, Dr Garba said.
The UBEC boss commended Delta for its record in accessing the UBE Matching Grant.
“Your Excellency, we commend Delta State for its strong record in accessing the UBE Matching Grant. As at today, all UBE Matching Grant allocations up to 2025 have been accessed by the State, reflecting your administration’s commitment and willingness to prioritise significant investments in basic education”, she noted.
Dr Garba also applauded the state for deploying technology to address challenges in the sector, citing the ‘Attend360’ platform as an initiative worthy of commendation.
“Beyond the resources accessed, we are pleased by how the State is exploring practical and innovative digital solutions to address challenges within the education system. A notable example is the Attend360 platform, the technology-enabled attendance management system for the strengthening of teacher attendance and accountability.
“Initiatives such as this demonstrate how investment in innovation can strengthen the systems that support teaching and learning, while ensuring that resources ultimately translate into better learning outcomes”, Dr Garba emphasized.
Drawing attention to new funding opportunities, the UBEC Executive Secretary informed the Governor about the ‘HOPE-EDU Programme’ an over $500 million World Bank-supported initiative, focused on improving education financing and strengthening foundational learning.
“Participation in the program requires States to have accessed their 2026 UBE Matching Grant and achieved at least 50 percent implementation of activities in their approved 2025 Basic Education Action Plan”, she explained.
Dr Garba therefore encouraged the state to take necessary steps to benefit.
“In this regard, we encourage Your Excellency’s administration to sustain its investment in basic education, continue to access available UBE Intervention Funds, ensure their timely utilization, and take the necessary steps to position Delta State for successful participation in the HOPE-EDU Programme as a high-performing and deserving beneficiary.
“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”, Dr Garba added.
While expressing hope for continued collaboration, the Executive Secretary thanked the Governor for all he does to promote basic education in Delta State.
“Once again, Your Excellency, thank you for receiving us and for the support extended to UBEC. We are pleased to have Delta State as our host and look forward to a productive engagement and continued collaboration in advancing inclusive, equitable, and high quality basic education for every Nigerian child”, she concluded.
Responding, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D., described education as the biggest industry in the state, saying that the State has continued to make significant investments in the sector to provide quality education for its citizens.
Welcoming the UBEC delegation to the state, the Governor expressed appreciation to the commission for choosing Delta as the venue for the 30th Quarterly Management Meeting.
He said the state was encouraged by UBEC’s positive assessment of its performance, particularly in the areas of technology, infrastructure, access to education funds, and effective utilisation of resources.
The Governor maintained that quality education will always be made available to as many citizens as possible, adding that government is proud of the contribution of its people to the development of education globally.
The visit was witnessed by some members of the Delta State Executive Council, SUBEB Chairmen across the country and other top government functionaries in the state.
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