ABUJA — The Universal Basic Education Commission has facilitated the mobilisation of more than N100 billion in previously unaccessed matching grants for states and the Federal Capital Territory, according to the commission's Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba. The development is part of reforms aimed at improving basic education infrastructure, teacher quality and learning outcomes across Nigeria. Garba disclosed the development during a media engagement with education correspondents in Abuja. She said the funds had remained unaccessed for years because some states faced difficulties meeting the requirements for accessing matching grants. Reforms introduced by UBEC have helped states overcome some of those barriers and gain access to resources intended for basic education development. The commission said the funds are being channelled into projects designed to improve learning environments and expand access to quality education. UBEC works with State Universal Basic Education Boards to finance projects in public primary and junior secondary schools. According to the commission, the interventions have included the construction and renovation of classrooms, provision of toilets and water facilities, and the supply of school furniture. More than 4,600 classrooms have reportedly been constructed and over 6,100 renovated through recent interventions, while hundreds of boreholes and thousands of sanitation facilities have also been provided. The scale of the investment is significant because Nigeria continues to face major challenges in basic education. Many schools, particularly in rural and underserved communities, require better classrooms, furniture, water, sanitation and learning materials. Poor infrastructure can affect both attendance and learning outcomes. Teachers also require continuous professional development to improve their ability to deliver lessons effectively. UBEC said teacher development was another area receiving attention under its strategic reforms. Improving the quality of teaching is important because infrastructure alone cannot guarantee better educational outcomes. Schools need qualified teachers, adequate learning materials and supportive environments. Access to funding has also been a long-standing issue in Nigeria's education sector. Matching grants require states to provide counterpart contributions before federal funds can be accessed. Some states have struggled to meet the requirements, resulting in billions of naira remaining unused for extended periods. UBEC's reforms are intended to make the system more accessible while maintaining accountability. The commission has emphasised the importance of ensuring that funds are used for their intended purposes. State education authorities and SUBEBs are expected to implement projects and provide the necessary oversight. Effective monitoring will be important to prevent delays, abandoned projects or misuse of funds. The mobilisation of the previously inaccessible grants comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to improve education outcomes and reduce the number of children without access to quality schooling. The country has one of the world's largest populations of out-of-school children, making basic education investment a national priority. Better school infrastructure can also support efforts to keep children in school. Safe classrooms, toilets, clean water and adequate furniture can make schools more attractive to families and reduce barriers to attendance. The funds can also support communities affected by insecurity, displacement and poverty. Schools in vulnerable areas often face additional challenges, including damaged infrastructure and shortages of teachers. Government intervention can help rebuild educational services in such communities. UBEC's announcement therefore represents an important development for basic education financing. The effectiveness of the programme will ultimately depend on how quickly and transparently the funds are converted into useful projects. Parents, teachers and communities will be watching to see whether the increased access to funding produces visible improvements in schools. For Nigeria's education system, unlocking dormant resources is only one part of the challenge. Sustained funding, effective management, teacher development and strong accountability will remain necessary to produce lasting improvements in the quality and accessibility of basic education.