Tinubu Repositions Education Sector as FG Inaugurates New Boards, University Leaders, Polytechnic Rector

By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to reposition Nigeria’s education sector with the inauguration of governing boards for key education agencies, appointment of principal officers for the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama, and the confirmation of chief executives across critical parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Education.

The development was announced during an inauguration ceremony held at the TETFund Auditorium in Maitama, Abuja, where the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, declared that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is driving “far-reaching reforms” aimed at transforming education into the foundation of national development.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Alausa said the appointments reflected the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen governance, deepen accountability, and improve the quality, accessibility, and relevance of education across the country.

“Today’s ceremony is not merely procedural; it is symbolic of our unwavering commitment to repositioning education as the bedrock of national development,” the Minister stated.

The inauguration speech, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, outlined the government’s ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with strong emphasis on digitalisation, technical education, curriculum reforms, research, and data-driven policy implementation.

Dr. Alausa commended President Tinubu for what he described as “visionary leadership and unprecedented support” for the education sector, noting that the administration’s investment in human capital development is laying the foundation for long-term national transformation.

“Mr. President’s bold investments, policy direction, and steadfast commitment to human capital development have created the enabling environment for the far-reaching reforms we are implementing today,” he said.

Addressing the newly inaugurated board chairmen and members, the Minister charged them to provide strategic oversight, ensure transparency, and support institutional management to deliver measurable outcomes.

“You are entrusted with the critical responsibility of providing strategic oversight, ensuring accountability, and supporting management to deliver measurable outcomes,” he said.

“You must serve as a bridge between policy and implementation, inspiring confidence through transparency, discipline, and results.”

Dr. Alausa also challenged the newly appointed principal officers of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama, to build a strong academic institution anchored on excellence, innovation, and impactful research.

“As pioneer leaders, you carry the historic responsibility of laying a solid institutional foundation that will define the vision, culture, and long-term trajectory of this university,” he said.

He further urged the newly appointed Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, N’yak-Shendam, Plateau State, Dr. Engr. Bongfa Bonfa, to focus on technical and vocational education capable of producing graduates with practical competencies and entrepreneurial skills.

“Polytechnics remain central to our drive for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, skills acquisition, and industrialization,” the Minister noted.

The Minister also warned reappointed chief executives of agencies under the ministry against complacency, stressing that continuity in office must translate into improved performance and accelerated reforms.

“Continuity must not breed complacency. Rather, it must serve as a platform to consolidate gains, deepen ongoing reforms, and accelerate progress,” he warned.

Dr. Alausa acknowledged persistent challenges confronting the education sector, including learning poverty, inadequate infrastructure, poor teacher quality, and weak research ecosystems, but assured that the government remains committed to addressing them through coordinated reforms.

He emphasized that the Ministry would continue to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, enforce due process, and ensure prudent management of public resources.

“Public trust is earned through integrity, accountability, and service. Your actions must reflect the highest standards of public service,” he said.

Among those inaugurated were Prof. Babatunde Lawal Salako as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Modupe Adeola Adelabu as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Examinations Council (NECO), and Prof. Tijani Kalli as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama.

Others include Mr. Abba Kaka Goni as Registrar, Mrs. Aisha Halilu as Librarian, and Mr. Bashir Zubairu as Bursar of the university, alongside several members of governing councils and committees across federal education institutions.

The Minister expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated officials would drive the reforms needed to reposition Nigeria’s education sector for global competitiveness and sustainable development.

“The success of our education system will depend not only on policies and funding but on the quality of leadership that drives implementation,” Alausa said.

“I therefore urge you to work collaboratively, lead with integrity, and remain steadfast in your commitment to excellence.”