THE Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Services, Hon. Mark B. Useni, has strongly denied recent media reports suggesting allegations of administrative misconduct or statutory violations against the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba.
In a statement issued to journalists in Taraba State on Monday, Hon. Useni described the claims as false, misleading, and unfounded, warning that such misinformation could erode public trust in both the legislature and the institutions tasked with delivering basic education across Nigeria.
Useni, who represents the Ussa/Takum/Donga federal constituency, clarified that neither the House Committee nor its Senate counterpart has received any official complaints or evidence indicating that Dr. Garba violated the UBEC Act or engaged in maladministration, contrary to the insinuations published by some media outlets.
“The headlines and narratives currently circulating are gross misrepresentations of the official position of the National Assembly committees on education. At no time has any legislative committee investigated or discussed any wrongdoing by the UBEC Executive Secretary,” he said.
According to the lawmaker, both the House and Senate Committees on Basic Education held a joint legislative retreat in Lagos from Thursday, July 17 to Sunday, July 20, 2025.
He clarified that the sole purpose of the retreat was to engage in a clause-by-clause review of proposed amendments to the UBEC Act, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s basic education framework.
“There were no deliberations whatsoever on any alleged infractions by the Executive Secretary during the retreat,” he emphasized. “The discussions were focused, constructive, and policy-driven.”
Useni further disclosed that during the Lagos retreat, UBEC officials, including the Executive Secretary, briefed the lawmakers on current reforms being implemented at the Commission.
These, he noted, included efforts to improve quality assurance, enhance collaboration with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), and strengthen transparency in fund disbursement and project implementation.
“We commended Dr. Aisha Garba and her team for the visible reforms and the renewed energy being directed at making basic education more efficient, accountable, and responsive to the needs of Nigerian children,” he added.
Taking a swipe at sections of the media for what he described as irresponsible journalism, Useni cautioned against reporting speculative claims as fact, especially when they have not been verified through appropriate legislative or institutional processes.
“The media has a duty to inform the public accurately, not to amplify personal opinions or politically motivated narratives under the guise of investigative reporting,” he warned.
He stressed that any concerns regarding UBEC’s operations should be channelled through the proper legislative mechanisms. “We operate a transparent system where petitions or complaints are reviewed in accordance with due process, not through sensational headlines,” he said.
The House Committee Chairman also reaffirmed support for the appointment of Dr. Aisha Garba by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that her leadership had thus far aligned with the administration’s goals of reforming the education sector.
“Her focus on accountability, transparency, and inclusive policy engagement deserves support and encouragement, not unsubstantiated attacks,” Useni remarked.
As the country continues its quest to reform basic education and bridge inequality in access, stakeholders have called for less politicization and more cooperation among government agencies, legislators, and civil society.