Tinubu Appoints Adelabu as NECO Chair, Announces Key Education Sector Changes

President Bola Tinubu has aproved a series of high-level appointments across key institutions in Nigeria’s education sector, naming Professor Modupe Adeola Adelabu as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Examinations Council (NECO).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Presidency confirmed that Professor Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi will continue in his role as NECO Registrar, ensuring continuity in the council’s administrative leadership.

The appointments also extend to other federal education agencies. Professor Babatunde Salako has been named Chairman of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), while Professor Idris Bugaje will serve a second and final five-year term as the board’s Executive Secretary.

At the institutional level, Engineer Dr Bongfa Binfa has been appointed Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, N’yak-Shendam in Plateau State for a single five-year tenure, following a competitive selection process. He succeeds Dr Mukaila Zakari Ya’u, whose tenure recently concluded.

Meanwhile, the President has renewed the appointment of Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi as Director-General of the National Library of Nigeria for a final five-year term. First appointed in 2021, Anunobi is credited with spearheading reforms aimed at modernising the institution, including the rollout of digital knowledge platforms such as the National Repository and Virtual Library.

Professor Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State and a seasoned academic in educational administration, previously chaired the NBTE and is widely regarded for her experience in education governance.

Similarly, Professor Salako brings extensive leadership credentials, having served as Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), where he oversaw institutional reforms and expanded international research collaborations.

According to the Presidency, the appointments are intended to strengthen governance, sustain ongoing reforms, and advance strategic development goals across Nigeria’s education sector.