The Universal Basic Education Commission has urged state governments to ensure that available education funds are fully utilised and approved programmes are implemented promptly.
The call was made during a visit to Delta State as part of the quarterly meeting between UBEC management and State Universal Basic Education Board chairmen.
The meeting focused on improving the impact of investment in classrooms, teaching and learning outcomes.
UBEC commended Delta for accessing its matching grants up to 2025 and encouraged the state to participate fully in the education component of the World Bank supported HOPE programme.
The programme has significant financing available for education, but participating states must meet specified conditions.
UBEC said states must access their 2026 matching grant and implement at least half of their 2025 action plans to qualify.
Delta Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme said updated records showed the state had about N1 billion in unutilised funds, significantly below an earlier reported figure.
He also said Delta had implemented roughly 90 per cent of its 2025 action plan and had already received its 2026 matching grant.
UBEC highlighted Delta’s Attend360 digital teacher attendance system as a possible model for improving accountability.
The commission said quality education depended heavily on teachers being present and effective in classrooms.
During a separate engagement with the Asagba of Asaba, UBEC called for stronger cooperation with traditional institutions.
The traditional ruler urged education authorities to ensure that children with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds were not left behind.
UBEC said it would continue working with states to ensure that basic education investment produces visible improvements in schools.
