FG unveils plans to reform UBEC funding guidelines, train youths in modern agriculture

Suwaiba Ahmad, the minister of state for education, says efforts are on to revise the guidelines for state governments to access intervention funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Speaking during an interactive session on government-citizen engagement organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) in Kaduna, the minister said the aim is to introduce more flexibility and performance-based fund disbursement.

She noted that future fund releases will be tied to clear performance metrics to ensure quality control and value for money in education projects across states.

Meanwhile, at the event, Aliyu Abdullahi, the minister of state for agriculture, unveiled a new initiative targeting the empowerment of young farmers.

Abdullahi highlighted the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration, involving agriculture, environment, water resources, livestock development, and the marine and blue economy sectors, to achieve sustainable agricultural growth.

He also announced plans by the ministry of livestock development to establish breeding centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to boost livestock productivity and sustainability.

He said the ministry of agriculture and food security, in collaboration with the ministry of education, is redesigning the agricultural curriculum to equip youths with modern farming skills, technology-driven knowledge, and innovative practices.