The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening basic education across Nigeria. The agreement was signed at a ceremony held in Abuja, marking another step in the partnership between both countries to improve learning outcomes and expand educational opportunities for Nigerian children.
Speaking at the event, UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, said the initiative reaffirms the shared commitment of both nations to the future of Nigerian education. “We are here not just to sign documents, but to reaffirm a shared commitment to the future of education, and most importantly, to the children whose lives will be directly impacted by this initiative,” she said.
The new project will focus on upgrading five model schools across Nasarawa, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory. These schools will be equipped with modern science laboratories, ICT rooms, vocational workshops, and gender-sensitive sanitation facilities. The plan also includes the provision of learning equipment to promote STEM and pre-vocational education from the primary to junior secondary school levels.
According to the Executive Secretary, the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which was launched in 2024 to enhance learning outcomes and promote equity in education nationwide. She noted that JICA has been a long-standing partner in Nigeria’s education development, supporting the construction of over 1,000 classrooms, 1,000 WASH facilities, and extensive teacher training programs under the SMASE project, which has benefited more than 200,000 teachers.
“This project is more than infrastructure, it’s about creating spaces where young minds can thrive,” she added. UBEC and JICA also plan to use the upgraded schools as regional learning hubs that will share best practices and help expand successful educational models nationwide.
The Executive Secretary expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Japan, JICA, and all development partners for their continued collaboration in promoting quality, inclusive, and equitable education for Nigerian children. The event was attended by the UBEC management team, the JICA delegation, and representatives from the Budget Office.