President Tinubu Appoints New NABTEB Registrar, UBEC Board Chairman, and Deputy Executive Secretaries
In a move aimed at further strengthening Nigeria’s education sector and vocational training institutions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made several key appointments, including the new Registrar of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Board, and two Deputy Executive Secretaries of UBEC. These appointments are intended to advance the educational and vocational objectives of Nigeria’s youth empowerment and skills development, which are key pillars of President Tinubu‘s vision for national growth and prosperity.
President Tinubu has appointed Dr. Mohammed Mohammed Aminu as the new Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB). The appointment of Dr. Aminu reflects the president’s commitment to strengthening the institutions responsible for the education and certification of skilled workers, especially in the technical and vocational sectors, which are crucial for Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.
Dr. Aminu is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in education, administration, research, and policy development. He holds a Ph.D. in Automobile Technology and a Masters in Procurement and Supply Chain Management. His qualifications are complemented by over 28 years of experience in various facets of academia and administration, positioning him as a fitting leader for NABTEB, an agency responsible for assessing and certifying the technical and vocational skills of Nigerian youth.
Before his appointment as Registrar, Dr. Aminu served as the Director of Procurement at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). His extensive experience in the public sector, especially in science, technology, and engineering, will be crucial in further enhancing the capacity of NABTEB to deliver on its mission of certifying highly skilled individuals in Nigeria.
Dr. Aminu’s appointment is significant in a time when vocational education and skills development are gaining increasing importance in Nigeria’s educational landscape. He has been a passionate advocate for these areas throughout his career, authoring several publications and presenting research on youth empowerment, innovative pedagogies, and poverty alleviation. His work has earned him recognition in academic and professional circles, and his commitment to driving change through education and skills development aligns with President Tinubu’s focus on human capital development.
In his new role, Dr. Aminu is expected to leverage his extensive experience to lead NABTEB through a phase of transformational leadership. His priorities will likely include improving the assessment and certification processes for skilled personnel, ensuring that Nigeria has a steady supply of highly skilled workers to meet the needs of its expanding industries. His leadership will be critical in advancing vocational education and ensuring that Nigeria’s workforce is equipped to compete on a global scale.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, has urged Dr. Aminu to use his vast experience to bring about transformational change within NABTEB, ensuring that the agency continues to produce and certify skilled human resources that are essential for Nigeria’s industrial growth and development. The president’s confidence in Dr. Aminu’s ability to lead NABTEB at this critical juncture underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering skills-based education and a workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s economic future.
In another important appointment, President Tinubu has named Mr. Idris Olorunnimbe as the Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Board. This appointment reflects the president’s focus on improving the quality of basic education across Nigeria and his desire to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education from the very beginning of their academic journey.
Mr. Olorunnimbe brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in leadership and innovation. As the Group CEO of The Temple Company, a position he has held since founding the organization in 2016, Olorunnimbe has been at the forefront of transformative initiatives across several sectors, including education, entertainment, and sports. His leadership in these industries demonstrates his commitment to creating meaningful change and his ability to drive impactful reforms in Nigeria’s education sector.
Before his appointment as Chairman of UBEC, Olorunnimbe served on the Board of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), where he chaired the Stakeholder and Governance Committees. His tenure at LSETF was marked by impactful youth employment and entrepreneurship programs, and his work helped thousands of young Nigerians access opportunities for skills development and job creation.
At UBEC, Mr. Olorunnimbe’s role will be to oversee the implementation of key policies aimed at strengthening the primary and secondary education systems across Nigeria. His leadership will be vital in ensuring that the foundational stages of education are not only accessible but also of the highest quality, in line with the educational aspirations of President Tinubu’s administration. The importance of UBEC in shaping the future of education in Nigeria cannot be overstated, and Mr. Olorunnimbe’s expertise and experience will be essential in ensuring the Commission fulfills its mandate.
In line with his focus on ensuring the success of his educational reform agenda, President Tinubu has also appointed two new Deputy Executive Secretaries at UBEC. The appointees are Rasaq Olajuwon and Tunde Ajibulu, who will serve as Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical) and Deputy Executive Secretary (Services), respectively.
Mr. Rasaq Olajuwon, who hails from the South West, was appointed as Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical). Prior to his appointment, Mr. Olajuwon held the position of Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA). His expertise in administration and human resources management, particularly in infrastructure development, will be crucial in the implementation of technical programs within UBEC. Olajuwon’s role will focus on driving technical reforms in the educational sector, especially in terms of developing a workforce capable of meeting the demands of the 21st-century economy.
Mr. Tunde Ajibulu, appointed as Deputy Executive Secretary (Services), comes from the North Central region of Nigeria. He brings to the role a wealth of experience in both policy development and strategic management. Ajibulu is a Fellow of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and has served as a Director at Tangent Construction Nigeria Limited, as well as a Partner at Covenant Consultancy Services. His deep understanding of strategic planning, project implementation, and public service will be crucial in ensuring the smooth delivery of educational services across Nigeria. Ajibulu’s role will focus on enhancing the service delivery mechanisms at UBEC, ensuring that the Commission’s programs reach the grassroots and positively impact the lives of millions of Nigerian children.
Together, these new appointments reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to educational reform and the development of Nigeria’s human capital. The leadership of UBEC, under the guidance of Mr. Olorunnimbe and supported by the technical expertise of Mr. Olajuwon and the service-oriented approach of Mr. Ajibulu, will be tasked with driving initiatives that aim to improve the overall quality of basic education across the country. These efforts will be essential in fulfilling the Tinubu administration’s vision of ensuring greater access to quality education and empowering the youth to become active contributors to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
President Tinubu’s commitment to educational reforms is further evidenced by his previous appointment of Aisha Garba as the Executive Secretary of UBEC in December 2024. Aisha Garba, from the North West, brings a wealth of experience to the role, and her leadership will be crucial in the day-to-day functioning of UBEC. Garba’s appointment strengthens the administration’s focus on making quality basic education accessible to all Nigerian children, with a particular emphasis on inclusivity and equal access to educational opportunities across the country.
The recent appointments made by President Bola Tinubu underscore his administration’s unwavering commitment to educational reform and human capital development. By appointing experienced leaders to key positions within the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), President Tinubu is ensuring that Nigeria’s education sector is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
With Dr. Mohammed Mohammed Aminu at the helm of NABTEB, Mr. Idris Olorunnimbe as Chairman of UBEC, and the appointment of highly qualified Deputy Executive Secretaries in UBEC, the Tinubu administration is positioning Nigeria for long-term growth in the areas of vocational education, skills development, and basic education. These leaders bring with them a wealth of experience, innovative thinking, and a shared commitment to youth empowerment, educational excellence, and national development. Their work will be integral to the success of President Tinubu’s broader vision for Nigeria’s future.
The new leadership at NABTEB and UBEC promises a new era for education in Nigeria—one that focuses on improving the quality of education, increasing access, and empowering the nation’s youth to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy. Through these appointments, the Tinubu administration is laying the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future for all Nigerians.
