The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)

  • ‘Why Fed Govt should look into UBEC procurement process’

    ‘Why Fed Govt should look into UBEC procurement process’

    Education Rights Activists Coalition (ERAC) has called on anti-coruption agencies to probe the procurement processes of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

    It urged UBEC Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, to resign to give room for probe into allegations levelled against her.

     President, Odoh Dave,  in a news conference yesterday, claimed there was need to probe UBEC and Garba to ensure transparency.

     He noted there were complaints against Garba bothering on alleged infractions, disregard for rule of law, and administrative misconduct.

    Dave said: “We have confirmed, from independent insiders that the supposed ‘new organogram’ introduced is yet to be subjected to National Assembly oversight.

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    “Nevertheless, it is important that everyone understands that UBEC is a statutory body with a governance framework and oversight hierarchy. It is not one-person’s fiefdom.

    “Leadership in such a sensitive agency demands fidelity to law, respect for institutions, and adherence to procedural orthodoxy.”

    The president said a probe  into UBEC procurement processes would strengthen public trust in the agency.

    He said: “These allegations, including concerns about procurement processes—if substantiated—are grave enough to warrant not just resignation, but a forensic investigation by anti-corruption agencies.

    “We are calling for a forensic and independent investigation of contracts, change in personnel decisions, and procurement practice undertaken since Dr. Aisha Garba assumed office. If exonerated, so be it. But if found culpable, the law must apply.

    “We will petition Public Complaints Commission, Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation, National Assembly Committees on Basic Education, and Economic and Financial Crimes Commissio.

    “We are liaising with lawyers to file a public interest suit seeking interpretation of the scope of powers exercised by the executive secretary.”

  • UBEC assures kids of access to quality education

    UBEC assures kids of access to quality education

    Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, has promised to ensure that every child has access to quality education.

    The UBEC boss stated that ensuring that every child had access to quality education was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    She gave the assurance during the quarterly meeting with Executive Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) in Abuja.

    Garba said the agency would strive towards strengthening basic education by fostering effective collaboration at national and state levels.

    According to her, there had been “poor coordination and weak partnership between critical stakeholders in the sector with inconsistent collaboration among UBEC, SUBEBs, and State Ministries of Education, resulting in inefficiencies, poor monitoring and reduced impact of educational interventions.”

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    She emphasised that it was imperative to “address persistent challenges such as finances, infrastructure, quality education and relevant learning materials, shortage of teachers and conducive environment for teaching and learning.”

    The UBEC chief said the meeting provided “a unique opportunity to collectively evaluate our progress, identify challenges and chart a new pathway towards achieving our shared goal of an efficient and effective basic education system in Nigeria.”

    Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Dr. Ismaila Adiatu, assured the SUBEB chairmen of the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting quality education to inspire renewed hope, with strong emphasis on prioritising quality basic education.

    He noted that the development of the foundational level was essential for positive impact of the other tiers of the educational system which was why the Federal Ministry of Education was deeply committed to improving teacher quality, enhancing school environment, ensuring the availability of adequate instructional materials and implementing an effective quality assurance evaluation system.