By Fatima Abubakar
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Aisha Garba, a senior education specialist with the World Bank, as the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
The appointment was announced in a statement released on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
Garba, an international development expert, brings over two decades of experience in advancing impactful education programmes to promote human and economic development. Her appointment aligns with the administration’s vision of improving access to quality basic education and equipping Nigerian children to compete globally.
The statement highlighted Garba’s extensive experience working in fragile, conflict-affected environments and her ability to deliver sustainable solutions. She has previously contributed to achieving Nigeria’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and consulted for renowned organizations, including the World Bank, DFID, BOND-UK, Regent Foundation, and Muslim Aid Organisation.
An alumna of Petra American University in Jordan, Garba holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Computer Studies and a Master’s degree in International Development from the University of Birmingham, UK.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that Garba’s leadership will revitalize UBEC’s efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s basic education system. She takes over from Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, who previously led the commission.
This appointment come as the federal government continued to prioritize education, evidenced by its recent approval of increased matching grants for state governments’ Universal Basic Education (UBE) infrastructure projects, now set at N3.5 billion.
