President Tinubu Announces Major Education Sector Appointments
President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant wave of new leadership appointments across several key parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Education. This strategic move focuses on balancing institutional continuity with administrative reform to enhance Nigeria's educational framework.
New Leadership for National Examinations Council (NECO)
One of the most notable appointments is the designation of Modupe Adelabu as the new Chairman of NECO's Governing Board. Adelabu brings extensive experience in public service and educational administration to this critical role. She is a retired professor who spent her academic career at Obafemi Awolowo University and previously served as Deputy Governor of Ekiti State from 2013 to 2014.
Additionally, Adelabu previously led the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) from 2018 to 2021, providing her with valuable insights into technical education policies. In a move signaling confidence in current operations, President Tinubu has retained Ibrahim Wushishi as NECO's Registrar, ensuring stability in the council's day-to-day functions.
Changes at National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)
At the NBTE, President Tinubu has appointed Babatunde Salako as the new Chairman. Salako is renowned for his research background, having served as Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) from 2016 to 2024. During his tenure at NIMR, he successfully fostered international partnerships, upgraded research facilities, and strengthened management systems.
Concurrently, the President has reappointed Idris Bugaje as Executive Secretary for a second and final five-year term, effective from April 10. This reappointment is viewed as a strategic decision to maintain continuity in technical education policies and initiatives.
Appointment for Federal Polytechnic in N'yak-Shendam
In Plateau State, Bongfa Binfa has been appointed as the new Rector of the Federal Polytechnic in N'yak-Shendam for a single five-year term. He succeeds Mukaila Ya'u, whose term concluded on March 16, 2026.
Binfa's appointment followed a transparent selection process that included a public announcement in September 2025. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and previously served as Deputy Rector for Academic Affairs at the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas in Bonny, as well as a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic in Idah.
Continuity at National Library of Nigeria
President Tinubu has approved the renewal of Chinwe Anunobi's tenure as Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria for a final five-year term. Anunobi, first appointed in September 2021, has been instrumental in driving reforms to transform the institution into a modern, technology-driven knowledge hub.
Under her leadership, the National Library has launched several innovative initiatives, including:
- The National Repository of Nigeria
- The Newspaper and Magazine Locator
- The National Virtual Library
Anunobi has also played a pivotal role in advancing the long-delayed National Library Headquarters project in Abuja and overseeing plans to migrate heritage collections from 34 state branches. Her renewal is expected to sustain ongoing reforms, ensure the completion of the headquarters project, and facilitate the implementation of the institution's 2025–2030 strategic plan.
Strategic Implications of the Appointments
These appointments collectively represent a carefully balanced approach by the Tinubu administration. By retaining experienced officials like Ibrahim Wushishi and Idris Bugaje while introducing new leaders such as Modupe Adelabu and Babatunde Salako, the government aims to blend stability with innovation.
The emphasis on continuity in roles like Anunobi's at the National Library underscores a commitment to seeing long-term projects through to completion. As these new leaders assume their positions, the education sector will be closely watched to assess the impact of these strategic decisions in the coming years.
