The newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba outlines plans to address Nigeria’s education challenges, stressing that no child should be left behind.
In her first meeting with UBEC management and staff in Abuja on Monday, Garba committed to improving the quality of basic education across the country. “Education is a right, not a privilege,” she stated, referencing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Garba highlighted the staggering statistics, noting that Nigeria has approximately 17 million out-of-school children, one of the highest rates globally. “This is a major barrier to the nation’s progress,” she said, acknowledging the country’s poor learning outcomes.
Citing a World Bank Capital Index, Garba pointed out that Nigerian students score just 309 on a scale where 625 represents advanced attainment. Additionally, only 59% of boys and 51% of girls complete primary school, with secondary school completion rates even lower.
To tackle these issues, Garba plans to collaborate with various stakeholders, including Ministries, Development Partners, and local governments. “We must adopt state-by-state solutions to meet diverse educational needs,” she said.
Her action plan includes leveraging technology, improving infrastructure, promoting inclusivity, and enhancing school safety. “Together, we will work to improve access and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive,” she said.