The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission, flagged off the 2024 FGN-UBEC/SUBEB Intervention programme in Ibadan.
The ceremony, which was held at OYOSUBEB, Agodi, Ibadan on Friday, marked the commencement of large-scale supply of core textbooks, learning aids and other instructional materials to public primary and junior secondary schools across the state.
Speaking at the event, the OYOSUBEB Chairman, Dr. Nureni Adeniran said the 2024 intervention in Oyo State covered the distribution of thousands of core subject textbooks and learning materials, including 19,289 copies each of Primary Mathematics books 1, 2 and 3; 15,515 copies of Primary English books 1–3; and 15,111 copies each of Nursery English books 1, 2 and 3.
Additionally, 6,673 copies each of Nursery Mathematics Books 1, 2 and 3; 2,500 copies each of Science and Technology Books 1–3; 40,000 six-year Continuous Assessment Cards (produced by OYOSUBEB); including 6,675 school bags; 6,675 pairs of sandals; 6,675 exercise books; 6,675 pencils and 6,000 pairs of BESDA sandals were also distributed.
Adeniran stressed that the materials were instructional resources designed to enhance instructional quality and improve learning outcomes, urging head teachers, principals and education managers to ensure strict accountability and proper utilisation.
He said: “These materials are not for storage but for active classroom use. Their impact will be measured by improved academic performance and better learning outcomes.”
Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission, Dr. Aisha Garba, said the distribution transcended the supply of materials, describing it as a reinforcement of hope and a renewed commitment to quality, inclusive and equitable basic education for every Nigerian child.
Represented by the Zonal Director, UBEC, Mrs. Beatrice Okei, Dr. Garba noted that the intervention aligned with the agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises education as a foundation for national development through strong literacy, numeracy, values and skills acquisition at the basic level.
According to her, UBEC’s statutory mandate includes coordinating the implementation of the Universal Basic Education programme nationwide, disbursing intervention funds to states and the FCT, setting and monitoring minimum standards, and promoting access, equity, quality, transparency and accountability.
Speaking on further reduction of out-of-school children nationwide, she disclosed that UBEC is distributing 15 million school bags, sandals and writing materials across the country to ease the financial burden on vulnerable families and encourage school enrolment and retention.
Dr. Garba described the initiative as collaborative governance in action, adding that the federal and state governments were working together to deliver qualitative and inclusive basic education.
In her remarks, SUBEB Executive Board member, Dr. Olukemi Adeosun, described the distribution as a significant step toward repositioning basic education in the state, noting that access to relevant textbooks would enable learners to prepare ahead of lessons and also ease the burden on teachers.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Raji Oladimeji commended the Oyo State government and SUBEB leadership for sustaining improvements in infrastructure, teacher recruitment and welfare. He called on teachers and learners to make judicious use of the materials.
