Media Critical to Successful Implementation of UBE Programmes, Says UBEC Boss

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, has charged Heads of Public Relations and Protocol across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on the need to ensure effective information management for enhanced implementation of Universal Basic Education (UBE) programmes across the country.

Bobboyi gave the charge at a 2-day training programme for UBEC and SUBEBs Heads of Public Relations and Protocol from 36 states and FCT, themed: “Challenges of Contemporary Media Practices and its Implications for UBE Programme,” implementation held in Nasarawa State.

A statement by the Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of UBEC, Mr. David Apeh, on Wednesday in Abuja, quoted Bobboyi as saying that media remains critical to the successful implementation of UBE programmes and activities across the states of the federation.

Bobboyi who was represented by Malam Abubakar Hassan, Deputy Director, Finance and Account, insisted that as information managers at the federal and state levels, the public relations personnel were expected to do their work more efficiently and effectively, while promoting the activities of Commission and SUBEBS, respectively.

He reiterated the commitment of UBEC towards ensuring that every Nigerian child is given access to basic education as well as eliminating the menace of out-of-school children in the country.

He said it was against this backdrop that the annual training programme is organized by UBEC to strengthen the skills of Heads of Public Relations and Protocol across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in order to effectively promote the Universal Basic Education programme’s key ideals and mobilise their various states towards the sector’s development.

He also promised to address the concerns raised by the participants, especially as it affects their work in various states.

Earlier, Head, Public Relations and Protocol of UBEC, Mr. David Apeh, said the training was designed help the public relations officers in sharpening their PR strategies.

He said he was glad that the Commission is sustaining the training for heads of public relations and protocol.

According to him, the publicity aspect of basic education is one of the critical parts of UBE and hoped that sustaining the training would be a continuous and regular one.

Apeh said: “The country is looking up to Public Relations Officers of UBEC/SUBEB to take the lead in our quest to use education for the transformation of our society for the benefit of all.”

“Let me take this opportunity to assure you all that the Commission remains committed to the promotion of quality education delivery at all levels through propagating and disseminating the activities and the achievements in the basic education sub-sector,” he stated.

One of the resource persons, Dr Peter Ogudoro, in his presentation at the event entitled, “PR Power for Revolutionary Education in Nigeria”, urged the participants to settle for intelligent mix of orthodox and new media while always try to equip themselves for effective management of issues including crisis.

He added that effective implementation of UBE programmes requires PR personnel to think out of the box on driving the ideals of the programme.