The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has launched the 2025 cycle of its School-Based Management Committee–School Improvement Programme (SBMC–SIP), alongside a new Learners’ Retention Programme aimed at reducing Nigeria’s growing number of out-of-school children.
The development was announced on Thursday in Abuja at the official flag-off ceremony, where UBEC also released ₦434.5 million as final tranche funding for outstanding projects under the 2023 and 2024 intervention cycles.
The Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Rasaq Akinyemi, said the initiatives reflect the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to improving access, infrastructure, and learning outcomes at the basic education level.
According to her, the 2025 SBMC–SIP will see a total of ₦5.18 billion disbursed across 518 communities nationwide, covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Each state and the FCT will benefit from interventions in 14 schools, particularly in underserved areas with critical infrastructure deficits.
“The flag-off of the 2025 SBMC-SIP demonstrates unequivocally that the Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to equitable access, improved infrastructure, and enhanced learning outcomes,” Garba stated.
She explained that the programme will focus on renovating dilapidated classrooms, providing furniture, and improving water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in public schools.
UBEC also highlighted the impact of the initiative since inception, noting that 1,112 schools have so far benefited nationwide, with over 13,000 community-based projects initiated and more than ₦1.5 billion already disbursed across previous cycles.
In addition, the commission announced the release of ₦434.5 million as final tranche funding for 2023 and 2024 projects, aimed at completing 11,484 ongoing interventions across the country.
“Today’s disbursement will enable beneficiary schools to complete ongoing projects and consolidate earlier gains,” Garba added.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Learners’ Retention Programme, a new intervention designed to keep children in school amid rising economic and social pressures contributing to dropout rates.
The programme will initially target one million learners across eight states, with a ₦5 billion budget earmarked for its first phase. It is expected to support vulnerable households, improve attendance, and boost completion rates at the basic education level.
UBEC Board Chairman, Umaru Al-Makura, stressed the importance of community ownership in sustaining education reforms, warning that funds must be strictly used for intended projects.
“These funds are not for random spending. They must deliver meaningful impact and improve the well-being of our children,” he said, adding that monitoring mechanisms would ensure accountability.
Representing the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, Director of Basic Education, Dr. Folake Davies, described the interventions as central to the government’s drive for inclusive education and reduction of out-of-school children.
He noted that while infrastructure upgrades remain important, greater emphasis is now being placed on enrolment, retention, and completion rates.
“The impact of these interventions must be visible, measurable, and transformative in every community,” Alausa said.
UBEC reaffirmed its commitment to working with state governments, development partners, and community structures to strengthen basic education delivery and address persistent challenges such as poverty, insecurity, and school dropout rates across the country.