President Bola Tinubu has approved sweeping changes across Nigeria’s education sector, appointing new leaders for key institutions including the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)
The reshuffle, announced on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, is part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening education governance, improving institutional performance, and driving long term development in the sector The changes have already generated widespread reactions among stakeholders in academia and policy circles
According to the presidency, the appointments and renewals are designed to ensure continuity, stability, and improved efficiency across major education agencies in Nigeria
Tinubu Appoints New NECO and NBTE Leadership
President Tinubu appointed Prof. Modupe Adelabu as the new chairperson of the governing board of NECO
Adelabu, a retired professor of educational administration at Obafemi Awolowo University, is also a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State and previously served as NBTE chairman between 2018 and 2021
At NECO, Tinubu retained Ibrahim Wushishi as registrar, ensuring continuity in the council’s examination administration
For NBTE, Prof. Babatunde Salako was appointed as the new governing board chairman He is widely recognized for his contributions to higher education, institutional governance, and national policy development
Appointment of New Rector and Institutional Leadership Changes
The President also approved Bongfa Binfa as the new rector of the Federal Polytechnic N’yak Shendam
Binfa, who holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, previously served as Deputy Rector (Academic) at the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, and lectured at the Federal Polytechnic Idah.
He succeeds Mukaila Zakari Ya’u, the pioneer rector whose tenure ended in March 2026
His appointment followed a competitive recruitment process publicly advertised in national newspapers in September 2025
Renewal of National Library Leadership
Tinubu also renewed the tenure of Dr. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi as Director/Chief Executive of the National Library of Nigeria for another five year term
Anunobi, first appointed in 2021, is expected to continue overseeing key reforms, including the completion of the National Library headquarters project and the implementation of the 2025 2030 strategic plan
According to the presidency, the renewal is aimed at ensuring continuity in institutional reforms and strengthening Nigeria’s knowledge and information management systems
Context Behind the Education Sector Shake Up
The presidency also confirmed that Idris M Bugaje had earlier been reappointed as Executive Secretary of NBTE for a second and final five year term
Officials say the reshuffle reflects the administration’s broader goal of improving efficiency in education governance and aligning institutions with national development priorities
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