House Committee on Basic Education and Services

This article is about the House Committee on Basic Education and Services in Nigeria. For other committees in Nigeria, see List of committees of the National Assembly of Nigeria. For the U.S. equivalent, see United States House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

House Committee on Basic Education and Services

House committee providing oversight on basic education in Nigeria
Abbreviation	HCBE
Founder	National Assembly of Nigeria
Type	Standing Committee
Legal status	Active
Purpose	Legislative oversight on basic education and policy implementation
Headquarters	National Assembly, Abuja, Nigeria
Region served	Nigeria
Official language	English
Chairman	Mark Bako Useni
Deputy Chairman	Mukhtar Shagaya
Main organ	Federal House of Representatives
Parent organization	National Assembly of Nigeria
Affiliations	Federal Ministry of Education, Universal Basic Education Commission
Website	www.nass.gov.ng
Remarks	Oversees Nigeria's basic education development and services

The House Committee on Basic Education and Services is a standing committee of the Nigerian House of Representatives, responsible for legislative oversight and advancing basic education policies in Nigeria. Working alongside its Senate counterpart, the committee ensures effective implementation of education programs and regulatory frameworks. Its oversight extends to agencies such as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Federal Ministry of Education, making it an influential body in shaping Nigeria's education sector.[1][2]

History

Constitutional Basis

The House Committee on Basic Education and Services establishment finds its foundation in the Nigerian Constitution, which assigns legislative oversight functions to the National Assembly. Chapter II, Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) states:[3]

"Government shall direct its policy towards ensuring equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels".[4]

This provision underscores the importance of legislative oversight in achieving equitable and quality education across the country. The National Assembly, through its various committees, is empowered to monitor and influence the implementation of education policies and programs.[5]

Formation

The House Committee on Basic Education and Services was established as part of the standing committees of the Nigerian House of Representatives. The committee's formation stemmed from the growing need to address challenges in Nigeria's basic education sector, including access, quality, and funding.

Early years

In its initial years, the committee worked closely with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Federal Ministry of Education to oversee the implementation of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program, introduced in 1999 to provide free, compulsory education for Nigerian children.[6] Through legislative hearings, oversight visits, and budgetary appropriations, the committee ensured the expansion of access to education, particularly in underserved regions.

Growth and influence

Over time, the committee's influence grew as education became a national priority, especially with Nigeria's commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to education. The committee played a vital role in monitoring and evaluating federal government interventions, including the distribution of funds under the UBE scheme.[7] Its oversight activities now include public hearings, legislative bills aimed at improving educational standards, and direct engagements with state governments to ensure compliance with federal education mandates.[8][9]

See also

• Federal Ministry of Education (Nigeria)
• House Committee on Finance (Nigeria)
• House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management
• Universal Basic Education Commission
• National Assembly of Nigeria

References

1. Goni, Goni (2024-03-21). "Why Reps is amending UBEC Act – Useni". Vanguardngr. Vanguardngr. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
2. Fatai, Otare (2023-06-01). "Oversight visit of House Committee on Basic Education & Services, to UBEC". Universal Basic Education Commission. Universal Basic Education Commission. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
3. "N45.7bn Grant Yet to be Accessed by States, UBEC Tells House Members". This day live. This day live. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
4. "1999 Constitution of Nigeria, Chapter II: Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy". Law Nigeria. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
5. "1999 Constitution of Nigeria". Law Nigeria. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
6. Akon, Godfrey (2024-03-21). "UBEC Bill passes second reading in House of Reps". The Abuja Inquirer. The Abuja Inquirer. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
7. Bolawa, Pelumi (2024-07-11). "UBEC: Only 16 states accessed N51bn development grant for basic schools". The cable nigeria. The cable nigeria. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
8. "Reps inaugurate committee on basic education in Nigeria". Daily Post Nigeria. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
9. "Reps move to address challenges in basic education". Vanguard Nigeria. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2025.