In a significant shake-up within Nigeria’s education sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Idris Olorunnimbe from his position as Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). In his place, the President has appointed former Nasarawa State governor, Senator Tanko Umaru Al-Makura.
The announcement was made on Wednesday through a statement from the Presidency, marking a major shift in leadership at the agency responsible for driving basic education policies across the country. No official reason was immediately provided for Olorunnimbe’s removal.
A Strategic Appointment
Tanko Al-Makura, who served as governor of Nasarawa State from 2011 to 2019, is known for his political experience and developmental initiatives during his tenure. His appointment is widely seen as a move by President Tinubu to bring seasoned political leadership to UBEC as part of broader reforms aimed at improving basic education in Nigeria.
Al-Makura has also served as a senator representing Nasarawa South and remains an influential figure within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His new role at UBEC places him at the heart of one of Nigeria’s most critical sectors—education—tasked with ensuring quality and access to basic education across the country.
Implications for Education Reform
UBEC plays a vital role in the implementation of the federal government’s universal basic education policy, including funding, curriculum development, and infrastructural support for primary and junior secondary schools. Al-Makura’s appointment may signal a renewed focus on accountability, strategic investment, and infrastructural upgrades in the basic education sector.
Observers note that Nigeria faces numerous challenges in the education space, including inadequate school facilities, out-of-school children, teacher shortages, and poor learning outcomes. The change in leadership may be part of President Tinubu’s broader agenda to tackle these issues and align education with national development goals.
What Comes Next
As the incoming chairman, Al-Makura is expected to hit the ground running, working with stakeholders across federal and state levels to improve access, equity, and quality in basic education. Analysts will be watching closely to see how the former governor’s political acumen and governance experience translate into educational reform.
The removal of Idris Olorunnimbe and the appointment of Al-Makura reflect the Tinubu administration’s ongoing effort to re-evaluate key appointments and ensure alignment with its Renewed Hope agenda, particularly in sectors vital to Nigeria’s future.
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