President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Aisha Garba, an experienced international development specialist, as the new Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, confirmed the appointment in a statement on Tuesday.
Garba, who previously served as a Senior Education Specialist with the World Bank, brings with her more than two decades of expertise in driving impactful education programs across Africa and beyond.
Garba’s extensive career spans over 24 years, during which she has worked on a variety of education projects in Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Kenya, the USA, and the United Kingdom. Her hands-on experience, particularly her 15 years at the World Bank, has seen her lead the design, management, and evaluation of education reforms and programs aimed at human and economic development.
Garba is well known for her leadership in the end-to-end implementation of large-scale education projects, guiding them from conceptualization to completion and ensuring thorough impact assessments. Her commitment to education is evident not only in her professional career but also in her deep engagement with human development issues. Her work has taken her into fragile, conflict, and post-conflict environments, where she has worked with governments, development partners, and local communities to create sustainable educational solutions.
Garba’s career includes significant contributions to global development goals, particularly her involvement in achieving Nigeria’s targets for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). She has also worked with major organizations such as the Department for International Development (DFID), BOND-UK, the Regent Foundation, and Muslim Aid.
Garba’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Computer Studies from Petra American University in Jordan (2000), followed by a Master’s in International Development from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom (2007). These qualifications, combined with her professional experience, make her a strong advocate for quality basic education in Nigeria and across the continent.
President Tinubu has expressed confidence in Garba’s ability to spearhead the government’s renewed commitment to providing quality education for Nigerian children. He expects her leadership at UBEC to play a pivotal role in ensuring that Nigerian students are equipped to compete globally. The President’s vision for UBEC is one of renewed hope and strategic direction, and Garba’s vast experience aligns with this goal.
As Executive Secretary of UBEC, Garba is tasked with implementing policies and programmes that will enhance the educational experience for Nigeria’s young learners. Her wealth of experience in working with both government entities and development partners is seen as an invaluable asset in advancing Nigeria’s education reform agenda.
Garba’s appointment comes at a critical time in the country’s education sector, with the Nigerian government focused on addressing the challenges of providing equitable and quality education for all. Her leadership is expected to help UBEC achieve its mission of supporting basic education in the country and ensuring that Nigerian children are prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.
This appointment marks another step in President Tinubu’s efforts to build a robust, globally competitive education system in Nigeria, which is central to the country’s future development.
