Delayed Funds, Inflation Stall Education Projects In Niger State – UBEC

The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, has revealed that delayed utilisation of funds, contract reviews, and inflationary pressures are hindering the development of education infrastructure in Niger State.

According to her X post on Wednesday, these challenges have impacted project timelines, prompting UBEC to hold an implementation-focused meeting with partners to address the issues.

“We held an important implementation-focused meeting with our partners to address ongoing challenges affecting education infrastructure projects in Niger State.

Discussions centred on delayed utilisation funds, contract reviews, inflationary pressures, and documentation issues that have impacted project timelines,” she said.

Garba noted that the meeting reviewed the status of ongoing interventions, including seven mega schools, and agreed on immediate corrective actions.

“These include the rapid activation of a joint review committee, deployment of technical teams for on-site assessments, and an accelerated implementation of the 2024–2025 action plan,” she noted.

She noted that the Commission remains committed to strengthening existing school infrastructure to meet minimum standards and deliver safe, functional, and conducive learning environments.

“Going forward, our priority is clear: strengthening existing school infrastructure to meet minimum standards and deliver safe, functional, and conducive learning environments. UBEC remains committed to results-driven collaboration, accountability, and ensuring that every intervention delivers value for Nigerian children,” she added.

Niger State’s education sector has been grappling with significant challenges, particularly insecurity. In November 2025, over 300 students and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, leading to the closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools in the state.

The abducted students and staff have since been rescued, with the government announcing that schools in safe areas will reopen on January 12, 2026.