Tinubu Names New Boards for UBEC, BOA, NADF

President Bola Tinubu has approved the constitution and reconstitution of the governing boards of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), with the appointments taking immediate effect. The move is aimed at boosting education access and driving sustainable growth in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

According to the Presidency, the newly constituted boards align with the administration’s focus on food security, rural development, and improved learning outcomes across the country. The appointees are expected to provide oversight, policy direction, and strategic leadership in their respective institutions.

At the Universal Basic Education Commission, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura was retained as Chairman of the governing board. Regional representatives were also appointed to reflect Nigeria’s geopolitical balance. Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem will represent the South East, Gift Ngo for the South South, and Mrs. Ibiwunmi Akinnola for the South West. The North East representative is Dr. Meiro Mandara, while Dr. Abdu Imam Saulawa will speak for the North West. The North Central zone is represented by Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro. Their tenure is four years in the first instance.

For the Bank of Agriculture, which plays a key role in financing farmers and supporting agribusiness value chains, Muhammad Babangida has been named Chairman. Ayo Sotinrin was appointed as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Three Executive Directors were also announced: Fatima Garba for Corporate Services (Sokoto), Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi for Risk Management and Strategy (Borno), and Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami for Operations (Kwara). The list further includes five Non-Executive Directors: Aminu Malami Mohammed (North East), Charles Amuchienwa (South East), Oladejo Odunuga (South West), Rabiu Idris Funtua (North West), and Kochi Donald Iorgyer (North Central).

At the National Agricultural Development Fund, which oversees funding interventions for food production and agricultural expansion, Mallam Bello Maccido has been appointed Chairman, complementing the already-installed Executive Secretary/CEO, Muhammad Abu Ibrahim. Other members represent all geopolitical regions: Dr. Nelson Henry Essien (South South), Amina Ahmed Habib (North West), Engr. Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola (South West), Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman (North East), Lufer Samson Orkar (North Central), and Felix Achibiri (South East).

The Presidency noted that these appointments reflect the administration’s commitment to inclusive leadership and national development priorities. The appointees are expected to immediately begin implementation of reforms that support the goals of improved basic education and enhanced agricultural productivity nationwide.