Tinubu Sacks UBEC Executive Secretary, Appoints Aisha Garba as Replacement

President Tinubu tasked Garba with spearheading reforms at UBEC, stating that her appointment aligns with his administration’s vision of providing quality education and ensuring that Nigerian children are equipped to compete globally.

Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Dr. Hamid Bobboyi from his position as the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and appointed Aisha Garba, a seasoned international development expert, as his successor.

Dr. Bobboyi, who was reappointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari for a second four-year term beginning August 1, 2021, was expected to serve until August 2025. However, the leadership change was announced on Tuesday through a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Aisha Garba’s Background

According to the statement, Aisha Garba is a Senior Education Specialist with the World Bank, boasting over 24 years of experience in advancing education and human development programs across Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Kenya, the USA, and the UK. She brings extensive expertise in designing and managing education reforms, with a career spanning more than 15 years at the World Bank.

Garba is also recognized for her ability to operate in fragile and conflict-prone settings, leveraging her network of governments, development partners, and communities to deliver sustainable solutions in basic education.

The statement highlighted Garba’s role in the team that helped Nigeria meet its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and her consulting work with renowned organizations such as the World Bank, the UK Department for International Development (DFID), BOND-UK, Regent Foundation, and Muslim Aid Organization.

Academically, Garba holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Computer Studies from Petra American University in Jordan, earned in 2000, and a Master’s degree in International Development from the University of Birmingham in the UK, obtained in 2007.

President Tinubu tasked Garba with spearheading reforms at UBEC, stating that her appointment aligns with his administration’s vision of providing quality education and ensuring that Nigerian children are equipped to compete globally.

“The President expects the new Executive Secretary of UBEC to drive the renewed hope and vision of providing and supporting quality education,” the statement concluded.

Dr. Hamid Bobboyi’s tenure ends as the government seeks to implement fresh strategies to enhance Nigeria’s basic education system.