Tinubu Appoints Aisha Garba As UBEC Executive Secretary

President Bola Tinubu has named Aisha Garba, an international development expert, as the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Garba, a Senior Education Specialist with the World Bank, brings over 24 years of experience in designing and managing education programmes across Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Kenya, the USA, and the UK.

The appointment was announced on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Garba has spent more than 15 years with the World Bank, where she played a leading role in the design, implementation, and impact assessment of education reforms. She is noted for her work in fragile and conflict-affected regions, leveraging her expertise and networks to deliver sustainable solutions in basic education.

According to Onanuga, “The development specialist will share her extensive experience and network with governments, development partners, and communities to advance the delivery of quality basic education in Nigeria.”

Garba previously contributed to achieving Nigeria’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and has consulted for international organisations, including the World Bank, the Department for International Development (DFID), BOND-UK, Regent Foundation, and Muslim Aid Organization.

An alumna of Petra American University in Jordan, Garba earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Computer Studies in 2000. She later obtained a Master’s degree in International Development from the University of Birmingham, UK, in 2007.

President Tinubu expects Garba to spearhead reforms aligned with his administration’s vision of delivering high-quality basic education. Her mandate includes equipping Nigerian children with the skills necessary to compete on a global stage.

Garba’s appointment is seen as a step toward transforming Nigeria’s basic education landscape and addressing critical challenges in the sector.