The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Services and its Senate counterpart have firmly denied receiving any formal report or petition alleging misconduct or infraction against the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba.
The clarification follows media reports suggesting that the National Assembly was investigating the UBEC boss over alleged violations of the UBEC Act—reports the lawmakers have now dismissed as false, misleading, and unfounded.
In a press release made available to THISDAY, the Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education and Services, Hon. Mark Useni, categorically stated that no such investigation is underway, nor has any official complaint or evidence of wrongdoing been submitted to either committee.
“The story in question is a deliberate attempt to misinform Nigerians and misrepresent the role of the National Assembly and our committee. There has been no petition or official document before us indicting the Executive Secretary of UBEC in any form,” Useni emphasized.
Useni was responding to recent interpretations of remarks made by Hon. Philip Agbese, a committee member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, during a joint legislative retreat in Lagos last week. Agbese had reportedly expressed concerns about “unilateral decisions” allegedly violating provisions of the UBEC Act.
However, Useni clarified that Agbese’s comments were his personal opinions, not the official stance of the committee or the National Assembly.
“The Lagos retreat held from July 17 to 20 was focused purely on the clause-by-clause consideration of the proposed Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act Amendment Bill, 2025. No allegations or accusations against the UBEC management were raised or discussed,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Committees actually commended the Executive Secretary during the retreat for her ongoing reforms—particularly in areas such as quality assurance and improved collaboration with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs).
“Since her appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Aisha Garba has shown commendable commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery in the basic education sector,” the statement added.
The National Assembly Committees also urged the media to verify facts and avoid attributing personal views to the entire legislature, especially on sensitive matters concerning public institutions.
“Concerns regarding UBEC’s operations, if any, should be directed through the appropriate legislative channels,” Useni concluded.
This clarification aims to restore public confidence in both the integrity of the National Assembly and the leadership of UBEC, amid efforts to reform Nigeria’s foundational education system.