The Forum of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Chairmen, led by Professor Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, has expressed strong and unflinching support for the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Hajia Aisha Garba Mohammed, amid what it described as a “calculated smear campaign” by detractors.
In a statement issued by the Forum, the chairmen dismissed recent allegations published by Sahara Reporters—and attributed to an individual claiming to be an Education Rights Activist (ERAC)—as “spurious, unsubstantiated, and malicious.”
“The said allegations are a deliberate attempt to malign a public servant whose commitment to accountability and excellence is well established,” the Forum declared.
The Forum, comprising SUBEB chairmen from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, praised Hajia Aisha Garba Mohammed’s leadership at UBEC as transformative, citing her notable achievements in areas such as efficient fund disbursement, transparent project monitoring, direct interventions in reducing the number of out-of-school children, strengthened synergy between UBEC and SUBEBs across Nigeria, as well as introduction of innovative, performance-based education strategies
“Since her assumption of office, Hajia Garba has demonstrated outstanding professionalism, integrity, and vision,” the statement noted. “She has not deviated from her mandate and continues to lead with transparency and a development-oriented focus.”
The Forum characterised the recent allegations as the work of “retrogressive elements” uncomfortable with the reforms and accountability measures being championed by the UBEC leadership.
They further called on the media and the wider development community to disregard the claims and urged Sahara Reporters to uphold ethical journalism by verifying information before publication.
“Hajia Aisha Garba Mohammed remains a dependable partner in our collective quest to strengthen basic education and secure the future of our nation in line with the Renewed HOPE education agenda,” the statement concluded.
The Forum’s message affirmed its total confidence in Hajia Garba’s integrity and dedication to Nigeria’s foundational education sector.
