ABUJA/Nigeria: The Federal Government has come out in strong defence of the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, following what it described as a “sponsored smear campaign” aimed at discrediting her leadership and reforms in the basic education sector.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, condemned the allegations as “libellous and malicious,” pointing fingers at a shadowy group operating under the name Education Rights Activists Coalition (ERAC). The group had accused Garba of administrative misconduct and disregard for the rule of law—claims the Ministry dismissed as completely unfounded.
“These attacks are deliberate attempts by disgruntled individuals to derail the ongoing reforms in the basic education sector being championed by Aisha Garba,” Dr Alausa said.
He described Garba as an internationally respected education expert with more than two decades of experience, including 15 years at the World Bank, noting that she has brought a new level of integrity, competence, and adherence to global best practices to UBEC.
Since assuming office, Garba has led major transformations in Nigeria’s basic education system. According to the Ministry, under her watch, UBEC has constructed close to 5,000 classrooms and renovated more than 3,000 others. Nationwide centres for Early Childhood Care and Development have also been established to expand access and inclusion.
The Commission has distributed over five million textbooks and more than 350,000 pieces of classroom furniture, while more than 147,000 teachers have been trained in modern teaching techniques. Nigeria’s largest-ever Teacher Professional Development initiative has reached nearly 978,800 educators under her leadership.
A significant curriculum reform is currently underway, aimed at integrating digital literacy and entrepreneurship, in partnership with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).
The Ministry further revealed that Garba’s tenure has improved the efficient use of the Basic Education Action Plan (BEAP) and enhanced access to the Matching Grant Formula, with ₦78.6 billion disbursed to 28 states and the FCT in 2024 alone.
Additionally, UBEC has strengthened collaboration with global development partners such as the World Bank, UNICEF, KOICA, the Islamic Development Bank, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Over 15,000 community-led projects have been executed through the School-Based Management Committee–School Improvement Programme.
Dr Alausa stressed that no financial infractions or administrative breaches have occurred under Garba’s leadership and urged Nigerians to disregard what he described as “orchestrated falsehoods.”
“We stand firmly with Aisha Garba as she continues her transformational work to deliver quality, safe, and inclusive basic education to Nigerian children,” he declared.
