The Executive Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Dr. Ibrahim A. Liman, alongside members of the Board and Management Team, has paid a working visit to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja, to deepen collaboration and strengthen institutional synergy with the Commission’s leadership.
The visit provided an opportunity for Dr. Liman to formally engage with the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha M. Garba, and her management team, during which he outlined the sweeping reforms currently being implemented in Niger State’s basic education sector under the visionary leadership of Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago.
Dr. Liman conveyed the Governor’s clear directive that no stone must be left unturned in restoring the fortunes of basic education in the state and returning it to its former glory. He highlighted that, beyond the ongoing 2022/2023 intervention projects currently at various stages of reconstruction and remodelling across the state, the Farmer Governor has graciously approved and released the full counterpart funding for the 2024/2025 intervention year, awaiting UBEC’s matching grant to ensure effective and timely utilisation.
In her response, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha M. Garba, expressed appreciation to the NSUBEB delegation for the visit and congratulated Dr. Liman and his management team on their well-deserved appointments. She noted that, judging by their pedigree and track record, the Governor made a wise decision in assembling a result-oriented team to steer the affairs of basic education in the state.
Hajiya Garba further described Niger State as her second home, commending the state for consistently setting standards in educational development, which she said often serve as a reference point for other states. She called for sustained collaboration and partnership between UBEC and NSUBEB, while urging the Board to fast-track the implementation of its action plan to ensure prompt utilisation of the new intervention funds.
To further solidify the renewed partnership, Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago joined the meeting virtually, where he expressed delight at the emerging wave of productive engagement between Niger State and UBEC. The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting NSUBEB and pledged to continue providing the necessary backing to sustain the current momentum in the basic education sector.
He reiterated that education remains a cornerstone of his administration’s reform agenda, assuring UBEC of Niger State’s readiness to maximise every intervention for the benefit of pupils and the future of the state.
It will be recalled that upon assumption of office, the Bago-led administration promptly assessed the backlog of the 2022 UBEC intervention, successfully accessed the 2023 intervention, and commenced their implementation across the state. This was further complemented by the payment of the 2024/2025 counterpart funding, now awaiting UBEC’s matching contribution to advance basic education development in Niger State.