By Abigail Philip David
President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of new Chief Executive Officers for several key establishments in Nigeria, including the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI), and the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD).
The appointments were disclosed in a statement released on Friday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, titled ‘President Tinubu Announces Key Appointments into NUC, NERDC, NEPAD, and SMDF.’
New Appointees
1. Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu
Appointed as the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Ribadu is an expert in veterinary reproduction and a visiting professor at the NUC. He has previously served as Vice-Chancellor at both the Federal University of Technology, Yola, and Sule Lamido University, Jigawa State.
2. Prof. Salisu Shehu
Named as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Shehu is a distinguished academic in educational and human psychology. He was instrumental in establishing the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, and served as the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqamah University, Kano.
3. Jabiru Abdullahi Tsauri
Appointed as the National Coordinator of NEPAD, Tsauri holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University. He is an experienced administrator with expertise in legislative affairs, global governance, and democratic processes.
4. Yazid Danfulani
Appointed as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI), Danfulani holds degrees in Business Administration and Management from the University of Hertfordshire, UK. His experience spans banking, computing, and public administration, with previous roles at the Central Bank of Nigeria and as Zamfara State’s Commissioner for Commerce and Industry.
Presidential Confidence
President Tinubu expressed confidence in the appointees, noting that their expertise and proven track records would bring “a new sense of commitment, progress, and positive outcomes” to their respective agencies, aligning with the expectations of Nigerians.
