UBEC Unveils N5 Billion School Improvement Programme for 2025

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has signaled its continued commitment to enhancing basic education across Nigeria with the unveiling of the 2025 cycle of its School-Based Management Committee–School Improvement Programme (SBMC-SIP). This initiative, a cornerstone of the commission's efforts to bolster educational infrastructure and outcomes, will see a substantial investment of N5.18 billion distributed among 518 communities nationwide. The program's focus on underserved areas with critical infrastructure deficits highlights a strategic approach to equitable development.

“

The flag-off of the 2025 SBMC-SIP demonstrates unequivocally that the Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to equitable access, improved infrastructure, and enhanced learning outcomes at the basic education level.

Beyond the new allocation, UBEC has also disbursed N434.5 million as the final tranche for projects initiated under the 2023 and 2024 cycles. This timely release of funds is crucial for the completion of 11,484 ongoing projects, ensuring that previous investments translate into tangible improvements for students. Furthermore, the introduction of a new Learners’ Retention Programme signals a proactive effort to address the persistent challenge of out-of-school children, a key priority for the nation's educational future.

“

I am pleased to announce that 518 communities will receive a total sum of N5,180,000,000.00 as the total support funds earmarked for the 2025 SBMC-SIP implementation.

From our perspective at The Punch, these interventions are not merely budgetary allocations; they represent a tangible commitment from the Federal Government to uplift the standard of basic education. The SBMC-SIP, being a community-driven initiative, fosters local ownership and participation, which is vital for the sustainability of these projects. The program's track record, having supported 1,112 schools and initiated over 13,670 projects since its inception, speaks volumes about its impact. The expectation that an additional 400,000 children will benefit from improved learning environments underscores the significance of this ongoing investment in our nation's human capital.

“

This translates to 14 schools benefiting from each of the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory