UBEC reviews public–private partnership framework to strengthen basic education delivery
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has restated its commitment to deepening collaboration with public agencies and private sector actors as part of broader efforts to guarantee access to quality basic education for every Nigerian child.
Aisha Garba, executive secretary of the commission, has ordered a comprehensive review of UBEC’s public-private engagement and partnerships (PPEP) framework to align with ongoing reforms within agency.
To implement the directive, experts, senior officials of the commission and other stakeholders on Wednesday began a three-day technical meeting in Lagos to review the PPEP framework.
The exercise is being carried out in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
David Apeh, UBEC’s spokesperson, said the commission recognises the critical role of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable education reforms.
He said UBEC is proposing a more robust and inclusive framework that will institutionalise collaboration and provide clear guidelines for engaging government agencies, corporate organisations, development partners, civil society groups and philanthropic foundations.
Apeh outlined the objectives of the meeting to include drawing from experts’ experiences in electronic public-private partnerships, enriching UBEC’s draft framework, identifying priority areas, developing partnership models and strengthening implementation strategies.
The process, he added, will ensure alignment with national education policies.
The review comes as Garba renews her pledge to improve basic education delivery across the country.
She described education as a fundamental right and raised concerns over Nigeria’s out-of-school population, currently estimated at 17 million children.
Garba also cited challenges such as low learning outcomes, poor completion rates and limited access to higher education. She outlined plans to expand access, improve quality and promote safe, inclusive learning environments.
Key strategies under her leadership include leveraging partnerships, deploying targeted interventions, integrating technology into teaching and learning, upgrading infrastructure and prioritising inclusivity — particularly for children with disabilities and the girl-child.
She called for stronger collaboration with state governments, development partners and community leaders to expand access, reduce out-of-school numbers and maximise the use of UBEC matching grants.
Garba assured that the commission will pursue region-specific solutions and adopt a multi-sectoral approach to drive meaningful reforms in basic education.
