Plan Int’l: States’ failure to access UBEC funds worsens out-of-school crisis
Plan International Nigeria has blamed the worsening out-of-school crisis in the country on the failure of state governments to access The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) matching grants meant to support basic education. The organization said despite Nigeria having between 18.3 billion and 20 million out-of-school children, many states have continued to neglect their counterpart […]
Plan International Nigeria has blamed the worsening out-of-school crisis in the country on the failure of state governments to access The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) matching grants meant to support basic education.
The organization said despite Nigeria having between 18.3 billion and 20 million out-of-school children, many states have continued to neglect their counterpart funding obligations under the Universal Basic Education scheme.
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, Charles Usie, said 27 of Nigeria’s 36 states failed to access UBEC matching funds in 2024.
According to him, only N21 billion out of N51.6 billion allocated by the Federal Government for basic education intervention in 2023 was accessed by 16 states, representing just 41 percent utilization of the funds.
- Nigerian players: good enough for export, not good enough for the Super Eagles?
- B/Haram: Survivors of Chadian strikes recount ordeals, as death toll hits 80
Usie warned that poor funding, weak implementation of existing education law, insecurity, poverty and inadequate school infrastructure were worsening inequality in the education sector and denying millions of children access to quality learning.
He said, “More than two decades after the passage of the Universal Basic Education law, significant implementation gaps remain, with the goal of guaranteeing access to education and reducing the growing number of children outside the school system unrealised.
“Funding remains inadequate, State compliance with counterpart funding obligations remains weak, Infrastructure deficits continue to widen, Teacher shortages persist, and issues related to the dignity of girls in school remain unaddressed.”
He stated that despite international and regional commitments to education as a fundamental right, the Nigerian Constitution does not explicitly guarantee education as a justiciable right.
He added, “Section 6(6)(c) of the Constitution renders the right to education envisaged in the UBE Act and Child Rights Act unenforceable, meaning that citizens cannot legally compel the government to provide free and compulsory education.”
The organization urged government to show a genuine commitment to addressing issues that keep Nigerian children out of school, including increased allocation of funds for UBEC from Consolidated Revenue; amendment of penalties for defaulters; provision of education by government at all levels from primary to senior secondary school; review of the counter-funding clause and access to education to girl child.
It, however, recommended an additional provision that will mandate the establishment of Menstrual Hygiene Stations in schools, by allocating a budget for their creation and maintenance.
Plan International Nigeria further called on the National Assembly, the Federal Government, state governments, development partners, civil society organizations, the media, and all relevant stakeholders to act with urgency, seriousness, and sustained commitment.