UBEC Releases N3.55bn to Sokoto for Classrooms and Learning Basics
The Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC has disbursed N44.24 billion in matching grants to 11 states, with Sokoto State receiving N3.55 billion to support classroom construction, learning materials, and school infrastructure.
The funds, released between January and March 2026, cover the first to fourth quarters of 2025 and are part of UBEC’s ongoing intervention aimed at improving basic education across the country.
Other beneficiary states include Jigawa State, Ondo State, Taraba State, Kogi State, Kaduna State, Plateau State, Osun State, Zamfara State, Bauchi State, and Enugu State.
Under the UBEC matching grant framework, states are required to provide at least 50 percent counterpart funding before accessing the funds. The arrangement ensures shared responsibility between federal and state governments in driving improvements in basic education.
According to UBEC, the amount allocated to each state is determined by available funding and is distributed equally once the eligibility conditions are met, in line with provisions of the UBEC Act.
However, concerns persist over the slow utilisation of these funds. UBEC has repeatedly noted that large portions of allocations remain unspent in the accounts of State Universal Basic Education Boards and the Federal Capital Territory.
UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, previously revealed that about N250 billion in intervention funds remained unutilised by states, raising questions about implementation efficiency.
The development underscores a longstanding challenge in Nigeria’s education sector beyond funding availability the timely and effective use of resources remains critical to improving learning outcomes nationwide.
