The Federal Government has intensified efforts to expand access to quality basic education through the nationwide rollout of Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools and Alternative Schools.
The move follows the inauguration of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to fast-track the completion and operationalisation of the schools.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, Alausa said the committee’s performance would be measured by the number of schools that become fully operational and deliver quality education to Nigerian children.
He described the initiative as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that education remains a strategic priority for national development.
According to the minister, the Smart Schools initiative is designed to equip learners with digital skills needed for the modern economy, while the Bilingual Schools programme aims to promote linguistic inclusion, improve learning outcomes and foster national integration.
He added that the Alternative Schools initiative seeks to expand access to education for vulnerable and underserved groups, particularly girls and out-of-school children.
Alausa expressed concern over the large number of UBEC-funded projects that remain incomplete or have yet to commence academic activities.
He directed the committee to work closely with UBEC, state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) and other stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of projects, provision of furniture and essential utilities, deployment of teachers, enrolment of learners and full operationalisation of the schools.
The minister also announced plans by the Federal Government to phase out the policy separating Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) from Senior Secondary Schools (SSS).
He said the existing structure has contributed to overcrowding in junior secondary schools, underutilisation of senior secondary facilities and rising school dropout rates.
According to him, the proposal will be presented at the next National Council on Education meeting as part of broader reforms aimed at improving access to education and learning outcomes.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, the Director of Basic Education, Dr. Folake Davis, commended the minister’s leadership and pledged the ministry’s support for the committee’s work.
She also acknowledged the contributions of UBEC, development partners, state governments and other stakeholders toward advancing inclusive and quality basic education across the country.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba, described the committee as a strategic mechanism for strengthening implementation, accountability and sustainability.
She disclosed that 37 Smart Schools have been established nationwide, with 24 already operational.
Garba added that 30 Bilingual Schools are currently being implemented across nine states under the UBEC–Islamic Development Bank partnership, while the Alternative Schools Programme continues to expand educational opportunities for out-of-school children through flexible and inclusive learning models.
Responding on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Professor Rashid Adewumi Aderinoye, assured that members would carry out their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and transparency to ensure government investments result in fully functional schools that improve learning outcomes for Nigerian children.
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