President Tinubu Reshuffles Education Agencies, Appoints New Chairs for NECO and NBTE
President Bola Tinubu has authorized a significant reshuffle across several key education agencies in Nigeria, introducing new leadership appointments designed to bolster governance and drive reforms in the sector. This move includes the National Examinations Council (NECO), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Federal Polytechnic, N’yak-Shendam in Plateau State, and the National Library of Nigeria.
New Appointments and Renewals in Education Governance
For NECO, President Tinubu has appointed Professor Modupe Adeola Adelabu as the new Chairman of the Governing Board. Notably, the Registrar, Professor Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, will retain his position, ensuring continuity in the council's operations. In the polytechnic sub-sector, Engr. Dr Bongfa Binfa has been named as the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, N’yak-Shendam, Plateau State. He succeeds Dr Mukaila Zakari Ya’u, whose tenure concluded on March 16, 2026.
Dr Binfa's appointment, set for a single five-year term, followed a competitive selection process that began with a public advertisement in September 2025. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and previously served as Deputy Rector (Academic) at the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny. Additionally, he has lectured in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, bringing extensive academic and administrative experience to his new role.
Strengthening Technical and Library Institutions
For the NBTE, President Tinubu has appointed Professor Babatunde Salako as Chairman of the Governing Board. This appointment comes shortly after the reappointment of the Executive Secretary, Professor Idris M. Bugaje, for a second and final five-year term on April 10. Professor Salako is a distinguished researcher with a strong background in higher education and policy leadership. He served as Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) from 2016 to 2024, during which the institute achieved significant advancements in research governance, infrastructure development, and international collaborations.
Similarly, the President has approved the renewal of 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. Initially appointed on September 2, 2021, Professor Anunobi has spearheaded major reforms aimed at transforming the library into a technology-driven knowledge hub. Key initiatives under her leadership include:
- Development of the National Repository of Nigeria
- Creation of the Newspaper and Magazine Locator
- Establishment of the Index and Abstract to Nigerian Newspapers
- Launch of the National Virtual Library of Nigeria
She has also made significant progress toward completing the National Library Headquarters in Abuja and has initiated plans to migrate heritage collections from 34 state branches to the new facility. President Tinubu expressed confidence that this renewed mandate will ensure the continuity of ongoing reforms, the finalization of the headquarters project, and the successful implementation of the institution's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.
These appointments reflect the administration's commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Nigeria's education sector, with a focus on technical education, examination standards, and library modernization. The reshuffle is expected to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to these critical agencies, supporting broader educational goals and national development.
