The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, has taken
conversation on strengthening basic education to the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, where she highlighted the importance of traditional institutions and other stakeholders in advancing the national education agenda.
She said UBEC’s goal was to ensure that every Nigerian child, regardless of location, circumstance or family background, has the opportunity to receive quality basic education.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian child, regardless of their circumstances or where they live, whether they come from a poor family or a rich family, must have the opportunity to receive quality basic education,” she said.
Garba also acknowledged the Asagba’s support for education initiatives in Delta, including efforts around smart schools, and called for stronger collaboration among traditional institutions, government and education agencies.
Responding to the Executive Secretary, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, described basic education as the foundation on which the future of Nigeria is built, stressing that it is at this stage that children are nurtured, trained and prepared for the challenges ahead.
He emphasised the importance of quality teachers in primary schools, noting that the quality of teachers ultimately determines the quality of people produced by the education system.
“If you have quality teachers, you produce quality people,” he said.
Azinge urged UBEC and the SUBEB Chairmen to confront the challenges facing basic education honestly and develop robust, practical solutions. He stressed that no child should be left behind, including children with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, insisting that every Nigerian child deserves access to basic education.
Reflecting on the engagements with the Delta State Government and the Asagba of Asaba, Garba said the priority now is to ensure that investments, innovations and commitments across the states translate into real improvements in classrooms and better learning outcomes for children.
She assured Nigerians that UBEC will continue to work with states, traditional institutions and other stakeholders, providing the technical support and collaboration needed to strengthen basic education nationwide. She said the Commission remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian child, regardless of where they live or their circumstances, has access to quality basic education and the opportunity to build a stronger future.