ASABA/Nigeria: The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has urged Delta State to sustain its access to federal education intervention funds and implementation of its basic education programmes as it seeks to position the state for participation in the World Bank-backed HOPE-EDU initiative.
The commission’s Executive Secretary, Dr Aisha Garba, gave the advice during a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba Kingdom, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, as UBEC and chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) commenced their 30th Quarterly Meeting in Asaba.
Garba said states seeking to participate in the HOPE-EDU Programme, valued at more than $500 million, were required to have accessed their 2026 UBE Matching Grant and achieved at least 50 per cent implementation of activities contained in their approved 2025 Basic Education Action Plan.
She therefore encouraged the Delta State Government to maintain its record of accessing available UBE intervention funds and ensure that the resources were utilised promptly.
According to her, meeting the conditions would strengthen Delta’s position to participate successfully in the programme, which is designed to improve education financing and strengthen foundational learning.
“We are confident that this will not only consolidate the remarkable progress already achieved but also accelerate improvements in access, quality and learning outcomes across the state’s basic education system,” Garba said.
The UBEC executive secretary noted that Delta had accessed all its UBE Matching Grant allocations up to 2025, describing the state’s record as an indication of its commitment to basic education.
She said the commission was pleased to hold its quarterly meeting in Delta and used the visit to the Asagba to acknowledge the role traditional institutions could play in supporting efforts to improve basic education.
Garba said UBEC valued the support of traditional institutions in advancing education and expressed appreciation to the Asagba for his commitment to the sector.
Responding, Azinge welcomed the UBEC delegation and described the meeting as an opportunity for Asaba to host education administrators from across the country.
He assured the delegation that the traditional institution would continue to support government efforts to expand access to quality basic education.
“Every child in Nigeria deserves that basic education, and we know that the responsibility on you is quite enormous,” the monarch said.
Azinge also expressed support for the Delta State Government’s education initiatives, describing quality basic education as fundamental to the development of the people and the future of Nigeria.
The visit was attended by Delta State Commissioner for Basic Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu; SUBEB chairmen from across the country, including Delta’s Hon. Samuel Mariere; the 25 Local Education Authority secretaries in the state; and members of the Asaba Council of Chiefs.
