Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing public education, pledging comprehensive reforms that will benefit the majority of underprivileged children in the state.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Abuja, Governor Mutfwang underscored the urgency of fixing public education infrastructure, personnel, and materials to secure the future of basic education in Nigeria.
“For us, basic education is absolutely critical. Without a strong foundation, any structure built on it will eventually collapse,” the Governor said, warning that continued neglect of public schools would worsen the crisis of out-of-school children.
He highlighted that his administration is actively implementing policies aimed at boosting enrollment and retention in public schools, particularly through the provision of quality teaching environments and the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure.
“We are already grappling with a growing number of out-of-school children, including challenges from the Almajiri system. Strengthening basic education is fundamental to reversing this trend,” Mutfwang added.
The Governor also praised UBEC for its strategic role in bridging educational gaps across the country and described the Commission as a vital institution deserving of enhanced support and collaboration.
Governor Mutfwang said his government is tackling critical areas such as teacher quality, learning materials, and infrastructure. He also emphasized the importance of nutrition in schools, describing it as essential for cognitive development and academic performance.
“The next governor of Plateau State could very well emerge from a public school. We must therefore invest in these schools to create a level playing field for all children,” he noted.
Responding, UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, commended the Governor’s proactive efforts and affirmed the Commission’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with Plateau State. She described Mutfwang as a visionary leader whose timely release of counterpart funds had accelerated development projects in the state’s basic education sector.
Garba also urged other State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) to align more closely with UBEC’s mandate to create resilient and inclusive learning environments across Nigeria.
The visit was part of Governor Mutfwang’s broader engagement strategy to strengthen partnerships and reposition education as a cornerstone of development in Plateau State.