Tinubu Appoints Adelabu NECO Chair, Makes Education Sector Changes

By Folarin Adeyemi Aluko

President Bola Tinubu has approved a series of new appointments across key institutions in Nigeria’s education sector, in a move aimed at strengthening governance and improving service delivery.

At the National Examinations Council (NECO), the President appointed Professor Modupe Adeola Adelabu as Chairman of the Governing Board, while retaining Professor Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi as Registrar.

Adelabu, a retired professor of educational administration and former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, previously served as Chairman of the National Board for Technical Education between 2018 and 2021. Her appointment is expected to bring experience in education policy and institutional management to the examination body.

In another key appointment, Professor Babatunde Salako has been named Chairman of the NBTE. Salako, a respected academic and former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, is credited with driving reforms, expanding research output, and strengthening international collaborations during his tenure.

The President also approved the appointment of Engr. Dr Bongfa Binfa as Rector of the Federal Polytechnic N’yak Shendam, Plateau State, for a single term of five years. Binfa succeeds Dr Mukaila Zakari Ya’u, whose tenure ended in March 2026. Prior to his appointment, Binfa served as Deputy Rector (Academic) at the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, and holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu renewed the tenure of Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi as Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria for a final five-year term. Anunobi was first appointed in September 2021.

Additionally, the President had earlier reappointed Professor Idris M. Bugaje as Executive Secretary of the NBTE for a second and final term of five years, reinforcing continuity in the administration of technical education.

The appointments, which cut across examination bodies, technical education, and national institutions, reflect ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to reposition the education sector through experienced leadership and policy continuity.

Observers say the changes could play a critical role in addressing challenges in Nigeria’s education system, particularly in areas of standards, technical training, and institutional reform.