Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education and Services, Mark Useni, has dismissed media reports accusing the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba, of misconduct, calling the claims false and misleading.
In a statement issued in Taraba State on Sunday, the 20th of July, 2025, Useni, who represents Ussa/Takum/Donga Federal Constituency, said the reports were aimed at misleading the public about the activities of the National Assembly’s education committees.
According to him, neither the House nor the Senate Committee on Basic Education has received any official petition or documentation indicating any breach of the UBEC Act or allegations of administrative misconduct by the UBEC boss.
“The headline and content of the reports misrepresent the official position of the committees and are entirely misleading,” he said.
Useni clarified that both committees had just concluded a legislative retreat in Lagos from Thursday, the 17th of July to Sunday, the 20th of July 2025, focused solely on a detailed review of proposed amendments to the UBEC Act.
He maintained that no allegations were brought up or discussed at the retreat regarding the Commission’s leadership.
“The retreat was collaborative and constructive, aimed at strengthening the legal framework for basic education in Nigeria,” Useni said.
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He said UBEC management had engaged with the lawmakers during the retreat and that the Executive Secretary was commended for her reform efforts, particularly in quality assurance and collaboration with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs).
“It is inappropriate to link the committee’s legislative responsibilities with unsubstantiated personal opinions,” he stated.
Useni praised Dr. Aisha Garba for her dedication since being appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pointing to her focus on transparency, accountability, and improved delivery in the basic education system.
He also called on journalists to verify information before publishing and avoid presenting personal viewpoints as official positions of the legislature.
“All concerns regarding UBEC’s operations should be channeled through appropriate legislative procedures,” he advised.