President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Aisha Garba, an international development specialist, as the new Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
The announcement, made on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlights Garba’s extensive experience in education reform.
Garba, who previously worked as a Senior Education Specialist with the World Bank, brings over 24 years of experience in shaping education policies and programs across countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Somalia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
“Aisha Garba has consistently demonstrated leadership in driving impactful education programs that align with human and economic development,” said Onanuga in a statement.
Throughout her 15 years at the World Bank, Garba played a key role in designing and managing education reforms from inception to evaluation.
Her previous work includes meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nigeria and consulting for organisations like the World Bank and the UK’s Department for International Development.
Garba’s appointment is seen as part of President Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s education system. “The President expects her to drive the renewed vision of providing quality education and making Nigerian children globally competitive,” Onanuga stated.
Garba holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Computer Studies from Petra American University in Jordan and a Master’s in International Development from the University of Birmingham.
