Abuja: The Federal Government has inaugurated the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee to accelerate the completion and operationalisation of smart, bilingual, and alternative schools across the country. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure government investments in basic education translate into meaningful learning opportunities for Nigerian children.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Alausa highlighted that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, recognizing education as the foundation for economic growth, national cohesion, and global competitiveness. He stressed the committee’s role in ensuring that completed school projects become fully functional institutions serving their intended purpose.
The minister further stated that UBEC has invested substantial resources in Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools, and Alternative Schools to expand access to quality education, digital learning, and educational opportunities for vulnerable children. Recent reports indicated that while many projects were nearing completion, a significant number remained unfinished, with several completed schools yet to be handed over to state governments or opened for learning.
Dr. Alausa charged the committee to focus on completing outstanding projects, providing necessary furniture and equipment, installing utilities, deploying teachers, and ensuring prompt enrolment of learners. The success of the committee, he noted, would be measured by how many schools become operational and start educating Nigerian children.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, mentioned that the projects represent some of the federal government’s most significant investments in basic education. She reported that 37 Smart Schools have been established nationwide, with 24 already conducting academic activities, while others are at various stages of completion and operational readiness.
Dr. Garba also discussed the UBEC-Islamic Development Bank Bilingual Education Programme, under which 30 schools have been established in nine participating states. She assured the committee of UBEC’s full cooperation and urged members to fulfill their responsibilities with professionalism and commitment.
Prof. Rashid Aderinoye, chairman of the UBEC Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee, assured the minister of the committee’s dedication to its assignment. Emphasizing accountability as an act of stewardship, Aderinoye stated the committee’s goal is to ensure that Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools, and Alternative Schools become fully operational and sustainable.