Governor Chukwuma Soludo has paid off a ₦3 billion backlog in Universal Basic Education, UBE, matching grants from 2019 to 2021.
This development positions the state to access fresh funding from the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024.
The disclosure was made on Friday by the Chairperson of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Vera Nwadinobi, during a briefing on the state’s midterm implementation report of UBE projects.
Nwadinobi emphasized that clearing the outstanding counterpart contributions was crucial to unlocking the next tranche of federal education funding.
“Prior to the assumption of office by Prof. Soludo in March 2022, the state had failed to access UBE matching grants for three consecutive years due to non-payment of its counterpart contributions,” she explained.
Under the UBE scheme, states are required to provide matching funds to access the grants allocated annually by the federal government.
Anambra’s delay had stalled key education infrastructure and training programs. However, with the backlog now settled, the state is back on track to participate fully in federal initiatives aimed at improving basic education across Nigeria.
Nwadinobi noted that Governor Soludo’s commitment to educational development was evident in his prioritization of counterpart funding.
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“This is a bold demonstration of his vision to provide quality education for every Anambra child. The payment has enabled us to plan ahead and execute important projects with confidence,” she said.
As a result of the cleared backlog, Anambra State signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with UBEC on June 16, 2025.
This agreement has already allowed the state to participate in strategic training held from June 19 to 20 at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
The training, facilitated by UBEC Executive Secretary Hajiya Aisha Garba, introduced states to new templates for accessing and utilizing federal education grants more effectively.
Dr. Nwadinobi also highlighted that ASUBEB was working in alignment with Soludo’s broader education agenda, which includes school renovations, digital learning tools, teacher training, and improved monitoring systems.
She expressed pride in the state’s renewed position within the national UBE framework and pledged that ASUBEB would continue delivering on its mandate with integrity and passion.
“It is indeed worthy of celebration that under three years, Governor Soludo has not only cleared the debts but maintained consistent payment of matching grants. Anambra is back to winning ways in education,” she declared.
Stakeholders have lauded the move as timely, especially as the education sector faces increasing demands for infrastructure, teacher development, and modern learning tools.
The development is expected to have a tangible impact on pupils across the state, particularly in underserved rural communities.
Soludo’s administration has consistently emphasized that governance—not politics—should drive development.
The cleared funds are anticipated to support over 1,000 basic education projects, from classroom construction to the supply of teaching materials.
Punch Newspaper
