The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has commenced the distribution of teaching and learning material to public basic schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The material will be distributed in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB).

Speaking at the ceremony on Thursday in Abuja, UBEC’s executive secretary, Aisha Garba, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to a quality education delivery system.

Ms Garba described education as the foundation of national development, stressing that the commission remained committed to ensuring inclusive, equitable and quality education for every Nigerian child.

She said that the distribution formed part of UBEC’s nationwide intervention aimed at strengthening teaching and learning outcomes in public schools.

According to her, the initiative reflects sustained collaboration between UBEC and State UBEB to improve infrastructure, teacher capacity and access to learning resources across the country.

“This initiative seeks to ensure that every Nigerian child receives quality education.

“It is also to empower them with teaching and learning material to improve learning outcomes as well as improve their experience in the classroom, to be able to compete globally,” she said.

Ms Garba said that more than 10,000 classrooms had recently been constructed nationwide under UBEC interventions.

She added that over 500 teachers benefited from capacity-building programmes, while more than 400,000 teaching and learning materials had been distributed to schools.

The UBEC official further revealed that over seven million core textbooks had been supplied to students nationwide to enhance literacy and classroom engagement.

“Working together with our partners, particularly at the grassroots level, we have worked together to bring back 700,000 out-of-school children back to school. This is a big milestone.

“Today’s event represents a continuation of the nationwide effort reinforced by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which places the Nigerian child at the centre,” she said.

She said the commission had also distributed more than 100,000 Quranic learning materials targeted at out-of-school children, particularly those in Tsangaya Islamic education systems.

Ms Garba announced that the FCT received substantial instructional material, including more than 137 core textbooks, over 7,000 packs of pencils and exercise books, and more than 40 interactive smart boards.

She added that over 30 desktop computers, school bags, shoes and other instructional material were also distributed to support effective teaching and learning.

According to her, the material represents critical tools for transforming basic education and strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy among pupils.

She commended the FCT Administration for its sustained investment in improving school infrastructure and learning environments.

Earlier, Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary, FCT Education Secretariat, said that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was making Mr Tinubu’s agenda a reality in the FCT education sector.

Mr Hayyo said that the minister awarded the rehabilitation and renovation of 108 schools, with a significant number completed so far.

The acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB), Florence Wenegieme, said that the distribution of the material would strengthen teaching and learning in FCT basic public schools.

According to her, the instructional material support marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of educational excellence in the FCT.

“To our teachers, students, and pupils, this initiative is for you. The material being distributed today aims to enhance the teaching and learning process, and we encourage their effective use,” she said.

Ms Wenegieme thanked UBEC for its support to improve the quality of teaching and learning in basic schools.

On his part, the Emir of Jiwa, Idris Musa, commended UBEC for the support and advised against diverting the material. 

(NAN)