The Federal Government has launched the reviewed operational guidelines for School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) in Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) as part of efforts to strengthen education management in Nigeria.
The event took place on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Ministry of Education’s Conference Hall in Abuja, and was officiated by the Honourable Minister of Education.
In his address, the Minister highlighted the significance of the new guidelines, describing them as a key tool in revitalizing Nigeria’s basic and secondary education sectors.
The reviewed document, he explained, provides a standardized framework to ensure effective involvement of all stakeholders, including principals, teachers, parents, and alumni, in the decision-making processes at the school level.
“The SBMC initiative is aimed at improving education through a bottom-up approach to planning and management, which will lead to greater efficiency, quality, and participation in our schools,” the Minister stated.
He further emphasized that the decentralization of authority within schools would allow communities to take on more responsibility, all while operating within centrally determined guidelines.
The SBMC model was introduced in Federal Unity Colleges in 2009, following the National Council on Education’s recommendation in 2007.
After several successful sessions, the eighth session is now ready for inauguration under the newly reviewed guidelines.
The updated operational guidelines include several key provisions, such as:
The core objectives of SBMCs to foster a supportive and inclusive school environment.
Clear mandates and key functions of the committees.
Defined composition, eligibility, and selection processes for statutory members.
Tenure, vacancy declarations, and procedures for filling vacancies.
Operational systems, supervision, and reporting structures.
The role of the Federal Ministry of Education in overseeing the committees.
Funding mechanisms and other relevant considerations.
The Minister expressed hope that the successful implementation of the new guidelines would enhance the management of Federal Unity Colleges and urged state governments to adopt similar frameworks for their schools.
“The successful execution of these guidelines is critical not only to the Federal Unity Colleges but to the overall advancement of education across Nigeria,” he concluded.
With this new development, the Federal Government continues its commitment to improving the quality of education and school management nationwide.