Senate amending UBEC Act for improved funding, others

A bill to amend the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Act has successfully passed its second reading in the Nigerian Senate.  The proposal, put forward by Senator Adamu Lawal Usman of Kaduna Central, seeks to bring changes to various sections of the Act. ALSO READ: FG Begins Payment of Delayed November Salaries Among the key changes are improved measures for early childhood education, clearer guidelines for appointing members of the commission, and stricter enforcement of regulations for implementation agencies. The bill also includes provisions to raise funding for education from two to five percent and ensure that intervention funds are directly allocated to local government education sectors.  With the second reading completed, the bill has been sent to the Senate Committee on Secondary and Basic Education for further review.

Abia State to Enforce Free Education  

Abia State Government, South East Nigeria, has announced free and mandatory primary education for all children starting January 2025.  This policy will apply to pupils from grades one to three in public schools, with the aim of ensuring that no child is left out of the educational system.   In line with this directive, parents and guardians are now legally obligated to enroll their children, as per the Abia Child’s Rights Law of 2006.  The administration warns that non-compliance will result in legal action.   Governor Otti’s administration has also paid off 90% of the N191 billion debt inherited without resorting to loans.  The government is pressing ahead with the relocation of Abia State University’s Law Faculty from Umuahia back to its main campus in Uturu, citing public interest as the driving factor.   Additionally, contracts have been awarded for the rehabilitation of nine roads across the state.  Urgent repairs are also underway on the Osisioma flyover, which has shown signs of wear less than two years after its construction.  The government reassures residents that these issues pose no immediate danger.   Efforts are ongoing to finalize the implementation of the new minimum wage, further underscoring the administration’s commitment to improving living standards and infrastructure.