The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has made significant strides in improving educational infrastructure across Nigeria. As of September 30, 2026, UBEC has renovated over 4,000 classrooms in 287 schools nationwide. This effort aims to address infrastructure deficits and provide more conducive learning environments for Nigerian children. The renovations are part of the commission's initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to ensure all children have access to quality education in well-maintained facilities.
Dr. Aisha Garba, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, highlighted the commission's commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of their location, have access to schools with conducive learning environments. She noted that UBEC has introduced minimum standards for school infrastructure, adopting a whole-school approach that encompasses classrooms, toilets, boreholes, solar power, administrative blocks, and learning materials. This comprehensive approach aims to create well-rounded educational facilities that support effective teaching and learning.
The UBEC boss further explained that the commission has developed minimum standards for new school infrastructure to ensure that newly constructed schools are equipped with necessary facilities for effective education. These facilities include perimeter fencing, security measures, solar power, boreholes, adequate toilets and classrooms, administrative blocks, and playgrounds. Additionally, schools will be equipped with modern facilities such as computer and ICT laboratories and smart boards to prepare Nigerian children for the 21st-century education system and global economy.
One of the beneficiary schools of UBEC's intervention is the Nyanya-Hausawa Basic and Secondary School in Abuja. The school, which comprises Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary sections, had previously been in a dilapidated condition. UBEC's intervention covered the renovation of three blocks comprising about 30 classrooms and 48 toilets, as well as the provision of solar-powered boreholes. The toilets were connected to the water system supplied by the boreholes, significantly improving the school's infrastructure.
Dr. Garba also announced the commissioning of 74 digital learning centers across the country to expand access to technology-driven education. At the Model Girls' Junior Secondary School in Lugbe, where she commissioned one of the digital learning centers, Garba disclosed that UBEC had established over 2,000 such centers under the Tinubu administration. These centers are equipped with computers, smartboards, solar panels, burglar-proofing, printers, scanners, and internet connectivity, providing online and offline learning content for students and teachers.
The Director of Physical Planning at UBEC, Ibrahim Nura, noted that the Nyanya-Hausawa school was one of the commission's intervention projects nationwide. He explained that the school had been seriously dilapidated before the intervention, with some facilities unsuitable for effective teaching and learning. The commission conducted a condition assessment to determine the specific needs of the school, and the intervention has transformed the school, providing improved facilities for pupils, students, and teachers.
The Principal of the Junior School, Gideon Isa, commended UBEC for renovating the classroom blocks and providing furniture for staff and students, as well as a solar water system. He noted that the school was previously in a deplorable condition, with some students sitting on bare floors due to inadequate furniture. The renovation has improved the morale of teachers and students, creating a better environment for learning. Isa appealed to UBEC to assist the school with an administrative block, highlighting the need for further support.
Key points
- UBEC has renovated over 4,000 classrooms in 287 schools across Nigeria.
- The commission has introduced minimum standards for school infrastructure, adopting a whole-school approach.
- UBEC has established over 2,000 digital learning centers nationwide to expand access to technology-driven education.
