The Federal Ministry of Education has come out strongly in defense of the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba, following a wave of damning allegations spread by a faceless group known as the Education Rights Activists Coalition (ERAC). The group had accused Garba of administrative misconduct and flouting due process—claims the government has now categorically dismissed as baseless and politically motivated.
Speaking through an official statement released Tuesday, August 6, 2025, Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa described the media campaign as a “desperate and libellous attempt by disgruntled individuals” to distract the public from the far-reaching reforms currently underway in Nigeria’s basic education sector. According to the Minister, the attacks are not only unfounded but also betray a clear intention to sabotage progress.
Dr. Garba, a respected education expert with over two decades of global experience—including 15 years at the World Bank—was praised for injecting professionalism, transparency, and global best practices into UBEC. Under her leadership, nearly 5,000 classrooms have been constructed and over 3,000 renovated. Additionally, UBEC has established nationwide Early Childhood Care and Development Centres, significantly expanding access to foundational education.
The Ministry also highlighted the successful distribution of more than five million textbooks and over 350,000 pieces of school furniture across the federation. In teacher development, over 147,000 teachers have been trained in contemporary teaching methods, while nearly 978,800 educators have benefited from the largest teacher professional development initiative in Nigeria’s history.
One of the most notable reforms under Garba’s tenure is the overhaul of the national curriculum to include digital literacy and entrepreneurship skills. This initiative is being rolled out in collaboration with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), positioning Nigerian students to compete globally in the 21st century economy.
Financial transparency and innovation have also marked Garba’s tenure. In 2024 alone, ₦78.6 billion in matching grants were accessed by 28 states and the FCT through a restructured Basic Education Action Plan (BEAP). Institutional partnerships with UNICEF, KOICA, IsDB, the World Bank, and the UK’s FCDO have been reinvigorated to expand the impact of basic education programmes.
The Ministry reaffirmed that there have been no recorded financial infractions during Garba’s time in office and encouraged the public to ignore the “orchestrated falsehoods” aimed at smearing her reputation. Dr. Alausa stated: “We stand firmly with Aisha Garba as she continues to lead the transformation of Nigeria’s basic education system—ensuring it is inclusive, accountable, and future-ready for every Nigerian child.”
