National
UBEC and Partnership with Sub nationals
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
The Renewed desire by the state governors under the leadership of the Nigeria Governors Forum NGF led by the Kwara State Governor , Abdulrahman Abdulfatah to partner with the Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC with a view to resolving the lingering issues of unassessed yearly matching grants, from the federal government to the tune of over 50 Billion is nearing resolution, to better the lot of Basic Education in the country.
This was a fallout of frequent clamour by the leadership of UBEC in any public fora of the inability of states to adhere to payment of counterpart funding, to enable them assess the already available fund provided by the federal government.
The latest was during the visit of members of the House of Representatives on oversight function to the commission, were the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive officer, Dr Hamid Bobboyi reiterated the lackadaisical attitude of state governments towards assessing the yearly readily available funds , stating that in the last three years from 2020-2023 only 16 states out of the 36 states including the FCT have accessed the matching grants.
This according to the commission, are one of the factors bedeviling the smooth running and operations of Basic Education across the country.
According to the UBEC handlers, the uncooperative attitude of state governments has left the burden of running Basic Education in Nigerian only in the hands of the central government, a situation that does not augur well not only for the development of the foundation level of Education, but learning will not take place as expected.
Sixteen states of the federation out of the 36 states and FCT was less than half of the states across nation, a situation the Executive Secretary, called for improvement and renewed vigour in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
It will be uncalled for the state governments to continue to display apathy towards the development of Basic Education through their counterpart funding, that will translate to more attention to primary and Junior Secondary Schools across Nigeria.
In the last five years, the clamour by the Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC of the non assessibility of counterpart funding has become alarming and embarrassing both at the sub national level and at other fora, that led to the plan convening of meeting between the state governors of 36 states under the umbrella of Nigerian Governors Forum NGF in few days to come , at the instance of 36 governors and the Federal Capital Territory FCT.
The planned meeting with expected positive results will reduce the burden of funding not only on the federal government, reduce Out of school children OOSC, Infrastructural development and decay, manpower development and the need to provide working tools along with capacity building and development.
With the envisaged resolution of the need to access the matching grants by state governors, the amendment of the obsolete act, provision of more funding as advocated by some states governors and the efforts of both local and foreign donors , supports from countries, the debilitating effects despite government at the federal level concerted efforts towards advancing Basic Education will be improved.
Already the Niger State Governor , Umar Bago has kicked against the 80B subsidy for the 2024 Hajj , insisting that such funds should be channel to UBEC to expand the scope of attention granted to the development of Basic Education in the country.
Some stakeholders and administrators has also supported the laudable programs of the management of the Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC, under the leadership of Dr Hamid Bobboyi with a view to taking primary and post primary school in Nigeria to greater heights.
What UBEC and the sub national headed by the Nigeria Governors Forum NGF under the chairmanship of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulfatah of Kwara State is to arrive on the same page on the issue of Basic Education funding, rather than deferring at any public fora.
With the action of the NGF, it is obvious that the management of Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC has been vindicated for all its clamour all this years on the non assessment of most states governors of the counterpart and readily available funds provided yearly by the federal government by the state government, due to the refusal of state government and FCT to provide their own side of funds and agreement.
The sad development when improved will reduce to the barest minimum, the growing population of out of school children OOSC, Infrastructural decay, lack of adequate manpower, including training and retraining.
The new clamour of NGF and UBEC will also encourage the Federal Government, National Assembly into accepting the idea of increasing and allocating more funds as well as states assessing fully on a yearly basis the readily available matching grants.
The insistence and patriotic stance of the leadership of the commission is gradually paying off, towards resolving the decades impasse militating against foundation Education and learners triumph.
ABUBAKAR YUSUF Writes on yus.abubakar@gmail.com.
By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
The European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) Agencies with DRC Monay launched three Initiatives worth €60 Million in Sokoto with the aim of enhancing social protection, access to health and resilience-building in the state.
The launch officially done by Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu had 9 EU Ambassadors from Member States in attendance and also witnessed by the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar 111, traditional leaders as well as government functionaries.
The initiative, SUSI, SARAH, and SPADS,
with funding from European Union (EU), the Government of Nigeria and in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), is to be implemented over a four-year period (2024–2027)
Registering his appreciation onbehalf of the government and people of Sokoto state, the governor represented by his deputy, Mohammed Idris Gobir said the initiative is in line with their administration’s 9 point smart agenda, hence promising comprehensive support for the success of the Initiative even as he assured of the establishment of a social protection department in the state.
“Our administration prioritizes the well-being of women, children, and vulnerable populations. These EU-funded initiatives—SUSI, SARAH, and Durable Solutions—will not only improve access to critical services but also build long-term resilience and sustainable systems. Sokoto is proud to champion these efforts.”
Earlier in his speech, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria who led the delegation, Gautier Mignot, said they are desirous to invest in the future of Nigeria.
With this, the EU’s principle of equity and inclusion is giving birth to programmes that, ,””leave no one behind whether it is better healthcare, livelihood support, or social protection”.
Continuing, the EU Ambasaador said the three initiatives launched in Sokoto are part of “”their commitment to long-term, people-centered development and enhanced support, particularly in the North-West of Nigeria.
Giving a breakdown of the projects, to be implemented also in Benue, Oyo and Sokoto States, Mr Mignot, said they include,
“‘Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI), jointly implemented by UNICEF and ILO, SUSI aims to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection infrastructure by improving the National Social Register, enhancing management information systems, building institutional capacity, and reinforcing legal and policy frameworks.
“‘Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH), implemented by UNICEF and UNFPA, aims to improve access to high-quality reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition services that are sensitive to gender and the needs of young people, including support for those affected by gender-based violence, in Sokoto, Adamawa, and Kwara States. The project is expected to reach over 45 million children, adolescents, and women over four years.
“”Support for Protection, Assistance & Durable Solutions (SPADS), led by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) with partners Pro-Health International (PHI) and Joint IDP Profiling Service (JIPS), this project supports community-led local action plans to promote long-term solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities. It provides livelihoods support, boosts local employment, and strengthens resilience using a climate-smart and inclusive approach””.
On her part, UNICEF Represnstive in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, said poverty, and inclusivity can only be reduced through social protection which was why UNICEF through SARAH, is improving healthcare access for girls and mothers in Nigeria.
“‘Together with the EU, ILO, UNFPA, and DRC, we are helping Nigeria build strong systems that protec
National
Constitutional Reforms, Security Concerns, and Tax Legislation Dominate National Assembly Agenda as Sessions Resume Today
As the National Assembly reconvenes for plenary today, the focus will be on constitutional and electoral reforms, alongside escalating security issues affecting various regions of the country.
According to Daily Trust, in addition to addressing constitutional amendment bills, lawmakers are set to tackle several urgent matters. This includes the summons of the governors of Zamfara and Benue, pending tax reform legislation in the Senate, the summons of the Rivers State sole administrator, and various outstanding committee reports.
Upon their return, legislators are also expected to introduce new bills and motions aimed at addressing the welfare of their constituents.
In a statement yesterday, House of Representatives spokesman Akin Rotimi indicated that the plenary will prioritize discussions and legislative actions on critical national concerns, particularly the rising tide of insecurity in numerous states as well as broader economic challenges. He emphasized that these issues will shape the legislative agenda as members respond to the immediate needs of their communities.
Both chambers of the Assembly adjourned for recess on March 27, with an original return date of April 29. However, this was later postponed by a week to May 6 to allow members to partake in Workers’ Day events and attend to constituency matters, as explained by National Assembly Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana.
**Focus on Constitutional Review and Electoral Reform**
As lawmakers return, the ongoing constitutional review led by the 10th Assembly and amendments to the Electoral Act are expected to take precedence. Prior to the recess, the House of Representatives passed 81 constitutional amendment bills for a second reading in a swift process completed in just two days, without a debate on their general principles.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who chairs the committee overseeing the constitutional review, revealed that over 250 amendment bills have been submitted. The House is anticipated to continue its consideration of these bills.
Rotimi provided an update on the constitutional review and electoral reform processes, stating that during the recess, the committee’s secretariat and technical consultants held a retreat to unify memoranda and draft proposals. A list of bills that have successfully passed the second reading will be published soon, ahead of zonal public hearings to gather citizens’ feedback nationwide.
He added that amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 will also be prioritized, aiming to address legal gaps and enhance Nigeria’s electoral framework.
The Senate is similarly expected to prioritize constitutional amendment legislation. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele confirmed that constitutional and electoral reforms are also among the upper chamber’s key priorities, stating that the review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), is progressing steadily.
**Engagements with Zamfara and Benue Governors**
The House Committee on Public Petitions plans to engage Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on May 8, concerning allegations of interference with legislative activities in their respective state assemblies.
The committee has requested explanations from the governors regarding why the National Assembly should not invoke Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution to assume control of the affected houses of assembly during periods of dysfunction. This follows a petition from the civil rights group Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law.
Both governors have challenged the constitutionality of the summons. A senior official from Benue State indicated that the government is assessing the summons to determine whether the National Assembly has the authority to compel a sitting governor to appear.
Governor Lawal’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Mustafa Kaura, also criticized the summons, asserting that only a state assembly has the constitutional authority to summon its governor.
**Rivers State Administrator to Address House Committee**
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, is expected to appear before the House Ad-Hoc Committee on the State of Emergency in Rivers after previously missing two scheduled hearings. He attended a hearing on April 25, requesting additional time to prepare his briefing, and is now expected to address the committee’s concerns regarding governance and security in the state.
**Addressing Rising Insecurity**
While the legislature was on recess, several states—including Plateau, Benue, Borno, Zamfara, Yobe, Niger, Katsina, and Adamawa—experienced a spike in insecurity. Lawmakers are expected to propose motions and resolutions aimed at mitigating the deteriorating security situation in their constituencies and senatorial districts, with security issues anticipated to dominate discussions in both chambers in the coming weeks.
Senator Bamidele stated that the Senate will collaborate with the executive branch to tackle the resurgence of violence and terrorism, emphasizing the commitment to ending acts of terrorism nationwide.
**Senate to Prioritize Tax Reform Legislation**
The Senate is set to focus on four key tax reform bills put forward by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of broader fiscal policy reforms. These bills—the Nigerian Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, the Revenue Tax Board Bill, and the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill—were passed by the House of Representatives prior to the recess but are pending in the Senate.
Concerns have been raised regarding the delay in the Senate’s passage of these bills, especially since the House approved them two weeks before the recess. Senate Committee on Media and Publicity Chairman, Yemi Adaramodu, had previously indicated that the bills would be passed before the break, but this did not occur.
Senator Bamidele reaffirmed that the tax bills are a top priority for the Senate, stating, “First on our agenda is the further consideration of the Tax Reform Bills, 2024.” He emphasized that passing these bills is vital for overhauling the country’s tax system and enhancing federal revenue.
**National Policy Dialogue on Legislative Agenda**
As the midterm of the 10th Assembly approaches on June 13, 2025, the House will host its inaugural National Policy Dialogue on the Legislative Agenda on Monday, May 12.
According to Rotimi, the Speaker will present the 10th House Midterm Report Card and lead strategic discussions with stakeholders from government, civil society, the private sector, and international development partners. This forum aims to facilitate reflection and planning to reinforce impact-driven lawmaking and people-centered representation.
**Other Legislative Priorities**
Rotimi indicated that the House would also expedite the consideration of bills and reports that align with its legislative agenda. This includes reports from standing and ad hoc committees that are essential for delivering on the chamber’s commitment to responsive governance.
Senator Bamidele also announced that the Senate will commence the screening of nominees for significant federal appointments announced during the recess, including members of the management board of the South-South Development Commission and other executive positions requiring legislative confirmation.
Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication, says former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar should accept that presidency may not be his destiny.
Bwala spoke on Monday during an interview on TVC, where he addressed issues surrounding political succession and the future of opposition politics in the country.
He asked Abubakar to embrace reality and collaborate with President Tinubu in building the country.
“If I have the opportunity to meet him face to face, what I will tell him is just this: ‘Your Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, you have to believe in destiny,’” Bwala said.
“God gives power to whomsoever He chooses. And it seems from the facts on the ground that it may not have been the will of God for you to govern Nigeria.”
He advised the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to align himself with Tinubu’s administration to leave a lasting legacy, “even if it is realised through another person”.
“There are many other ways you can contribute. Since you have been a friend to President Bola Tinubu for many years, come together and bring your contribution towards the Nigeria that both of you wanted to create for the Nigerian people,” he said.
“Your legacy will be that in your political dying days, you will be able to achieve some of your dreams, albeit through your friend.
“But if he insists that he wants to run and he wants to become the president, as we have already seen it playing out, his political ending might not be as palatable as he’s thinking.
“Right now, from his political family, he has lost substantial people, probably 60 to 70 percent.”
Bwala added that younger politicians who once followed Abubakar are now determined to seek power in their own right and have shown no signs of retreating.
The presidential aide’s remarks come amid a gale of defections from opposition parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
There are speculations that some governors of the opposition parties may soon join the APC.
In March, Abubakar said he was unsure about contesting the 2027 presidency, adding that there must be a viable platform.