Legislator Slams Media Lies: No Scandal in UBEC, Says Committee Chairman

The Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education and Services, Hon. Mark Useni, has strongly refuted recent media claims alleging misconduct and administrative breaches by the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba. According to IREPORTER ONLINE, Useni dismissed the allegations as false, unfounded, and a deliberate distortion of facts surrounding the operations of the commission and its leadership.

Speaking from Taraba State on Sunday, the lawmaker who represents the Ussa/Takum/Donga Federal Constituency, categorically stated that no formal petitions or complaints have been lodged with either the House or Senate Committee on Basic Education concerning any alleged infractions committed by Dr. Garba. He described the media reports as misleading and not reflective of the committees’ proceedings or official stance.

Useni emphasized that a joint legislative retreat held by both committees between July 17 and July 20 in Lagos was strictly convened for a clause-by-clause review of the UBEC Act. He clarified that no discussions or submissions regarding misconduct or leadership failures were raised throughout the entire retreat. According to IREPORTER ONLINE, the retreat was a platform for collaborative legislative work aimed at improving Nigeria’s legal framework for basic education delivery.

During the retreat, UBEC management was present to brief the lawmakers, and Dr. Garba’s leadership was commended, especially for her ongoing reforms in quality assurance and strategic engagement with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs). Useni asserted that attempting to equate the committee’s legislative engagements with personal opinions or politically motivated narratives is both irresponsible and damaging.

He further praised Dr. Garba’s transparency and dedication since her appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting her efforts to enhance service delivery and uphold accountability in Nigeria’s basic education system. Useni also issued a stern call to the media, urging practitioners to verify their information and refrain from publishing unverified or speculative narratives as official legislative statements.

According to IREPORTER ONLINE, he advised that all legitimate concerns or inquiries about UBEC’s internal workings should follow proper legislative channels to avoid disinformation and public confusion. The lawmaker stressed that such attacks only distract from the progressive reforms being instituted by UBEC under the current leadership.