President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Aisha Garba as the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission.
The appointment was announced on Tuesday in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
Garba, a seasoned international development expert with more than 24 years of experience, is expected to bring her wealth of knowledge and global expertise to advance the quality of basic education in Nigeria.
She has previously served as a Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank, where she led major education reforms across countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Kenya, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
“With her proven leadership in delivering impactful education programs, especially in challenging and conflict-prone settings, Garba’s appointment comes at a critical time for Nigeria,” Onanuga stated.
Garba’s tenure at the World Bank, spanning over 15 years, includes designing and managing large-scale education initiatives, driving reforms, and conducting impact evaluations.
Her contributions have been instrumental in Nigeria’s progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals for education.
“Aisha Garba has a reputation for driving sustainable solutions in fragile environments, and her experience aligns with the government’s goal to deliver accessible, high-quality education to Nigerian children,” the statement added.
Garba has also consulted for globally recognized organizations such as the Department for International Development Regent Foundation, and Muslim Aid Organization.
Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in English and Computer Studies from Petra American University, Jordan, and a Master’s degree in International Development from the University of Birmingham, UK.
Speaking on the appointment, President Tinubu emphasized his expectations for Garba’s leadership at UBEC: “Aisha Garba’s expertise will be vital in ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, preparing them to compete effectively on the global stage. This appointment is part of our commitment to revitalizing the education sector and inspiring renewed hope for the future of our nation.”
