By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE FEDERAL Government has approved a significant increase in the statutory allocation of Universal Basic Education (UBE) matching grants, accessible by state governments for infrastructural projects, raising the amount to N3,554,642,584.46.
This increase, which is approximately three billion, five hundred and fifty-four million, six hundred and forty-two thousand, five hundred and eighty-four Naira and forty-six Kobo, represents a notable escalation in funds aimed at supporting basic education across Nigeria.
This announcement was made by the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, during a five-day financial training session for State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Chairmen and Board Secretaries held in Ibadan.
The training also aimed to equip the board members with the necessary financial management skills to handle the increased allocation effectively.
Further, Dr. Bobboyi explained that the increased matching grants, which are derived from 2% of the consolidated revenue fund, have been approved following the passage of the 2024 Appropriation Bill and its subsequent assent into law.
This development is expected to significantly boost the implementation of basic education projects across the country.
“The 2024 Federal Government Statutory Allocation of the UBE Matching Grant to each State is N3,554,642,584.46,” Dr. Bobboyi announced.
He further clarified that state governments are required to provide an equivalent amount as a counterpart fund, amounting to the same N3,554,642,584.46, to qualify for the disbursement and execution of the first to fourth quarter UBE intervention projects for 2024.
Previously, states received approximately N1.3 billion annually as matching grants.
The new allocation, which nearly triples this amount, underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the infrastructural deficits in the basic education sector.
Dr. Bobboyi highlighted that with each state bringing in their counterpart fund, they could access about N6.6 billion in total, a substantial increase that could significantly impact the basic education infrastructure if utilized efficiently.
In urging the states to expedite the utilization of these funds, Dr. Bobboyi pointed out that some states have yet to access their 2023 matching grants, which amount to N1,395,784,959.14 as of July 1, 2024.
He encouraged these states to take prompt action to benefit from the available funds.
“This is quite an impressive amount, isn’t it?” Dr. Bobboyi remarked.
He acknowledged the impact of inflation on the grants but expressed optimism that the increased amount would provide a decent level of support for states.
He emphasized the importance of proper application of these funds to maximize their impact on the basic education sector.
Dr. Bobboyi also highlighted the scale of the challenge ahead, noting that approximately 46 million children are currently enrolled in schools across Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which identify the completion of secondary school as the endpoint for basic education.
However, he acknowledged the significant challenges that remain in ensuring every child in Nigeria has access to quality basic education.
The Executive Secretary stressed the importance of collaboration between the commission and state SUBEBs in tackling the issues of out-of-school children, urging all stakeholders to work together to bring these children back into the educational fold.
The meeting, which also served as a platform for SUBEB Chairmen and Secretaries to discuss and address challenges in the basic education sub-sector, was attended by a host of dignitaries, including SUBEB Chairmen, Permanent Secretaries, and Executive Secretaries.
Among the attendees was the Executive Secretary of Oyo State SUBEB, Mrs. Olaide Ladipo, who participated in the deliberations.
Oyo Launches 60-Day OYBPA Scheme
IN A related development, the Oyo State government has launched a 60-day Online Building Permit Amnesty (OYBPA) programme, aimed at regularizing buildings constructed without proper government approval.
The programme, which commenced on August 26, 2024, and will run until October 27, 2024, also targets buildings in violation of the state’s building regulations.
The Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, announced the initiative in Ibadan, explaining that the programme aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s agenda for transformation and sustainable development.
The initiative is expected to enhance urban planning and improve the safety and security of lives and properties across the state.
Property owners can now obtain or regularize their building permits within the 60-day amnesty period at a 20% discounted rate.
The initiative is designed to make the permit acquisition process faster, easier, and more affordable, with the state government planning to embark on a massive enforcement drive following the amnesty period.
Mr. Akin-Funmilayo assured residents that the programme, which is primarily online, would help them avoid falling victim to touts and middlemen, ensuring they receive authentic permits that prevent any future interference by authorities, provided the approved provisions are adhered to.
The amnesty programme excludes properties that are illegally occupying state government acquisition zones, those within the circular road or its set back, properties under power lines, those in disallowable proximity to dams or streams, properties built on roads, and those under court or financial crimes matters.
Mr. Akin-Funmilayo emphasized that the OYBPA scheme, like other initiatives under Governor Makinde, promises to be seamless and beneficial, urging property owners to support the government’s efforts to make Oyo State safer and more viable.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Mofoluke Adebiyi, also highlighted the scheme’s benefits, noting that it would help regularize the state’s property database and enhance security across all local governments.
She urged property owners without building plans to take advantage of the amnesty programme.
The initiative was well-received by primary stakeholders, including architects, engineers, draftsmen, surveyors, and town planners, who were present at the launch.
For further inquiries, residents are advised to visit town planning offices across the 33 LGAs or contact the relevant authorities via phone or email.
The application process for the amnesty programme is already live, with residents encouraged to start their applications by visiting the dedicated online portal: https://applicant.lands.oyostate.gov.ng/login.
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