UBEC disbursed over ₦92 billion to 25 states and FCT to boost education standards.
Yet, over ₦250 billion remains unused as poor fund management stalls basic learning reforms.
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has disbursed ₦92.4 billion in matching grants to 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between January and June 2025, according to the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Aisha Garba.
Garba, represented by Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Razaq Akinyemi, made this known on Monday, July 21, during the opening of a three-day Financial Management Training for fund managers of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) in Abuja.
The training, themed “Efficient and Effective Management of UBE Intervention Fund: A Key to Successful Basic Education Service Delivery,” brought together SUBEB directors of finance, internal auditors, and matching grant desk officers from the 36 states and the FCT.
Additional Disbursements
Garba also revealed that UBEC disbursed an additional:
- ₦19 billion for the 2023/2024 Teacher Professional Development Fund to 32 states and the FCT.
- ₦1.5 billion for the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) Improvement Program, benefitting 1,147 communities across all 36 states and the FCT.
Despite these achievements, Garba raised concerns over the poor utilization of previously disbursed funds. She disclosed that more than ₦250 billion in UBE intervention funds remain unspent in the accounts of SUBEBs nationwide.
“The major challenge is not just accessing the UBE matching grant, but the slow utilization of the fund by many state governments,” she said.
“Some states fail to follow utilization guidelines, delay project execution, and violate due process in procurement.”
Tackling Financial Mismanagement
Garba said her administration, which began in January 2025, has already identified multiple lapses during the 46th financial monitoring exercise in the North Central region. These include:
- Non-compliance with project execution guidelines
- Diversion of funds
- Failure to remit taxes
- Lack of adherence to approved action plans
To address these issues, she initiated a review of fund utilization guidelines, introduced a new SUBEB action plan template, and approved capacity-building programs for both UBEC and SUBEB personnel.
“This training is another critical milestone in our shared goal of ensuring transparency, accountability, and prudence in managing public education funds,” Garba stated.
The current workshop will also cover:
- An overview of the Nigerian Tax Reforms Act 2025
- Identification of financial infractions and audit red flags
- Standard procurement procedures
- Proper financial record maintenance
Garba reaffirmed UBEC’s commitment to supporting states through training and reform to improve basic education service delivery nationwide.
