Aisha Garba’s appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) marks a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s basic education system. Her extensive experience in international development, coupled with her deep understanding of educational reforms and programme implementation, positions her ideally to lead UBEC in achieving its mandate of providing quality basic education across the nation. President Tinubu’s selection underscores his administration’s commitment to investing in human capital and ensuring that Nigerian children have the necessary foundation to compete effectively in a globalized world. Garba’s track record of success in designing and managing education programmes, both within Nigeria and internationally, promises a period of impactful leadership at UBEC.
Garba’s distinguished career spans over two decades, with a significant portion dedicated to improving education outcomes. Her 15 years at the World Bank provided her with invaluable experience in leading complex education initiatives, from initial conceptualization and design through execution, monitoring, and impact assessment. This experience has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in educational reform, particularly in developing countries. Her work with various international development organizations, including the Department for International Development, BOND-UK, Regent Foundation, and the Muslim Aid Organization, has further broadened her perspective and provided her with a deep understanding of best practices in education development. This diverse experience will be crucial in addressing the unique challenges faced by Nigeria’s basic education system.
Garba’s academic background further strengthens her credentials for the role. Her combined degree in English and Computer Studies from Petra American University in Jordan provided her with a strong foundation in communication and technology, both essential skills for leadership in the 21st century. Her Master’s in International Development from the University of Birmingham, UK, further honed her analytical and strategic thinking skills, equipping her with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of development work. This combination of academic excellence and practical experience makes her a well-rounded leader capable of driving meaningful change within UBEC.
President Tinubu’s expression of confidence in Garba’s ability to deliver sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s basic education sector highlights the high expectations placed upon her. The President’s vision for education focuses on providing quality education that empowers Nigerian children to compete globally. Garba’s mandate is to translate this vision into tangible outcomes through effective leadership at UBEC. This includes strengthening existing programmes, developing innovative initiatives, and fostering partnerships to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to a quality basic education.
Garba’s leadership at UBEC is expected to focus on several key areas. Improving access to quality education in marginalized communities will be a top priority. This will involve addressing issues such as inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and curriculum relevance. Promoting inclusive education that caters to the needs of all learners, including those with disabilities, will also be a key focus. Strengthening teacher training and professional development programmes will be essential to ensuring that teachers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver quality instruction. Furthermore, leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning will be crucial in preparing students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.
Garba’s appointment represents a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s basic education system. Her extensive experience, combined with the President’s vision for education, creates a promising environment for positive change. The expectation is that her leadership will usher in a new era of progress in basic education, ensuring that all Nigerian children have the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development. Her success will be measured by the tangible improvements in access to quality education, improved learning outcomes, and the development of a more equitable and inclusive education system for all Nigerian children.
