Federal Government Aims to Modernize Basic Education for 21st Century Needs

By Amforgod J. Olisa

The Federal Government of Nigeria is embarking on a mission to revamp basic education to better suit the demands of the 21st century. Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), revealed this ambition during a strategic meeting with quality assurance officers from UBEC and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) in Abuja.

Addressing the officers, Bobboyi emphasized the crucial role of quality assurance in ensuring effective teaching and learning processes. He stressed the need for reforming basic education to align with contemporary societal requirements, underscoring the importance of enhancing quality assurance mechanisms to meet expectations.

Bobboyi reminded the officers that basic education schools are owned by the states, emphasizing the necessity for close collaboration with state governments to ensure quality standards and foster conducive learning environments.

He highlighted the multifaceted nature of quality assurance, involving the analysis and assessment of various elements within the school system to enhance teaching and learning outcomes. Bobboyi expressed confidence in the officers’ ability to uphold accountability and strive for continuous improvement in the education sector.

Acknowledging the significance of their responsibilities, Bobboyi assured the officers of UBEC’s commitment to providing necessary resources for effective performance. He cited the adoption of e-quality assurance as a significant advancement in streamlining processes and facilitating timely reporting.

Furthermore, Bobboyi announced the imminent release of the 2022 National Learning Assessment in Basic Education (NALABE) report, which underscores Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing educational standards. He commended the collaboration with international organizations like UNICEF and IAEA Netherlands in conducting assessments to improve learning outcomes.

In his remarks, Bala Zakari, the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical) of UBEC, emphasized the pivotal role of quality assurance officers in realizing the goals of basic education. He urged officers to prioritize their responsibilities, as their efforts are instrumental in ensuring that Nigerian children receive quality education.

Zakari underscored the importance of effective quality assurance in maximizing the impact of investments in basic education infrastructure and teacher training. He urged officers to diligently drive the process to fulfill UBEC’s mandate of implementing quality basic education nationwide