FG To Increase Funding Of Basic Education

The Federal Government is considering a legislation that would lead to an increase in funding of basic education from the consolidated revenue purse.

Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, explained that the move would see an increase from the current 2 percent to 3 percent of statutory allocation from the consolidated revenue fund to the basic education sector, with further 1 percent to be invested in the senior secondary education segment.

The minister,who spoke at a meeting of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Management with the Executive Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) held in Benin city, Edo State, recently.

Represented by the Director, Basic Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, the minister said the present administration is also fully committed  to bridging the national skills gap by supporting institutions and establishing new ones to accelerate the production of trained manpower for the different sectors of the national economy.

“The Buhari’s administration is committed to ensure that these interventions have long lasting dividends towards the empowerment and enlightenment of the Nigerian child,” he said.

The minister expressed optimism that resolutions reached at the meeting would enhance education of the Nigerian child, whose success and progress underpins the overall progress of the nation and serve as hope for the future generations.

 He also tasked  SUBEBs’ Executive Chairmen, who are the direct supervisors of basic education implementation, to work in synergy with the  Minister of State for Education, private proprietors  and other non-state actors /non- governmental organisations to create the enabling environment for enhanced quality teaching and learning in schools.

Speaking,the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, said the Commission is working hard to ensure equitable and quality basic education for all children of school age and would not relent in its efforts.

He explained that the success of any system of education is hinged on proper planning and effective implementation.