Bill To Increase: UBEC Funding Advances After Second Reading

Bill To Increase: UBEC Funding Advances After Second Reading

A bill seeking to amend the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Act to double its funding allocation from the consolidated revenue has progressed after passing the second reading in the House of Representatives……READ ALSO CBN Successfully Clears $7 Billion FX Backlog As External Reserves Surge To $34.11 Billion

Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education and Services, Bako Useni, disclosed this during the committee’s oversight function at the Digital Resource Centre constructed by UBEC in Abuja, Nigeria. The centre was established to train teachers in digital education techniques.

Useni explained that the proposed amendment, sponsored by Muktar Shagaya, aims to raise UBEC’s funding from 2 per cent to 4 per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund. He emphasized that enhancing UBEC’s financial resources would significantly contribute to the achievement of its objectives.

He further expressed the committee’s satisfaction with the Digital Resource Centre, noting its potential to revolutionize basic education in Nigeria by improving teacher training and content delivery.

Useni assured of continued oversight to ensure the sustainability and effective utilization of the centre, emphasizing the importance of monitoring training activities for teachers and other stakeholders.

Dr Hameed Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, highlighted the centre’s role in advancing digital education in Nigeria and expressed satisfaction in showcasing its facilities to the House Committee members. The centre boasts various amenities including a Digital Museum, Library, Artificial Intelligence Centre, studio, micro-labs, lecture halls, and accommodation.

Bobboyi stressed that the centre would not only train teachers but also coordinate smart schools nationwide and provide digital learning opportunities for senior and management cadres in the basic education sub-sector.

Professor Bashir Galandanci, the National Coordinator of the Digital Resource Centre, reiterated the centre’s significance in UBEC’s transition to the digital age, underscoring its potential as a game-changer in Nigeria’s basic education landscape.