The Minister of State for
Education, Prof Anthony Anwukah, has stated that steps are being taken by the Federal Government to reduce or eliminate counterpart funding being paid by states to access intervention funds.
Prof. Anwukah made this assertion during the 15th quarterly meeting of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Management with Executive Chairmen of SUBEBs, at Venetian Arena, Calabar.
According to him, “in the light of funding challenges experienced by states, Government is taking steps to see how the quantum required as counterpart funding may be reduced or even altogether eliminated to provide the enabling policy for greater access and utilization of intervention funds.”
Concerned about the inability of some State Governments to promptly access and utilize UBE Marching Grants, Prof. Anwukah urged States to proffer means to enable them gain greater access of Federal Government intervention funds to aid in reconstruction and establishment of new schools.
He affirmed of the government’s resolve to bridge the gap in human capital deficit and inadequate infrastructure, by employing more qualified teachers and providing infrastructure for effective teaching and learning in schools, which he identified as “challenges facing basic education sub-sector.”
Declaring the event open, the Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, stated that he was ready to support UBEC and SUBEB activities for Cross River State to reclaim its past glory in Basic Education.
The Governor who was represented by Commissioner for Education, Mr. Godwin Ettah attributed the decay in educational institutions to inadequate teachers, adding that “they play a greater role in our success and failures.”
According to him, the political will for us to change the status of education in this country is very important; we need to confront our challenges headlong otherwise, we will continue to remain where we are.
In his speech, the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dikko Suleiman commended Governor Ben Ayade, for the development of basic education in Cross River State.
Your strong concern for improved delivery of quality education is evident in the giant stride recorded in the education sector in Cross River State within this short period of your leadership,” he said.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar