- This collaboration was discussed when NCDMB Executive Secretary Felix Omatsola Ogbe hosted UBEC Executive Secretary Dr. Hamid Bobboyi at the NCDMB’s Abuja liaison office
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) have agreed to collaborate on upgrading basic education in the country.
The partnership aims to build the capacities of young Nigerians to meet the needs of the ever-evolving oil and gas industry and related sectors.
This collaboration was discussed when NCDMB Executive Secretary Felix Omatsola Ogbe hosted UBEC Executive Secretary Dr. Hamid Bobboyi at the NCDMB’s Abuja liaison office.
According to an NCDMB statement, the leaders agreed to set up a joint committee to finalize the details of their collaboration and contribute meaningfully to the future of the Nigerian economy. The meeting focused on how NCDMB could partner with UBEC to upgrade dilapidated primary and junior secondary schools across the country, train teachers, and upgrade critical facilities to meet modern demands.
Discussions also covered making basic education sustainable, developing digital resource centers and smart school systems, and synchronizing efforts among education stakeholders for maximum impact.
NCDMB highlighted its development of over 150 ICT centers in secondary schools, upgrades to select technical colleges, and interventions in some universities as part of its institutional strengthening program, supported by international and indigenous oil companies.
Ogbe announced a bespoke capacity-building project called “Back to the Creeks/Villages,” aimed at revamping dilapidated primary schools in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country. The initiative focuses on developing infrastructure, teaching personnel, and curricula to world-class standards, ensuring sustainability.
Expressing his dedication to improving underdeveloped areas of Nigeria, Ogbe mentioned ongoing engagements with international oil companies, hoping they will support the initiative and channel their human capacity development budgets to the new program for mutual benefits.
Ogbe emphasized the strategic importance of starting at the basic education level to develop young Nigerians’ capacities, rather than intervening at senior secondary or tertiary levels. He revealed that the detailed strategy for “Back to the Creeks/Villages” is still being fine-tuned and will soon be unveiled to industry stakeholders.