The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has called on its officers and stakeholders to prioritize the delivery of quality basic education across Nigeria. The directive came from UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, during a three-day training workshop held in Abuja, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of School Support Officers (SSOs) from Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) nationwide.
Speaking at the event themed “Empowering SSOs to Champion and Support Technology Integration,” Garba emphasized the critical role these officers play in ensuring educational standards at the grassroots level. “Quality basic education is the foundation for Nigeria’s future, and it begins with the dedication of those closest to our schools,” she said. She urged the officers to recommit to their duties, leveraging technology to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
The workshop, which commenced on February 18, 2025, focused on equipping SSOs with skills to integrate educational technologies effectively and foster collaboration with school personnel. Garba highlighted that such initiatives align with UBEC’s mandate to provide free, compulsory, and qualitative education to every Nigerian child. “We must renew our efforts to ensure no child is left behind,” she added, pointing to the importance of stakeholder synergy in achieving this goal.
A statement by UBEC’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol, David Apeh, noted that the training was strategically timed as one of the first major activities under Garba’s leadership, underscoring her focus on grassroots education quality. Participants were drawn from various LGEAs across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, reflecting a nationwide push to standardize educational support.
Director of Teacher Development at UBEC, Mayowa Galadanci, praised the initiative, noting that SSOs serve as vital links in the quality assurance chain. “Their role at the local level ensures that schools function effectively, and this training empowers them to meet modern educational demands,” he said.
The call for improved education delivery comes amid recent strides in local government autonomy, which has granted LGEAs greater control over educational resources. Stakeholders see this as an opportunity to address longstanding challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, teacher training, and student performance.
