Otamere Gladness 
LAGOS, Nigeria -The head of the Universal Basic Education Commission calls for immediate reforms to address deep-rooted challenges in Nigeria’s basic education sector.
Speaking at a CEO roundtable in Lagos on Tuesday, Executive Secretary Aisha Garba highlights systemic barriers including poverty-driven dropouts, weak infrastructure, and gaps in teaching quality.
“Poverty-driven dropouts, poor infrastructure, and gaps in teaching quality continue to limit learning, especially in rural communities,” she says.
Garba outlines priorities such as expanding access for out-of-school children, strengthening teacher capacity, improving school facilities, and adopting data-driven planning.
She emphasises collaboration and innovation as critical tools for reform.
“Technology, partnerships, and community engagement are critical to improving transparency, accountability, and delivery,” she adds.
The UBEC boss describes quality basic education as the foundation for national productivity, growth, and inclusive development.
She ends with a call for urgency: “We must act decisively to ensure every child can learn in a safe, inclusive, and effective environment.”
Education analysts say sustained investment and coordination between federal and state actors will be key to achieving long-term impact.
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