EFFECT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION (UBE) PROGRAM ON THE PERFORMANCE OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN BAUCHI STATE

This study investigated the effect of the Universal Basic Education Program (UBEP) on the performance of primary schools in Bauchi State between 2019 and 2023. Guided by Human Capital Theory, the research examined the program’s impact on access to education, teacher quality, pupil enrollment, and student retention. A quantitative survey design was employed, with data collected from 161 respondents, out of which 156 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The findings revealed that UBEP significantly improved access to education through infrastructural development, provision of teaching and learning materials, and the abolition or reduction of school fees. The program also enhanced teacher training and professional development, which positively influenced instructional delivery. Additionally, UBEP interventions, including awareness campaigns and financial incentives, led to increased pupil enrollment, particularly in rural communities. Despite these achievements, challenges such as inadequate teacher motivation, inconsistent incentives, and infrastructural gaps persisted. The study concludes that while UBEP has positively transformed primary education in Bauchi State, sustaining these gains requires continuous investment in human and material resources, as well as stronger stakeholder collaboration.