The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba, has reiterated the commission’s commitment to providing inclusive and equitable education for all Nigerian children, following an inspection tour of riverine communities in Lagos State including areas neighbouring Amuwo-Odofin Local Government.
According to Garba, the visit, which covered Ibeshe, Moba, Ojo, Olorunda, and Badagry LGAs, was aimed at assessing educational infrastructure in hard-to-reach riverine communities and ensuring that no child is left behind.
Though Amuwo-Odofin LGA was not directly on the itinerary, the tour has significant implications for the riverine and coastal communities connected to the Amuwo-Odofin axis, where access to quality basic education remains a persistent challenge. Education stakeholders in Amuwo have welcomed the UBEC boss’s assurances, noting that improved infrastructure and targeted support for riverine schools will also positively impact Amuwo’s bordering communities such as Ibeshe and Moba, where many Amuwo children currently attend school.
During the tour, the UBEC team inspected the ongoing Smart School project at Epeme Village in Olorunda LCDA. Garba reassured His Royal Majesty, Oba Kososko, the Kabiyesi of Iworo, and his people that the facility would soon be completed and delivered as a model of innovation and quality learning for the region.
The UBEC boss also visited the historic St. Thomas Primary School in Badagry, Nigeria’s first primary school established in 1843, where she called for the preservation and restoration of the landmark institution as a national heritage site.
Garba was accompanied by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), the Chairmen of Badagry, Olorunda, and Badagry West LCDAs, as well as senior UBEC management staff. She appreciated the support of local government officials and traditional rulers, saying:
“As part of our ongoing campaign for inclusive and equitable education for every Nigerian child, I embarked on an inspection tour across riverine communities in Lagos State… Together, we are building a stronger foundation for Nigeria’s future.”
Reacting to the visit, the Education Secretary of Amuwo-Odofin LGA, applauded the UBEC initiative, describing it as timely and crucial for addressing learning gaps among children in underserved riverine zones connected to Amuwo.
“Many of our pupils in riverine communities like Ibeshe and Moba face long travel distances and limited school facilities. UBEC’s renewed attention offers hope that more resources and modern infrastructure will reach these areas and by extension, benefit families and learners in Amuwo-Odofin,” she said.
As Amuwo-Odofin continues to push for improved basic education access in its underserved areas, this renewed UBEC commitment is seen as a positive step toward ensuring no child within the Amuwo and riverine corridor is left behind.