In a strategic move to bolster the delivery of basic education services nationwide, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has announced its intention to prioritize Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a cornerstone of its new strategic blueprint.
The announcement, made Sunday in Abuja by UBEC’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol, David Apeh, signals a significant shift towards leveraging private sector expertise and resources to address critical needs within the basic education sector.
Apeh quoted UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, as making the remarks during recent high-level meetings with key private sector stakeholders. Among those in attendance was Tonia Uduimoh, Head of the Oando Foundation.
“Strong collaboration between the government and the private sector is paramount to advancing basic education in Nigeria,” Garba emphasized, highlighting the critical role PPPs will play in the commission’s future strategy.
UBEC has committed to thoroughly reviewing proposed frameworks submitted by private sector partners and establishing a robust and structured platform specifically designed to facilitate PPP-driven initiatives. According to Garba, these partnerships will be built on “sustainable models for private sector investment in strengthening the country’s basic education system.”
The new focus aims to inject innovation and efficiency into areas ranging from infrastructure development and teacher training to the provision of essential learning materials. By partnering with the private sector, UBEC hopes to accelerate progress towards achieving universal access to quality basic education for all Nigerian children.
Tonia Uduimoh, Programme Manager of the Oando Foundation, underscored the positive impact of private sector involvement in the sector. She highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing contributions, including substantial investments in the rehabilitation of educational infrastructure and the provision of critical teaching and learning resources.
“These efforts have significantly improved access to education and learning quality across Nigeria,” Uduimoh stated, providing a concrete example of the positive outcomes that can be achieved through effective public-private collaborations.
The adoption of PPPs represents a forward-thinking approach by UBEC to address the challenges facing basic education in Nigeria and ensure a brighter future for its young citizens. The commission is expected to release more details about its strategic blueprint and PPP framework in the coming weeks.