FCT RECEIVES OVER 130,000 INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS TO BOOST BASIC EDUCATION
By: Prudence Okonna
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has taken a major step toward strengthening basic education with the receipt and distribution of over 130,000 instructional materials to public primary and junior secondary schools across the six area councils.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony in Abuja, on Thursday, 16 April, 2026, Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr Danlami Hayyo, described the initiative as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises education as a key driver of national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, Hayyo noted that education remains a priority under the leadership of the FCT Administration.
He revealed that the Minister has already approved the renovation and rehabilitation of 108 schools across the territory, adding that some of these projects have been completed, with others ongoing.
Dr Hayyo also highlighted the FCT’s consistency in meeting its counterpart funding obligations, particularly in accessing Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) grants, a move he said has positioned the territory to benefit significantly from interventions.
“This collaboration between the Universal Basic Education Commission and the FCT UBEB is very encouraging. That is why in the FCT we take our matching grant seriously and ensure it is paid promptly.” He said.
In her remarks, the Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB), Florence Wenegieme, described the event as a significant milestone in advancing foundational learning.
While appreciating the FCT minister and UBEC Secretary, she emphasised that education remains the bedrock of national development, adding that the distribution of the materials would not only enhance classroom learning but also encourage out-of-school children to return to school.
“These materials are being distributed equitably across the six area councils, with representatives of pupils, students, teachers, and Local Education Authority secretaries present to ensure transparency and accountability,” she said.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for every Nigerian child, regardless of background.
She disclosed that the FCT received a wide range of learning and teaching materials and teachers’ guides.
Garba noted that the intervention forms part of a broader nationwide effort that has seen the construction of over 10,000 classrooms, the training of more than 500 teachers, and the distribution of millions of textbooks across the country.
She added that UBEC, in collaboration with state basic education boards, has also helped return over 700,000 out-of-school children to classrooms nationwide.
“The materials we are distributing today are not just resources; they are instruments of transformation that will enhance learning outcomes and equip our children with the skills needed to compete globally,” she said.
In a goodwill message, the Sarkin Jiwa, His Royal Highness, Idris Musa, commended the collaboration between the Universal Basic Education Commission and FCT-UBEB, describing the occasion as both timely and encouraging for the advancement of learning in FCT schools.
The traditional ruler, however, expressed concern over the mismanagement of such resources in the past, warning that materials meant for schools must not be diverted.
He urged those responsible for handling the items to ensure they reach the intended beneficiaries, stressing that proper utilisation would restore confidence in public schools. He also called on traditional rulers across the FCT to regularly monitor schools within their domains to ensure that the materials are effectively used for the benefit of pupils and the overall development of education.
While noting that the provision of instructional materials would go a long way in improving teaching and learning outcomes, particularly at the foundational level, the royal father also urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to complement government efforts by encouraging school attendance and proper use of the materials.
Abuja Digest reports that the items provided to the FCT include 3,675 school bags and 3,675 pairs of shoes, 3,675 packs of pencils, and 3,675 dozen exercise books.
The distribution also comprises 36,600 copies each of Mathematics and English textbooks for Primary 1–3, 10,600 copies each of ECC Science and ECC Creative Arts, 1,520 teachers’ guides, 20 interactive boards, 20 desktop computers, 20,337 copies of ECC “I Can Read” books (Levels 1–3), and 15,333 copies of ECC Numeracy books (Levels 1–3).
