Tinubu Appoints 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, has over 24 years of experience implementing transformative education programmes that advance human and economic development. Her work spans several countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Kenya, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

With more than 15 years of experience at the World Bank, Garba has played a pivotal role in the full cycle of education programme and reform management, from conceptualisation to implementation and impact assessment.

In addition to her expertise in human development, Garba is expected to bring her extensive network of partnerships with governments, development organisations, and communities, alongside her experience working in fragile and conflict-affected environments, to deliver sustainable solutions for basic education.

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

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

In a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu urged the new Executive Secretary to “drive the renewed hope and vision of providing and supporting quality education” and ensure that “Nigerian children become globally competitive.”