HOPE-EDU initiative: FG to empower 500,000 teachers —UBEC boss

The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government towards implementation of an ambitious education reform initiative aimed at empowering 500,000 teachers and improving learning outcomes for over 29 million Nigerian children through the Hope for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU) programme.

Garba stated this during a three-day sensitisation workshop for State Ministries of Education (SMoEs) and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) from the South-South and South-East zones in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The workshop, organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with UBEC, was themed “Hope Education Programme for Quality Basic Education.” It is designed to drive the implementation of the Universal Basic Education Act while ensuring inclusive and equitable access to quality education across Nigeria.

Represented by UBEC’s Executive Secretary (Technical), Mr. Rasaq Olajuwon Akinyemi, Garba expressed appreciation to the participating commissioners of education, SUBEB chairmen and implementing directors for their dedication to improving the nation’s basic education system.

According to her, the HOPE-EDU programme, launched earlier with a $552.18 million investment from the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education, is strategically aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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She explained that the programme is designed to address critical challenges in the basic education sector by expanding access, improving quality of teaching, and strengthening institutional systems across the country.

Garba said the initiative would also support the construction of about 13,000 new classrooms nationwide and facilitate the return of more than 1.5 million out-of-school children to classrooms.

“What brings us together today is the HOPE-EDU programme. It is not merely a funding intervention but a transformational commitment to improve learning outcomes for over 29 million children and empower about 500,000 teachers across the country,” she said.

She stressed that while UBEC would provide resources and technical support to the states, the success of the programme would largely depend on state-level implementation by ministries of education and SUBEBs.

According to her, these institutions will lead needs assessments, community mobilisation and grassroots implementation of the programme in their respective states.

Garba acknowledged that Nigeria’s basic education sector still faces major challenges, including more than 10 million out-of-school children, overcrowded classrooms and disparities in access to learning resources.

She therefore called for transparency, accountability and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the effective utilisation of the intervention.

She also urged state officials to build strong partnerships with local governments, civil society organisations, parents and the private sector to ensure sustainable progress.

Garba noted that digital monitoring systems would be deployed to track implementation progress, financial accountability and learning outcomes.

She emphasised that special attention must be given to marginalised groups, including girls, orphans and children in conflict-affected communities.

“Education for these children is not charity; it is the cornerstone of our democracy and our economy,” she added.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education in Akwa Ibom State, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, said the state government remains committed to advancing education through its ARISE Agenda.

He noted that the state’s education reforms align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government and the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on quality education.

Umoh commended the Federal Government and UBEC for initiating the HOPE-EDU programme, noting that it would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s basic education system and expand opportunities for millions of children across the country.

National Project Coordinator HOPE-EDU, Dr. Layi Olatawura, stated that the programme complements government efforts in the UBE programme, with education funding increasing by 300 per cent in recent years.

He urged states to take advantage of the programme to improve their basic education sector.