By Erewunmi Peace

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Senator Tanko Umaru Al-Makura, the former Governor of Nasarawa State, as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

This announcement was made on Monday, July 1, and has since generated commendation from various stakeholders in the education sector, especially given Al-Makura’s vast experience in governance and policy development.

Tanko Al-Makura served as the Governor of Nasarawa State from 2011 to 2019 and later represented Nasarawa South in the Nigerian Senate. His tenure was marked by infrastructural reforms and a strong focus on education and rural development — qualities many believe make him a fitting choice for the UBEC chairmanship.

UBEC, which oversees the implementation of basic education policies and funding across Nigeria, is considered a cornerstone in Nigeria’s drive toward universal access to quality education. Al-Makura is expected to bring strategic leadership to the commission, particularly as the federal government intensifies efforts to address educational disparities across the country.

Political analysts view this appointment as part of President Tinubu’s broader agenda to strengthen critical institutions through experienced leadership.

More details on the full composition of the UBEC board and its upcoming programs are expected to be released by the Federal Ministry of Education in the coming days.