He was the former vice chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria he was succeeded by Kabir Bala.
He had also served as the vice chancellor of the Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil.
Garba holds bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Geology all from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Phd in Imperial College, London.
He spear-headed the development and implementation of the Mining Cadastre System in Nigeria.
On the 29th of March 2023, The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) took Ibrahim Garba to court over N1 billion fraud.