The Taraba State Universal Basic Education Board, TSUBEB, on Wednesday, 9th September 2026, flagged off the distribution of materials and equipment procured under the 2024/2025 Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Matching Grant. The event was attended by top government functionaries, members of the State House of Assembly, education stakeholders, and management of TSUBEB. In her opening speech, the Executive Chairperson of TSUBEB, Hon. Mrs. Christiana Taninga Binga, said the materials are critical tools for improving education delivery in the state. "These materials are not merely government assets. They are instruments for better service delivery, better supervision and better educational outcomes. As a board, we are fully committed to ensuring that these resources are distributed fairly, transparently and responsibly in accordance with the purpose for which they were provided," she said. Speaking during the event, the Hon. Commissioner for Secondary, Vocational and Technical Education, Dr. Augustina Yaya Godwin, described the intervention as a major boost to education in Taraba State. "This is a great empowerment to the education sector in Taraba State and these educational materials will enhance quality education," she stated. The Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Hosea Angyu, in his remarks noted that "education is the bedrock of every society." He commended the Board for ensuring that education policies are being implemented effectively. The Director of Procurement, TSUBEB, Mr. Balanku Vahnoka, highlighted some of the procured items to include: 1. Six Hilux vans for monitoring and evaluation 2. 63 motorcycles 3. ECCD equipment 4. Cyber computers 5. Servers 6. ICT equipment 7. And lots more instructional materials In their goodwill messages, the Majority Leader of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Jethro Yakubu, encouraged teachers to put in their best and assured that the House of Assembly will continue to provide an enabling environment for learning. The Head of Service, Dr. Ahmed Hamidu Kara, also advised that the equipment should be put to proper use to achieve the intended purpose. Delivering the vote of thanks, Permanent Member 1 of TSUBEB, Ambassador Musa John, said: "The free education is yielding evidence, it is not a hype." He appreciated the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for the free education policy and thanked the state government for its continued support. The Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. John Bonzena Kizito, commended Governor Agbu Kefas for the payment of the matching grant. "Any investment in education is never a waste," he said. Representing the Executive Governor of Taraba State Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Gibon Kataps, declared that free education is compulsory in Taraba State. He charged the Board and the Ministry to ensure proper monitoring of the materials. "The board and commission must monitor that these materials are not sold in the black market. The board should track down all the materials," he warned. The flag-off and cutting of tape was performed by the SSG, Barr. Gibon Kataps, signaling the commencement of distribution of the materials across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.