By Jide Olusola
The Federal Government has flagged off the nationwide distribution of 15 million learners’ support kits to vulnerable pupils across Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to ending the menace of out-of-school children and ensuring inclusive access to basic education.
The flag-off ceremony took place in Makurdi, Benue State, and coincided with the 2026 Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Basic Education Summit as well as the national launch of the Learners Support Programme (LSP).
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba, said the initiative underscores the determination of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismantle barriers keeping millions of Nigerian children out of school.
She explained that the Learners Support 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. The items are targeted at pupils from low-income and vulnerable households.
According to her, the nationwide rollout forms part of a broader intervention to distribute 15 million kits across all states of the federation, aimed at easing the financial burden on parents, boosting enrolment, improving retention and strengthening transition rates within the basic education system.
Garba said the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda is driving a fundamental restructuring of UBEC to build a more resilient, equitable and inclusive basic education framework. “This is not just a policy update; it is a solemn promise that no child, regardless of geography or background, will be left behind,” she said.
She commended Benue State Governor, Rev. Hyacinth Alia, for prioritising basic education and hosting the national flag-off, describing the state as strategic to reforms targeted at improving enrolment and retention. She also praised the Benue SUBEB, led by Dr. Grace Adagba, for convening the summit focused on innovative strategies to reduce the number of out-of-school children.
Highlighting ongoing collaboration with Benue State, Garba disclosed that the state is up to date in accessing UBEC matching grants, following reforms that have improved utilisation and expanded access to funds nationwide. She listed several projects delivered in the state, including new classrooms, libraries, ICT laboratories, ECCDE centres, boreholes, furniture provision and community-led school improvement projects impacting hundreds of thousands of learners.
Garba reaffirmed UBEC’s commitment to supporting states through sustained enrolment drives and targeted intervention programmes, expressing optimism that coordinated action can reverse the out-of-school children trend nationwide.