UBEC, SUBEBs Meet To Re-strategize On Improved Instructional Materials Provision And Utilization In UBE Schools

The Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act, 2004 mandates the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to provide free instructional materials to learners in the basic education sub-sector. In executing this mandate UBEC utilizes the approved 15% of the 2% of the UBE intervention funds in providing diverse instructional materials to public schools. Government’s emphasis on improved instructional materials provision to learners is in recognition of the fact that the availability and effective utilization of instructional materials in schools enhances quality teaching and learning and leads finally to improved learning outcomes.

In this respect, UBEC in partnership with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) commenced the provision and distribution of instructional materials through various mechanisms to end users at the school level since 2009. The Federal Government through UBEC seeks to attain a 1:1 pupil/textbook ratio in all public schools within the shortest possible time. Core subjects; Mathematics, Basic Science, English Language, Social Studies, Library Resource and Early Childhood Development (ECD) materials and teaching aids are among the prime considerations in the instructional materials intervention. The UBEC/SUBEB partnership under this component of the UBE programme implementation has led to the supply of over 120,622,776 textbooks, library resources, ECD materials and teaching aides to public schools nationwide as at 2016.

In spite of successes attained through this noble intervention, various challenges have been encountered especially in the distribution and utilization of such materials provided by the Federal Government. In the bid to address the notable constraints and chart a way forward for improved outcomes UBEC has convened a 2-day meeting for Directors and Desk Officers in charge of instructional materials in the 36 SUBEBs and FCT UBEB.

The meeting which is part of UBEC’s strategic engagements with key stakeholders in the instructional materials intervention with the view to attaining the objectives of providing quality and free instructional materials in the basic education sub-sector. The major activities of the meeting include the consideration of the Report of the Assessment of the Availability and Utilization of Instructional Materials in the 36 States and FCT as well as Findings from ICPC’s Monitoring Reports on the provision of instructional materials across the country. Participants will also appraise the newly introduced Book Policy for the Procurement and Supply of Instructional Materials under the UBE Programme. The Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) is expected to make a presentation on the Assessment and Review of Books under the federal supported book intervention.

UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, represented by Director Academic Services, Mallam Wadatau Madawaki, while declaring the 2-Day Meeting open, harped on the need for proper planning and improved synergy among stakeholders as this will to a great extent improve the modalities of instructional materials provision, availability and utilization in our schools.

The meeting which is taking place at Hotel 17, in Kaduna, Kaduna State has in attendance key UBEC officials and staff responsible for instructional materials, all Directors and Desk Officers of Academic Services from all States of the federation, officials of NERDC and UBEC Zonal Directors from the six geo-political zones. A communique is expected at the end of the 2-day meeting.