Chairman, House Committee on Basic Education and Services, Mark Useni, has refuted recent media reports alleging infractions and administrative misconduct by the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement made available to journalists in Taraba State on Sunday, Useni, who represents Ussa/Takum/Donga Federal Constituency, dismissed the reports as a deliberate attempt to misinform the public about the workings of the National Assembly and its education committees.
Useni said that neither the House nor the Senate Committee on Basic Education has received any formal complaint or report suggesting breaches of the UBEC Act or maladministration on the part of the UBEC Executive Secretary.
“The headline and content of the reports misrepresent the official position of the committees and are entirely misleading,”; he said.
He explained that the joint House and Senate committees had recently held a legislative retreat in Lagos from Thursday, July 17 to Sunday, July 20, 2025, which was focused exclusively on a clause-by-clause review of the proposed amendments to the UBEC Act.
He emphasized that at no point during the retreat were any allegations raised or deliberated upon regarding the UBEC leadership.
“The retreat was collaborative and constructive, aimed at strengthening the legal framework for basic education in Nigeria,”; Useni said.
He added that the committees were briefed by UBEC management during the retreat and commended the Executive Secretary for her ongoing reforms 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.
While applauding Dr Aisha Garba’s leadership since her appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Useni noted her commitment to transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery in the basic education sector.
He also urged the media to uphold responsible journalism by verifying facts and refraining from publishing personal views as official legislative positions.
“All concerns regarding UBEC’s operations should be channeled through appropriate legislative procedures,”; he advised.
