Out-of-school: FG distributes 15m learners’ kits (NTN Update 677)

Thousands of children are set to receive essential learning materials as the federal government distributes 15 million learners’ kits, part of a renewed effort to address the persistent out-of-school crisis and reduce barriers to education.

Aisha Garba, the executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Makurdi, Benue State, said the programme underscores the determination of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to dismantle barriers keeping millions of Nigerian children out of school.

Coincidentally, the event overlapped with the 2026 Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Basic Education Summit as well as the national launch of the Learners Support Programme (LSP).

Garba explained that the Learners Support Programme would begin with the distribution of about 1.2 million school kits nationwide, comprising 288,975 units each of school bags, sandals, pencils, and exercise books. The items are targeted at pupils from low-income and vulnerable households.

She emphasised that the nationwide rollout forms part of a broader intervention to distribute 15 million kits throughout all states of the federation, aimed at easing the financial burden on parents, boosting enrolment, improving retention, and strengthening transition rates within the basic education system.

The executive secretary disclosed that the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda is driving a fundamental restructuring of UBEC to build a more resilient, equitable, and inclusive basic education framework.

“This is not just a policy update; it is a solemn promise that no child, irrespective of geography or background, will be left behind,” she said.

Garba applauded Hyacinth Alia, the governor of Benue State, for prioritising basic education and hosting the national flag-off, describing the state as strategic to reforms targeted at improving enrolment and retention.

Furthermore, she commended Grace Adagba, the Benue SUBEB leader, for convening the summit focused on innovative strategies to reduce the number of out-of-school children.

Garba said that the ongoing collaboration with Benue State is up-to-date in accessing UBEC matching grants, following reforms that have improved utilisation and expanded access to funds nationwide.

She highlighted several projects delivered in the state, including new classrooms, libraries, ICT laboratories, ECCDE centres, boreholes, furniture provision, and community-led school improvement projects impacting hundreds of thousands of learners.

The executive secretary restated UBEC’s commitment to supporting states through sustained enrolment drives and targeted intervention programmes, expressing optimism that coordinated action can reverse the out-of-school children trend nationwide.