FG Disburses Over N2 Billion for Basic Education, Launches N20 Billion Teacher Training Programme

The Federal Government, in a decisive move to transform the country’s basic education system, has disbursed over ₦2 billion to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the School-Based Management Committee – School Improvement Programme (SBMC-SIP), while also allocating ₦20 billion for teacher training through the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) Programme.

The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the official launch of the SBMC-SIP, the presentation of the 2025 Revised Implementation Guidelines, and the flag-off of the nationwide TPD programme held in Abuja.

The initiatives, funded through the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Intervention Fund, aim to strengthen grassroots participation in school governance, improve learning environments, and raise the quality of teaching across Nigeria.

“By empowering SBMCs with tools, training, and resources, we are not only improving infrastructure but also strengthening community engagement and grassroots democracy in education,” Dr. Alausa stated.

The SBMC-SIP disbursement will finance more than 15,000 projects, including classroom renovations, provision of new desks and chairs, construction of sanitary facilities, and installation of perimeter fencing and other security features. Each state and the FCT received funds earmarked for specific needs identified through local consultations facilitated by the SBMCs.

The School-Based Management Committees, established in 2006, serve as a platform for local community members—parents, traditional rulers, teachers, and other stakeholders—to participate in decision-making and implementation of school development priorities.

Through the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) Programme, each state and the FCT will receive ₦598 million to upskill teachers in critical areas such as literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, inclusive education, and modern pedagogical methods.

The training is expected to reach over 200,000 teachers nationwide, improving classroom delivery and ensuring alignment with global education standards.

Despite recent gains in school enrollment, Hajia Aisha Garba, Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), emphasized that over 17 million children remain out of school, especially in rural and underserved areas.

She stressed the need for effective oversight and community participation to ensure the funds are used transparently and achieve their intended goals.

“All stakeholders must uphold accountability and work together to close the education gap. This programme is not just about funding but about delivering results,” Hajia Garba noted.

Speaking at the event, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar, Chairman of the National SBMC Forum, pledged the forum’s commitment to strict compliance with the revised implementation guidelines, assuring that all funds will be judiciously utilized to improve school infrastructure and learning outcomes.