President Bola Tinubu has formally constituted the boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund, the Bank of Agriculture, and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), underscoring his administration’s focus on strengthening Nigeria’s education and agricultural sectors.
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who was appointed in July, continues as the chairman of the UBEC Board. Representing the country’s six geo-political zones, the new UBEC board members include Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem (South East), Gift Ngo (South South), Mrs Ibiwunmi Akinnola (South West), Dr Meiro Mandara (North East), Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa (North West), and Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro (North Central).
The chairman and members of the board will serve an initial four-year term.
On the Bank of Agriculture, President Tinubu confirmed the earlier appointments of Muhammad Babangida as chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as managing director.
Three executive directors and five non-executive directors were also named to represent all six geo-political zones.
“The appointment of these competent individuals reflects our commitment to ensuring that the Bank of Agriculture continues to provide accessible financial support to farmers and agribusinesses across Nigeria,” the President said in a statement.
The executive directors are Fatima Garba (Corporate Services, Sokoto), Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Risk Management and Strategy, Borno), and Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami (Operations, Kwara).
The non-executive directors include Aminu Malami Mohammed (North East), Charles Amuchienwa (South East), Oladejo Odunuga (South West), Rabiu Idris Funtua (North West), and Kochi Donald Iorgyer (North Central).
Regarding the National Agricultural Development Fund, President Tinubu had previously appointed Muhammad Abu Ibrahim as executive secretary and CEO to lead the agency.
The newly constituted board is expected to provide strategic guidance to ensure the Fund meets its objective of improving farmers’ access to affordable capital.
Mallam Bello Maccido, the pioneer chairman of FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, will serve as board chairman. Other members include Dr Nelson Henry Essien (South-South, Akwa Ibom), Amina Ahmed Habib (North-West, Jigawa), Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola (South West, Ondo State), Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman (North East, Borno), Lufer Samson Orkar (North Central, Benue), and Felix Achibiri (South East, Imo).
Commenting on the appointments, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said, “These board members bring a wealth of experience and diverse expertise that will be crucial in driving growth and efficiency in Nigeria’s education and agricultural sectors.”
