FG targets enrolment boost with massive learners’ support initiative in Benue
The Federal Government has flagged off the nationwide distribution of 15 million learners’ support kits to vulnerable pupils across the country, reaffirming its commitment to reducing the number of out-of-school children and ensuring inclusive access to basic education.
The ceremony, held in Makurdi, Benue State, coincided with the 2026 Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Basic Education Summit and the national launch of the Learners Support Programme (LSP).
Speaking at the event, Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba, said the initiative demonstrates the resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to remove barriers preventing millions of children from accessing education.
Garba announced that the programme would begin with the distribution of 1,155,900 school kits nationwide, comprising 288,975 units each of school bags, sandals, pencils and exercise books, targeting children from low-income and vulnerable households.
She explained that the rollout is part of a broader plan to distribute 15 million kits across states to ease parents’ financial burden, boost enrolment, enhance retention and improve transition rates in basic schools under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The UBEC boss commended Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and SUBEB Chairman, Dr. Grace Adagba, for prioritising basic education and hosting the summit themed, “Innovative Strategies for Addressing the Menace of Out-of-School Children: Enhancing Enrolment and Retention of Children in Basic Schools.”
Garba noted that millions of Nigerian children are still denied their right to education as guaranteed under the Universal Basic Education Act of 2004, stressing the need for stronger community mobilisation, improved school security, technology-driven tracking, girl-child incentives, inclusive teacher training and expanded non-formal education options.
Highlighting UBEC’s collaboration with Benue SUBEB, she disclosed that the state has accessed matching grants following reforms that improved fund utilisation nationwide. She listed projects delivered in Benue to include new classrooms, toilets, offices, libraries, ICT laboratories, ECCDE centres, renovations, provision of furniture, boreholes, perimeter fencing and over 13,000 community-based projects supported with N1.5 billion, impacting more than 430,000 learners.
