President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of new chief executive officers for key education and development agencies in Nigeria, including the National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), and Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI).
The appointments were announced in a statement on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu – NUC Executive Secretary
According to the statement, Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu has been appointed as the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC). Prof. Ribadu, a distinguished expert in veterinary reproduction, has previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, and Sule Lamido University, Jigawa State. Prior to this appointment, he was a visiting professor at the NUC.
Prof. Salisu Shehu – NERDC Executive Secretary
President Tinubu also appointed Prof. Salisu Shehu as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC). Prof. Shehu, an expert in educational and human psychology, has a notable academic career, including establishing the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, and serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqamah University, Kano.
Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri – NEPAD National Coordinator
The President named Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri as the National Coordinator of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). Tsauri, a seasoned administrator with a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, brings extensive experience in legislative and global affairs as well as democratic governance.
Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani – SMDF/PAGMI Executive Secretary
Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani has been appointed as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI). Danfulani, who holds degrees in Business Administration and Arts and Management from the University of Hertfordshire, UK, has a robust background in banking, computing, and public administration. He previously worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria and served as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Zamfara State.
“The President believes that the appointees’ wealth of experience and proven track records will bring renewed dedication, progress, and positive outcomes in their respective organisations to meet Nigerians’ expectations,” the statement read in part.
