Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The federal government has proposed a legislation to increase funding from the consolidated revenue fund to the nation’s basic education sector.
The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, who revealed the proposition, said the move would see an increase from the current two per cent to three per cent of statutory allocation from the consolidated revenue fund to basic education, with a further one per cent to be invested in the senior secondary education segment.
In a statement by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the minister made this known at a meeting of the Commission’s management with the executive chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) held in Benin, Edo State.
Represented by the Director, Basic Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, the minister said the present administration is also fully committed to bridging the national skills gap by supporting institutions and establishing new ones to accelerate the production of trained manpower for the different sectors of the national economy.
“The Buhari administration is committed to ensure that these interventions have long lasting dividends towards the empowerment and enlightenment of the Nigerian child,” he said.
The minister expressed the hope that resolutions reached at the meeting would enhance education of the Nigerian child, whose success and progress underpin the overall progress of the nation and serve as hope for future generations.
Adamu also called on SUBEB’s executive chairmen, who are the direct supervisors of basic education implementation, to work in synergy with the Minister of State for Education, private proprietors and other non-state actors/non- governmental organisations to create the enabling environment for enhanced quality teaching and learning in schools.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, said the Commission is working hard to ensure equitable and quality basic education for all children of school age and would not relent in its efforts.
He explained that the success of any system of education is hinged on proper planning and effective implementation.
“This is what UBEC and SUBEB are striving to achieve through their partnership,” he said.
The meeting of UBEC management with the executive chairmen of SUBEBs has over the years helped in bringing together stakeholders to discuss basic education implementation in Nigeria, assess progress being made, the challenges and proffer solutions.
