The Federal Government Monday unveiled a comprehensive programme to strengthen teacher capacity and improve learning outcomes in schools.
The initiative, tagged the UBE School Based Management Committee–School Improvement Programme, SBMC-SIP, for Teacher Professional Development, was launched in Abuja.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who presided over the event, described the initiative as a tool to deepen community participation and drive meaningful change in the education landscape. He stressed that addressing the out-of-school challenge requires collective action from all sectors, not just the government.
Alausa outlined the programme’s core objectives, which include expanding access to education for school-age children and enhancing the teaching and learning environment across the country. He added that the activities would be funded through the Federal Government and UBE intervention fund.
Highlighting the urgency of tackling the out-of-school crisis, the minister emphasized the pivotal role of community partnerships. He noted that girl-child education, in particular, could only thrive if all stakeholders worked in unison, especially at the grassroots.
“No single entity can overcome these challenges alone,” Alausa stated. “We must create synergy among government agencies, communities, and development partners to deliver sustainable outcomes.”
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He further reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting the 2025–2027 Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, initiatives. These include constructing 7,200 new school facilities, providing 1,680,000 furniture items, renovating 195,000 classrooms, and installing 22,900 water boreholes and 28,000 toilets.
The minister also explained that the teacher professional development programme aligns with the ministry’s broader education renewal strategy. This strategy focuses on increasing enrolment, promoting technical and vocational education, harnessing data and digital tools, and raising education standards to meet global expectations.
Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba spoke on progress in the sector, noting a seven percent rise in school.enrolment in recent years.
Nonetheless, she expressed concern over the 13 million children who remain out of school, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas.
Garba painted a moving picture of eager learners across Nigeria held back by systemic issues. “Imagine a child eager to learn, full of promise, yet limited by lack of infrastructure and resources,” she said. “Today, we make a bold move to rewrite that narrative and open new doors for every Nigerian child.”
With the SBMC-SIP now officially launched, the Federal Government aims to build a more inclusive, equitable education system that empowers teachers and students, laying a strong foundation for national growth.
NAN
