UBEC Strengthens Collaboration with SBMC to Reduce Out-of-School Children Across States

By JB Danlami

The Director of Social Mobilization at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Malam Adamu Gurama, has reaffirmed that the major priority of the UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, is to reduce the number of Out-of-School Children (OOSC) across the states.

Malam Adamu Gurama made this known during a brief engagement with Directors of Social Mobilization from the 36 states and the FCT, shortly after the closing of the three-day capacity-building workshop organized for SUBEB Directors of Social Mobilization (DSMs) and UBEC Social Mobilization Officers (SMOs) held in Karu, Nasarawa State.

The Director stated that, in line with achieving this mandate, UBEC has approved the allocation of 5% from the SUBEB-UBEC matching grant to support activities related to SBMC operations.

“We expect that this fund will be used to train SBMC committees on how to identify OOSC in their communities, support their return to school, and monitor their attendance until completion,” he said.

He further explained that the funds are also set aside to assist School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) in carrying out minor repairs and small-scale interventions that will enhance learning conditions in schools.

Malam Gurama advised the Directors to consistently notify the UBEC Mobilization Department about their action plans in order to receive guidance before submitting them for approval in Abuja.

Finally, he urged them to work collaboratively with other relevant directorates to ensure quick and successful implementation of their initiatives.

Responding on behalf of the Directors, the Director of Social Mobilization, Kano SUBEB, Balarabe Danlami Jazuli, appreciated the UBEC Director for his dedication toward ensuring the success of the workshop. He also thanked the UBEC Executive Secretary for approving the event and assured the continued commitment of the Directors toward achieving the set objectives.