The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has urged the Delta State Government to sustain its investment in basic education and take advantage of available intervention funds to qualify for the over $500 million World Bank-supported HOPE-EDU Programme.
The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, made the call on Monday in Asaba during a courtesy visit to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, ahead of the 30th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC Management and Executive Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), hosted by the state.
Garba commended Delta State for its impressive progress in the education sector, particularly in basic education, describing the state as one that has demonstrated strong commitment to improving educational outcomes.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for hosting the quarterly meeting and for his administration’s continued support for UBEC initiatives.
“On behalf of the UBEC management, I wish to sincerely thank Your Excellency for graciously receiving us today and for hosting the 30th Quarterly Meeting. We deeply appreciate your unwavering support and commitment to advancing basic education in Nigeria,” she said.
The UBEC boss said the visit was also aimed at acknowledging the state government’s efforts in basic education and strengthening the partnership between Delta State and the commission.
Garba particularly praised Delta State for its strong record in accessing the UBE Matching Grant, noting that the state had accessed all allocations up to 2025.
“Your Excellency, we commend Delta State for its strong record in accessing the UBE Matching Grant. As at today, all UBE Matching Grant allocations up to 2025 have been accessed by the state, reflecting your administration’s commitment and willingness to prioritise significant investments in basic education,” she said.
She also commended the state government for deploying technology to address challenges in the education sector, citing the Attend360 platform as an innovative initiative aimed at improving teacher attendance and accountability.
According to her, the technology-enabled attendance management system demonstrates how innovation can strengthen education systems and ensure that investments translate into improved teaching and learning outcomes.
Garba further drew the governor’s attention to the HOPE-EDU Programme, an over $500 million World Bank-supported initiative designed to improve education financing and strengthen foundational learning.
She explained that states seeking to participate in the programme must 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.
The UBEC Executive Secretary therefore urged Delta State to sustain its investment in basic education, continue to access available UBE intervention funds and ensure their timely utilisation.
She expressed confidence that Delta’s continued commitment would position the state for successful participation in the HOPE-EDU Programme and further improve access, quality and learning outcomes across its basic education system.
“Once again, Your Excellency, thank you for receiving us and for the support extended to UBEC. We are pleased to have Delta State as our host and look forward to a productive engagement and continued collaboration in advancing inclusive, equitable, and high-quality basic education for every Nigerian child,” Garba said.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D., described education as the biggest industry in Delta State, stressing that his administration would continue to invest heavily in the sector to provide quality education for citizens.
The governor welcomed the UBEC delegation and expressed appreciation to the commission for choosing Delta State as the venue for its 30th Quarterly Management Meeting.
He said the state was encouraged by UBEC’s positive assessment of its performance, particularly in technology deployment, infrastructure development, access to education funds and effective utilisation of resources.
Oborevwori reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to making quality education available to as many citizens as possible, noting that Delta State remained proud of the contributions of its people to the development of education globally.
The visit was attended by members of the Delta State Executive Council, SUBEB chairmen from across the country and other top government officials.
