UBEC Strengthens SBMCs to Address Out-of-School Children Crisis

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has enhanced the operations of School Based Management Committees (SBMCs) as part of its strategy to tackle the challenge of 10.5 million out-of-school children in Nigeria.

The Commission emphasised the pivotal role SBMCs play in increasing school enrolment and fostering effective school management within local communities.

During the closing ceremony of a two-day capacity-building workshop for SBMC members nationwide, the former Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, highlighted that the initiative aimed to establish a national framework to strengthen SBMC operations across the country.

Dr. Bobboyi expressed confidence that the engagement would enhance the visibility and impact of SBMCs by fostering collaboration among government officials, educators, and community members to promote inclusive basic education.

He remarked, “I am gladdened by the development and outcome of this meeting where participants have been trained on the rudiments of SBMC operations and are ready to take this further by selecting officers to spearhead the formation of the national structure for SBMCs.

“To this end, UBEC has worked tirelessly in strengthening school communities in implementing the School Based Management principles and ensuring effective operations of SBMCs at the school level.

“UBEC’s effort in this direction is intended to transform our schools into hubs of community engagement and empowerment.”

Dr. Bobboyi further noted that the workshop had improved understanding of decentralisation practices in basic education delivery and provided a strong foundation for the national structure of SBMCs in Nigeria. He emphasised UBEC’s commitment to supporting SBMCs and ensuring they are equipped to deliver quality education to every child in the country.

He concluded by reinforcing the need for stakeholders to remain committed to the ideals of the School-Based Management System, which is vital for providing strong, effective, and resourceful SBMCs to support Nigerian children.

Dr. Ossom Ossom, UBEC’s Director of Social Mobilisation, acknowledged SBMCs as essential contributors to improving the inclusiveness and quality of Universal Basic Education (UBE).

Dr. Ossom expressed satisfaction with the establishment of a national body for SBMC chairpersons across the country, noting that grassroots-level organisations had proven their effectiveness over time.

He explained that this observation informed UBEC’s decision to formalise SBMCs at the national level.

He added, “Today, we have successfully elected national officials who are equipped to lead the SBMCs on a national scale.”