A bill seeking to amend the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Act has successfully passed its second reading in the Senate. Sponsored by Senator Adamu Lawal Usman, who represents Kaduna Central Senatorial District, the proposed amendments target sections 2, 3, 7, 9, 11, and 16 of the Act.
The changes aim to strengthen early childhood education, regulate the appointment of commission members, and ensure that implementing agencies adhere to established guidelines.
Additionally, the bill proposes increasing the funding allocation from two to five percent and directs intervention funds for local government areas to be channeled directly to their respective education sectors. Following its passage in the second reading, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Secondary and Basic Education for further consideration.
In a separate development, a bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000 has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. Sponsored by Hon. Moshood Kayode, who represents Lagos Island, the bill seeks to amend Section 67 of the Principal Act.
The proposed amendment includes three additional provisions that require magistrates and judges to impose compulsory counselling and training on convicts of corruption-related offences, in addition to imprisonment or fines.
During the plenary debate, Kayode explained that the aim of the bill is to address the psychological factors contributing to corruption, recognizing the link between mental disposition and the accumulation of wealth through corrupt practices.
