President Tinubu Appoints New Boards for Agricultural and Education Agencies

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially appointed the boards of three critical government agencies: the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). These appointments mark a significant step in bolstering Nigeria’s agricultural financing and basic education sectors.

Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who was named chair of the UBEC Board in July, continues to lead the commission. Recent appointments to UBEC’s board include Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem representing the South East and Gift Ngo from the South South zone. The South West is represented by Mrs Ibiwunmi Akinnola, while Dr Meiro Mandara represents the North East. The North West’s voice is Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa, and Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro represents the North Central zone. These board members are appointed for an initial four-year term.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Bank of Agriculture continues to solidify. Confirmed by President Tinubu as chairman is Muhammad Babangida, while Ayo Sotinrin remains managing director. The BOA board also saw the induction of three executive directors and five non-executive directors representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The executive directors include Fatima Garba (Corporate Services), Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Risk Management and Strategy), and Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami (Operations).

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Non-executive directors appointed are Aminu Malami Mohammed (North East), Charles Amuchienwa (South East), Oladejo Odunuga (South West), Rabiu Idris Funtua (North West), and Kochi Donald Iorgyer (North Central).

Significantly, the National Agricultural Development Fund, established to enhance affordable financing for farmers and agripreneurs, also received its new board. Mallam Bello Maccido, the veteran financial services expert and pioneer chairman of FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, was appointed board chairman. Other members include Dr Nelson Henry Essien from Akwa Ibom (South-South), Amina Ahmed Habib from Jigawa (North West), engineer and entrepreneur Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola from Ondo (South West), Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman from Borno (North East), Lufer Samson Orkar from Benue (North Central), and Felix Achibiri, a top energy sector executive from Imo (South East).

These board appointments underscore President Tinubu’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s agricultural sector through more structured financial support and enhancing universal education standards. This strategic move aims to accelerate economic development and socio-educational progress across all geopolitical zones.