UBEC gives states Nov. 15 deadline for HOPE-EDU readiness

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has set a deadline of November 15, 2026, for states participating in the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality (HOPE-EDU) programme to prove readiness for implementation. This requirement is crucial for accessing the first round of programme disbursements, which are supported by the World Bank.

Dr Aisha Garba, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, emphasized during a four-day regional workshop in Lagos that meeting this deadline is non-negotiable and essential for the success of the programme. The workshop focused on the implementation of the Structured Pedagogy Package, aiming to strengthen the capacity of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB) to improve foundational learning.

The participating officials, representing various aspects such as academic services, teacher professional development, and procurement, were selected to embody a comprehensive approach to the programme's success. Garba highlighted that the Structured Pedagogy Package would enhance teaching and learning materials, teacher training, and learning assessments, ultimately improving literacy and numeracy outcomes.

The first workshop on the Structured Pedagogy Package would focus on building capacity in these areas, providing evidence-based strategies designed to measurably enhance educational outcomes. Dr Aisha Abdul, the Programme Manager for HOPE-EDU, noted that UBEC has been collaborating with the World Bank team since February to prepare the groundwork for these reforms.

She urged the participating officials to work towards meeting the November 15 deadline for submitting their state action plans. The World Bank representative, Elice Elegbe, reaffirmed the institution's continued partnership with the Federal Government to strengthen basic education across the states, stressing that states bear significant responsibilities in improving foundational learning and ensuring the programme's success.

The workshop is structured in three phases, starting in Lagos, then Uyo, and finally Kano, covering all six geopolitical zones. UBEC's goal is to translate HOPE-EDU's objectives into practical support for states by equipping federal and state officials with the necessary knowledge, tools, and systems for effective implementation.