According to UBEC's Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory have already accessed ₦78.6 billion. Garba emphasized that despite having sound policies and plans, the education sector continues to face challenges due to weak implementation.
To address this, Garba called for effective tracking mechanisms, programmatic adjustments, and stronger partnerships with local governments and communities to improve accountability and outcomes. She noted that three states have already applied to access their funds.
Lagos Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stressed the importance of investing in basic education for national development. He urged administrators to tackle challenges hindering progress.
The meeting aimed to strengthen mechanisms for effective reporting and evidence-based decision-making, with a focus on embracing digital platforms, data-driven approaches, and regular student assessments to drive improvements in teaching and learning.