UBEC/UNICEF Trains Stakeholders on Review of SBMC Operational Documents

By: Alhassan Hassan Abba

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), in collaboration with UNICEF, has organized a three-day capacity-building workshop for participants from the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the review of School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) operational documents.

The workshop, held at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano, brought together key education stakeholders from across the Northern region to strengthen community participation and improve the delivery of basic education in Nigeria.

In her address, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, represented by the Head of Community Empowerment and Development in the Social Mobilisation Department of UBEC, Mrs. Patricia Uche, stated that the training was designed to equip critical stakeholders at the state and community levels with the knowledge and practical skills required to effectively implement and support SBMC activities.

She explained that participants reviewed three key operational documents: the SBMC Operational Manual, the Guidelines for Monitoring and Mentoring, and the SBMC School Improvement Plan (SIP).

According to Dr. Garba, the training will enhance access, equity, and quality in basic education delivery, mobilize resources, strengthen partnerships, and intensify advocacy efforts aimed at increasing learner enrolment, particularly in addressing the challenge of Out-of-School Children (OOSC).

She noted that the review was undertaken to ensure alignment with emerging educational priorities and global best practices. Dr. Garba urged participants to actively engage in the training sessions, which were designed to be highly interactive, in order to gain a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities in supporting school improvement initiatives.

She also expressed appreciation to UNICEF for its continuous financial and technical support, which contributed significantly to the successful organization of the workshop.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Malam Yusuf Kabir, represented by the Director of Upper Basic Education, Malam Maikudi Abdu Al’alawi, commended the collaborative efforts of UBEC and UNICEF in reviewing the three important operational documents.

He stated that the revised documents would further strengthen SBMC activities by providing practical guidance for effective school governance and community engagement.
Malam Yusuf emphasized that SBMCs remain one of the most effective platforms for promoting community participation, accountability, transparency, and shared ownership in the management of basic education. Through the committees, he noted, parents, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders are able to contribute meaningfully to school development and improved learning outcomes.

He further highlighted Kano State’s commitment to strengthening SBMCs, noting that the State Universal Basic Education Board has continued to support their activities through the provision of office accommodation and monthly operational support. According to him, this demonstrates the Board’s dedication to promoting community participation and accountability in school management.

The SUBEB Chairman also commended UBEC and UNICEF for their continued support towards the development of basic education in Nigeria. He equally appreciated the facilitators, organizers, and resource persons for their commitment to building the capacity of education stakeholders from the 19 Northern States and the FCT. He thereafter declared the workshop open.

In their goodwill messages, the representative of the National Chairman of SBMC, Dr. Kabiru Aliyu, and Malam Hassan Ibrahim, representing Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), lauded the organizers for the initiative. They noted that the training would deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the vision and mission of SBMCs, particularly in promoting school attendance, community participation, and access to quality basic education for all children.

The workshop is expected to enhance the capacity of stakeholders to effectively implement SBMC activities and contribute to improved educational outcomes across the Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory.