TMV lauds UBEC for mobilising, disbursing N100bn in unaccessed grants

The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has applauded the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for mobilising and disbursing N100 billion of unaccessed matching grants to states

This, according to the group, is despite many state governments failing to contribute the necessary counterpart funding that would have enabled them to access funds for improvements in primary and secondary education in their domains.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary, Segun Ogedengbe, TMV noted that the move was part of efforts to ensure measurable results in basic education under the commission’s 2025 to 2031 strategic blueprint.

The statement read in full: “It is noted that the UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, had at a press luncheon in Abuja reeled out the milestones the commission had attained in its Strategic Blueprint spanning from 2025 to 2031.

“Some of the achievements include the construction of 4,600 classrooms, renovation of more than 6,100 classrooms, provision of 2,780 toilets, and 678 boreholes. They have also supplied 334,000 pieces of school furniture across the country.

“We note that these achievements are happening under the Renewed Hope banner of the President Bola Tinubu administration, particularly the mobilisation of previously unaccessed matching grants by the sub-nationals.

“It is further noted that unaccessed matching grants are usually counterpart funds the states are supposed to contribute to the federal government’s contribution towards improving basic education in the country.

“Usually, the states are required to pay a 40% matching fee to access the grants, but over the years, there have been several cases of some states failing in this responsibility.

“Therefore, it is gratifying that under the present administration, the commission mobilised as high as N100 billion, which we believe will go a long way to help them deliver on their mandate.

“We also believe that positive outcomes from the Universal Basic Education Commission are a testimony that the various reforms embarked upon by the Tinubu administration are working in different sectors. Also, the institutional reforms introduced at the commission have led to the strengthening of transparency, project monitoring and data-driven decision-making in their activities.

“We therefore commend the achievements and enjoin them to continue on the path of good and accountable governance.

“We also applaud the federal government under President Tinubu through UBEC for the release of the funds despite the inability of the affected states to fulfil their own side of the bargain.

“We consider this gesture unprecedented and a milestone in the benevolence of the Tinubu administration in the education sector.”

It added that the decision to release the unaccessed grants reflects the readiness of the Tinubu administration to cater for the education of the future generation of the country.