Tinubu Appoints New Heads for NECO, NBTE, Others in Education Sector Shake-Up

President Bola Tinubu has approved a fresh round of appointments across key education institutions, including the National Examinations Council (NECO), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Federal Polytechnic, N’yak-Shendam in Plateau State, and the National Library of Nigeria.

At NECO, Professor Modupe Adeola Adelabu has been appointed Chairman of the Governing Board, while Professor Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi will continue in his role as Registrar.

In the polytechnic sector, Engr. Dr. Bongfa Binfa has been named Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, N’yak-Shendam, succeeding the pioneer Rector, Dr. Mukaila Zakari Ya’u, whose tenure ended on March 16, 2026. His appointment is for a single five-year term and followed a competitive selection process initiated through a public advertisement in September 2025.

Dr. Binfa holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. He previously served as Deputy Rector (Academic) at the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, and has lectured at the Federal Polytechnic, Idah.

For NBTE, President Tinubu appointed Professor Babatunde Salako as Chairman of the Governing Board. Earlier, on April 10, Professor Idris M. Bugaje was reappointed as Executive Secretary for a second and final five-year term.

Professor Salako is a respected researcher with extensive experience in higher education and policy leadership. He served as Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) from 2016 to 2024, where he led significant improvements in research governance, infrastructure, and international partnerships.

Meanwhile, Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi has been granted a renewal of her tenure as Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria for a final five-year term. First appointed on September 2, 2021, she has overseen major reforms aimed at transforming the library into a modern, technology-driven knowledge hub.

Her achievements include the development of the National Repository of Nigeria, the Newspaper and Magazine Locator, the Index and Abstract to Nigerian Newspapers, and the National Virtual Library of Nigeria. She has also pushed forward efforts to complete the National Library Headquarters in Abuja and initiated plans to relocate heritage collections from 34 state branches to the new facility.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that the renewed appointments will ensure continuity in ongoing reforms, support the completion of key projects, and drive the successful implementation of the National Library’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.