Tinubu appoints Al-Makura as UBEC Board Chair to strengthen Nigeria’s basic education system.
Ex-Nasarawa Governor gains new federal role amid growing support for APC national leadership bid.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, a former Governor of Nasarawa State, as the new Chairman of the Governing Board of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The appointment marks another strategic move in Tinubu’s ongoing effort to restructure key federal institutions and improve foundational education across Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the official launch of the ICT Development Project sponsored by the French Development Agency (AFD). The event took place in Abuja and is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing digital learning infrastructure in ten Nigerian universities.
Senator Al-Makura, a seasoned businessman and politician, is widely known for his contributions to public service both at the state and federal levels. He served as the Governor of Nasarawa State from 2011 to 2019 and later represented the Nasarawa South Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly between 2019 and 2023.
His new role as UBEC Board Chairman places him at the helm of a key federal agency responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and implementing basic education policies nationwide. UBEC operates under the Federal Ministry of Education and plays a central role in ensuring access to quality basic education, especially in underserved regions.
Al-Makura’s appointment comes at a time when the federal government is intensifying efforts to address educational challenges, particularly at the primary and junior secondary levels. With his political experience and background in governance, stakeholders are hopeful that he will bring effective leadership to the commission.
Interestingly, Al-Makura’s name has recently been in the spotlight following speculations about his possible emergence as the next National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Several influential figures within the party’s North Central zone have openly endorsed him for the position, especially in light of the recent resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje due to health-related concerns.
The dual developments signal growing confidence in Al-Makura’s capacity to lead at both administrative and political levels. While his future in party leadership remains uncertain, his appointment to UBEC is seen as a vote of confidence by the Tinubu administration in his competence and integrity.
Observers believe his leadership at UBEC could positively impact the commission’s policies and implementation strategies, particularly in achieving the federal government’s goals for universal access to basic education.
