Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has issued a directive to the Chairman of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) regarding the enforcement of the Effective School Programmes (ESP). At the meeting in Abuja on March 18, 2024, Bobboyi delivered a speech and set forth the directive for UBEC-SUBEBs. According to the UBEC Secretary, the introduction of the Effective School Programmes (ESP) will enhance the learning environment and methods.
This will result in well-rounded graduates of basic education who possess practical life skills. Bobboyi emphasized the importance of providing students with the necessary skills to thrive in the modern economy, stating that this would enhance their ability to successfully engage and excel in the competitive landscape of the 21st century. In their role as a commission, they have recognized the critical need to invest in enhancing various elements of UBE delivery in order to achieve more favourable results.
Further enhancements will continue to be implemented in schools.
They were inspired to revamp the methods and procedures used in carrying out UBE activities in order to ensure better results. This determination led them to strive for Innovation and enhancement in their approach. His statement emphasized the importance of ESP in coordinating efforts at both national and state levels to guarantee that minimum standards in basic Education services are met and expanded. The ultimate goal is to improve teaching and learning practices in order to achieve better learning outcomes.
Bobboyi mentioned that by provision of instructional materials, implementation of a satellite-based education system, and conduction of training sessions for head teachers and teachers, schools would see immediate improvements in effectiveness. Throughout the duration of the program, further enhancements will continue to be implemented in schools with the aim of achieving the essential standards in fundamental education. This initiative is focused on establishing Centres of Excellence by enhancing the resources and methodologies used in education.
Nigeria has been ranked as the second most literate country in Africa.
Also, this act will aid the improvement the quality of teaching and learning within schools, he explained. Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, the Dean of Chairmen at SUBEB, expressed during his speech that the transition of the e-learning program to ESP would greatly enhance the academic achievements of Nigerian students. Nigeria has been ranked as the second most literate country in Africa, according to him. However, he believes that if smart education is fully implemented, Nigeria could potentially become the top ranking country for literacy in Africa.
The pilot program, known as the Effective School Programme, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the minimum standards in delivering Universal Basic Education (UBE). Its findings will be used to gradually implement these standards in all schools across Nigeria within the next six (6) years. UBEC, a Federal Government Agency, is entrusted with coordinating the implementation of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme. As schools participate in the program, it is anticipated that they will enhance their UBE service delivery quality over time and ultimately elevate themselves to the highest echelon of excellence as outstanding educational institutions.
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In 1999, the Federal Government of Nigeria implemented the Universal Basic Education Programme to address the need for improved access and quality of primary education across the country. The introduction of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) replaced the Universal Primary Education system and aimed to improve the outcomes of the first nine years of schooling. The Universal Basic Education (UBE) Programme spans six years of primary education, focusing on enhancing learning opportunities for students.