UBEC, BAT-IG Discuss Education Aid for Families of Fallen Heroes

The BAT Ideological Group (BAT-IG) has called for structured educational support for families of fallen, wounded, and retired security personnel across Nigeria.

The advocacy was made during a meeting with the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to BAT-IG, there is an urgent need to establish a formal educational assistance programme specifically targeted at children of military and paramilitary officers who have been killed, injured, or retired due to service-related circumstances. The group proposed that such support should extend through secondary school to ensure sustained educational stability for affected families.

Responding to the proposal, Dr. Garba commended the initiative, describing it as thoughtful and aligned with UBEC’s commitment to inclusive and equitable basic education. She explained that while the Commission’s current direct intervention programmes cover up to Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3), the proposal could potentially be integrated into existing frameworks, including conditional cash transfer schemes, to provide targeted support for eligible beneficiaries.

The meeting also reviewed UBEC’s milestones under the current leadership, with discussions centred on ongoing reforms and intervention projects across various states.

BAT-IG requested access to a comprehensive list of the Commission’s projects and international collaborations to better understand ongoing educational reforms nationwide. The group also expressed interest in being kept informed about future initiatives to enhance grassroots awareness and citizen engagement.

Speaking after the meeting, BAT-IG Convener, Honourable Bamidele Atoyebi, described the engagement as productive and forward-looking.

“This is encouraging news for our soldiers, air force personnel, and all security operatives who risk their lives daily to protect Nigeria,” Atoyebi said. “Ensuring educational stability for their children is not just a policy suggestion; it is a moral responsibility.”

The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting awareness campaigns and community sensitisation efforts aimed at promoting federal education initiatives and people-centered governance.

The visit marks another step in BAT-IG’s advocacy for inclusive policies and welfare-focused interventions.