Lafia, Nasarawa State – March 5, 2025 – In a dynamic move to strengthen basic education delivery, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, embarked on her inaugural official visit to Nasarawa State, signaling a new era of collaborative partnership.
Garba, accompanied by key UBEC directors, including Alh. Adamu Misau (Finance and Account) and Engr. Sadiq Sa’ad (Physical Planning), paid a courtesy call on Governor Abdullahi Audu Sule, where she outlined UBEC’s commitment to expanding access and ensuring quality, inclusive education, particularly focusing on reducing the number of out-of-school children.
Governor Sule, acknowledging Nasarawa’s strong performance in utilizing UBEC matching grants, praised Garba’s past achievements with the World Bank and urged UBEC staff to support her vision. He also highlighted the state’s dedication to basic education, citing investments in school infrastructure and teacher recruitment.
“We are confident that her expertise will help us tackle critical challenges like out-of-school children and the Almajiri issue,” Governor Sule stated, while also requesting further UBEC collaboration on these issues. He also pledged to expedite the Certificate of Occupancy for UBEC’s North-Central Zonal Office.
Garba’s visit included a vibrant tour of the UBEC Smart School in Lafia, where students showcased their technological prowess with robotic applications. She also inspected the Modified Second Chance School in Akwanga, assessing its impact and operational effectiveness.
At the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) office, Garba engaged with stakeholders, monitored the 46th Financial Monitoring activity, and discussed observations with SUBEB Management, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
The visit underscored UBEC’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships with states to drive transformative change in basic education across Nigeria. Garba’s proactive approach and Governor Sule’s enthusiastic support signal a promising future for education in Nasarawa State and the North-Central region.
Key Highlights:
- New Leadership, New Vision: Executive Secretary Aisha Garba’s inaugural visit emphasizes collaboration and enhanced basic education delivery.
- Focus on Out-of-School Children: UBEC and Nasarawa State prioritize reducing the number of children without access to education.
- Technological Innovation: Students showcase robotic applications at UBEC Smart School.
- Financial Monitoring and Accountability: UBEC monitors financial activities and engages with SUBEB on project implementation.
- Strong State Partnership: Governor Sule pledges support and seeks further collaboration with UBEC.
- Addressing Key Challenges: Almajiri issue and out of school children are top priorities.
