FG Announces Key Changes in Education Funding Process – links disbursement of UBEC fund to state performance
The Federal Government is making some important changes to how states can access education funds, and it’s all about improving results. During a recent engagement in Kaduna, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, revealed that the government is reviewing the guidelines for accessing Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funds.
According to Dr. Ahmad, the aim is to make the process more flexible and performance-based. In simple terms, states will now need to show actual results in their education systems to qualify for these funds. It’s part of a bigger move to ensure that every naira spent truly impacts basic education across the country.
Performance Will Now Determine Access to Funds
One of the major changes introduced is the shift towards performance-based disbursement. Going forward, states will be required to meet certain performance metrics before they can access UBEC intervention funds.
Dr. Ahmad emphasized that the focus is no longer just on fund allocation but on the actual impact these funds have on the education system.
“Going forward, the disbursement of funds to state governments would be tied to performance metrics to ensure quality control and value for money,” she said.
Why This Matters for States and Learners
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is responsible for supporting states in providing basic education across Nigeria. However, the traditional funding system has faced criticism for lack of accountability, delays in utilization, and insufficient impact on learning outcomes.
This new performance-based model aims to address those concerns by ensuring that states that demonstrate measurable improvement, such as increased school enrollment, better learning environments, and improved teacher performance, are prioritized for funding.
What States Should Expect Going Forward
With these new guidelines on the horizon, state governments will now need to:
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Provide regular updates and reports on education performance
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Implement transparency and accountability measures
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Focus on quality improvement in public schools
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Meet certain benchmarks tied to outcomes, not just paperwork
A Step Toward Quality Education for All
This policy shift is part of the broader efforts of the Federal Government to strengthen the education system, enhance learning outcomes, and ensure every child, regardless of location, has access to quality education.
Education experts believe this approach will push state governments to take ownership of their educational progress and become more strategic in using federal resources.
