The Federal Government has recorded a significant improvement in the utilization of Universal Basic Education (UBE) Matching Grants, with 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory accessing ₦78.6 billion out of ₦121 billion previously unutilized as of January 2025.
This represents a 65 percent increase and is credited to reforms introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the Federal Ministry of Education, this development follows the implementation of a revised Matching Grant formula, part of the UBEC 2025–2030 Strategic Blueprint.
This blueprint was developed in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), and the Ministry itself. The new approach focuses on equity, accountability, and improving service delivery by aligning education funding with national priorities and local needs.
To ensure faster access to funds, the Ministry and UBEC began a strategic advocacy drive, engaging directly with state governors. These sessions included performance feedback and reform data, helping to renew states’ commitment to counterpart funding responsibilities and encourage quick drawdowns of funds for vital education projects.
Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, said, “This progress is a result of deliberate reforms and stronger federal-state collaboration. We commend proactive states and urge others to act.”
He also confirmed the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that UBE funds are properly used to improve infrastructure, teacher training, and learning outcomes nationwide.
This achievement highlights the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on transparent and effective governance in the education sector, supporting long-term national development through quality education investment.
