The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have entered into a new partnership aimed at strengthening the delivery of basic education across Nigeria.
The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Abuja, underscores a renewed commitment by both parties to enhance learning outcomes, promote science and technology education, and expand equitable access for Nigerian children.
Speaking at the ceremony, UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, said the initiative represents more than just a formal agreement.
“We are here not just to sign documents, but to reaffirm a shared commitment to the future of education, and most importantly, to the children whose lives will be directly impacted by this initiative,” she stated.
Under the new project, five model schools across Nasarawa, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be upgraded with modern science laboratories, ICT rooms, vocational workshops, and gender-sensitive sanitation facilities. The intervention will also provide essential learning equipment to strengthen STEM and pre-vocational education from the primary to junior secondary levels.
Dr. Garba noted that the partnership aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) launched in 2024, which seeks to improve learning outcomes, inclusivity, and equity in the education sector.
She also acknowledged JICA’s longstanding contribution to Nigeria’s education system, citing the construction of over 1,000 classrooms, 1,000 WASH facilities, and the SMASE teacher training project, which has benefited more than 200,000 teachers nationwide.
“This project is more than infrastructure, it’s about creating spaces where young minds can thrive,” she emphasized.
According to UBEC, the upgraded schools will serve as regional learning hubs, designed to share best practices and scale up successful approaches across the country.
Dr. Garba expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Japan, JICA, and other partners for their continued collaboration in advancing quality, inclusive, and equitable education for Nigerian children.
The ceremony was attended by members of the UBEC management team, officials of JICA, and representatives from the Budget Office of the Federation.
