The Universal Basic Education Commission says its interventions have impacted more than 8.7 million learners across Nigeria within the past year, as efforts to reform the basic education sector intensify.

The commission also disclosed that over N100 billion in previously unaccessed funds have been released, with more than 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory now utilising the resources.

Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja during the commission’s 29th quarterly meeting with chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards.

Garba said the achievements were driven by joint interventions between UBEC and state boards, including the provision of instructional materials, improved school facilities, and the training of nearly 500,000 teachers.

She noted that the sector is undergoing a transition from routine administration to more coordinated and large-scale reforms, aligned with national development priorities.

According to her, improved collaboration with states has enhanced access to funding, enabling wider implementation of education projects. She added that about 95 per cent of projects initiated in 2025 have already been completed.

Garba highlighted digitalisation as a key pillar of the reforms, explaining that it extends beyond classroom tools to include planning, management and accountability systems. She said from 2026, basic education action plans would be fully digitised to improve transparency and efficiency.

Despite the progress, she raised concerns about infrastructure deficits, citing overcrowded schools and inadequate sanitation facilities as persistent challenges requiring urgent attention.

Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board and Dean of SUBEB Chairmen, Shehu Adaramaja, acknowledged the potential of digital reforms but warned of practical constraints, including infrastructure gaps, limited capacity and unreliable power supply.

He stressed that while technology is essential, its success depends on effective implementation and coordination among states, adding that improved digital systems would enhance accountability in project execution and fund utilisation.

UBEC Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Rasaq Akinyemi, said the commission would focus on consolidating ongoing reforms and strengthening coordination nationwide.

Nigeria’s basic education sector continues to grapple with challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, uneven distribution of teachers, and gaps in learning resources, despite ongoing efforts to improve outcomes.