PRESS STATEMENT

BAT-IG Advocates Educational Support for Families of Fallen, Wounded Security Personnel

The BAT Ideological Group (BAT-IG) has urged Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba, to explore collaborative opportunities aimed at strengthening access to education for vulnerable Nigerians, particularly families of military and paramilitary personnel.

The suggestion was made in a meeting, held at the UBEC headquarters in Abuja, focused on key proposals designed to enhance support for members of Nigeria’s armed forces and other security agencies who continue to make sacrifices in defense of the nation.

During the engagement, BAT-IG proposed the establishment of a structured educational support programme for children of security personnel who have been wounded, retired, or killed in the line of duty. The group emphasized that such an initiative should extend up to the secondary school level, ensuring that the families of fallen heroes are not left behind.

Responding to the proposal, Dr. Garba commended the thoughtfulness of the initiative. She noted that while UBEC’s direct intervention programmes currently cover up to Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3), the idea aligns with the Commission’s broader commitment to inclusive and equitable basic education.

She further indicated that the proposal could potentially be integrated into existing frameworks, including conditional cash transfer mechanisms, to provide targeted support for eligible beneficiaries.

The meeting also featured discussions on the Commission’s achievements since the current leadership assumed office.

BAT-IG requested access to a compiled list of UBEC’s projects and international collaborations to better understand ongoing reforms and interventions across states. The group expressed interest in being kept informed about future projects nationwide to enhance grassroots awareness and engagement.

Speaking at the meeting, the convener of BAT-IG, Honourable Bamidele Atoyebi, described the engagement as productive and forward-looking, reaffirming the group’s commitment to policies and programmes that uplift Nigerians especially frontline defenders of the nation.

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

The BAT Ideological Group reiterated its readiness to support awareness campaigns and community sensitisation efforts across states and local governments, ensuring that citizens remain informed about federal education initiatives and other developmental programmes.

The visit marks another milestone in BAT-IG’s ongoing advocacy for inclusive governance and people-focused interventions.

Signed:

Bamidele Atoyebi

Convener

BAT Ideological Group (BAT-IG).