It was an evening of music, culture, camaraderie and celebration as officials of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) and other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s basic education sector gathered in Asaba for a colourful gala night marking the successful conclusion of the 30th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC and SUBEBs.
The dinner, hosted by the Delta State Government and the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (D-SUBEB), brought together education stakeholders from across the country for an evening of relaxation and networking after four days of intensive deliberations on the future of basic education in Nigeria.
The meeting, held under the theme, “Repositioning Basic Education in Nigeria to Optimize Investments and Impact,” featured goodwill messages, musical performances, cultural displays and the presentation of souvenirs to participants.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented at the gala night by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Government House, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, described the hosting of the meeting as a great honour for the state.
“It is indeed a delight for Delta State to have hosted the 30th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC and SUBEBs, bringing together key stakeholders in basic education from across the country,” the Governor said.
Oborevwori expressed confidence that the resolutions reached during the four-day meeting would lead to concrete measures capable of strengthening Nigeria’s basic education system and improving learning outcomes for children.
“We are confident that the outcome of your deliberations will further strengthen the quality of basic education and contribute significantly to improved learning outcomes for our children,” he said.
The Governor commended the management of UBEC, led by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, as well as SUBEB Chairmen nationwide, for their contributions to the success of the meeting.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, describing the sector as a key priority of the MORE Agenda.
“Delta State Government will continue to prioritise education and engage stakeholders at all levels in our collective efforts to improve the quality of education in the State,” Oborevwori added.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Delta State SUBEB, Hon. Samuel Mariere, expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for providing the support and enabling environment that made the successful hosting of the quarterly meeting possible.
Mariere specifically thanked Governor Oborevwori for his support and commitment to the development of basic education in the state.
“We sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his tremendous support to Delta SUBEB and for providing the enabling environment that made the successful hosting of this important meeting possible,” he said.
The D-SUBEB Chairman also commended the UBEC management under Dr. Aisha Garba, SUBEB Chairmen from across the country, Education Secretaries from Delta State’s 25 Local Government Areas and staff of D-SUBEB for their roles in ensuring the success of the event.
The gala night provided a relaxed setting for participants to unwind, strengthen professional relationships and celebrate the achievements of the four-day meeting.
Adding colour to the evening, a live band thrilled guests with a variety of musical performances, while troops from the Delta State Arts and Cultural Council delivered captivating traditional dance displays.
The cultural presentation offered guests an opportunity to experience the rich heritage of Delta State, further enhancing the convivial atmosphere of the evening.
A major highlight of the night was the presentation of souvenirs to participants as a token of appreciation from the Delta State Government and D-SUBEB for their participation in the 30th Quarterly Meeting.
The event ended on a high note, with participants expressing appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to them by the Delta State Government and D-SUBEB throughout their stay in Asaba.
Beyond the celebration, the gala night underscored the importance of collaboration among UBEC, SUBEBs and other education stakeholders in advancing the cause of quality basic education and ensuring that investments in the sector deliver meaningful and measurable impact.