President Tinubu Appoints New Heads for NABTEB and UBEC, Emphasizing Skills Development and Educational Reform
President Bola Tinubu has made significant appointments to key educational institutions in Nigeria, demonstrating his commitment to strengthening the nation’s human capital and driving industrial growth. Dr. Mohammed Aminu has been appointed as the new Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), while Mr. Idris Olorunnimbe has been named Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Board. These appointments, along with the selection of Mr. Rasaq Olajuwon as UBEC’s Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical) and Mr. Tunde Ajibulu as Deputy Executive Secretary (Services), signal a renewed focus on technical and vocational education, as well as broader access to quality basic education across Nigeria.
Dr. Aminu’s appointment to NABTEB brings a wealth of experience to the organization. With a Ph.D. in Automobile Technology and a Masters in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, he possesses a unique blend of technical expertise and administrative acumen. His 28 years of experience spanning teaching, administration, research, and policy development, most recently as Director of Procurement at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, positions him well to lead NABTEB in its crucial role of assessing and certifying skilled human resources, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial development. President Tinubu’s charge to Dr. Aminu underscores the importance of transformational leadership at NABTEB, ensuring the agency remains responsive to the evolving demands of the Nigerian economy.
Mr. Olorunnimbe’s appointment as Chairman of the UBEC Board brings a different, yet equally vital, skillset to the table. His background as the founder and Group CEO of The Temple Company, a company known for its innovative work in education, entertainment, and sports, highlights his commitment to youth empowerment and educational advancement. His leadership experience, combined with his passion for developing human potential, is expected to be instrumental in guiding UBEC’s mission of providing universal basic education across Nigeria. President Tinubu’s mandate for the new UBEC appointees emphasizes the need for strengthened human capital within the commission itself, ensuring that UBEC has the internal capacity to drive educational reforms and improve service delivery.
The appointment of Mr. Olajuwon as Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical) and Mr. Ajibulu as Deputy Executive Secretary (Services) further bolsters UBEC’s leadership team. Mr. Olajuwon’s experience as Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency provides a strong foundation in organizational management and human resource development, crucial for the effective functioning of UBEC. Mr. Ajibulu’s appointment complements this with his expertise in service delivery, ensuring that UBEC’s programs and initiatives reach the intended beneficiaries efficiently and effectively. Together, these appointments create a balanced leadership structure capable of tackling the multifaceted challenges of providing universal basic education.
These appointments signify a strategic approach to addressing critical aspects of Nigeria’s education system. By focusing on both technical and vocational training through NABTEB and foundational basic education through UBEC, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for a more comprehensive and robust educational landscape. The emphasis on skilled human resources for industrial growth, coupled with the commitment to expanding access to quality basic education, underscores the interconnectedness of these two areas and their combined importance in driving national development.
The appointments also highlight the importance of leadership in achieving these ambitious goals. President Tinubu’s explicit directives to the new appointees emphasize the need for transformational leadership, innovation, and a commitment to service delivery. By selecting individuals with proven track records in their respective fields, President Tinubu has demonstrated his confidence in their ability to bring about positive change within these crucial institutions. The combined expertise of these individuals, spanning technical education, administration, youth empowerment, and service delivery, creates a powerful force for driving educational reform and improving educational outcomes across Nigeria.
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s appointments reflect a strategic vision for Nigeria’s educational future. By strengthening the leadership of NABTEB and UBEC, and emphasizing skills development alongside basic education, he is laying the foundation for a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria. The success of these appointments will hinge on the ability of the new leaders to effectively implement their respective mandates, fostering innovation, improving service delivery, and ultimately empowering Nigerians with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the 21st century.
