Education Ministry Backs UBEC Boss Amid Misconduct Allegations, Cites Reform Achievements

The Federal Ministry of Education has addressed recent media reports alleging financial and administrative misconduct against Dr. Aisha Garba, Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), reaffirming its confidence in her leadership.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Ministry confirmed it is aware of the allegations but has conducted an internal review and found no basis to doubt Dr. Garba’s integrity.

Highlighting her impact since assuming office, the Ministry commended Dr. Garba—a seasoned development expert with over 20 years of experience in education and international development—for spearheading key reforms aimed at improving access, equity, and quality in Nigeria’s basic education system.

Under her leadership, UBEC has recorded significant progress, including:

The construction of 4,951 new classrooms and renovation of 3,070 others

Establishment of Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE) centres

Distribution of over 5 million textbooks and 353,625 furniture units

Training of more than 147,000 teachers

Launch of a national teacher professional development programme reaching nearly 978,800 educators

Collaboration with NERDC on curriculum reforms to integrate digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking


On financing reforms, UBEC revamped the Basic Education Action Plan (BEAP) and Matching Grant formula to promote flexible, results-driven planning. This has enabled 28 states and the Federal Capital Territory to access ₦78.6 billion from the ₦120 billion 2024 UBE intervention fund.

The Commission has also deepened partnerships with key stakeholders, including federal and state education ministries, State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, and international development partners like the World Bank, UNICEF, KOICA, FCDO, and the Islamic Development Bank.

Additionally, through the School-Based Management Committee–School Improvement Programme (SBMC–SIP), UBEC has supported over 15,000 community-led education projects across the country.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to supporting institutions like UBEC in achieving the goals of Nigeria’s basic education policy and called for continued collaboration among all education stakeholders.