Al-Makura pledges commitment to revamp basic education as UBEC board chairman
Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, the former governor of Nasarawa state and newly appointed chairman of the governing Board of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has pledged to support efforts to transform basic education in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Sunday by David Apeh, the UBEC spokesperson, Al-Makura spoke when he officially assumed duty at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
He expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing him as UBEC chairman, promising to leverage his extensive experience as an advocate of universal and qualitative education to reposition the sector.
Recently inaugurated by Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, Al-Makura vowed to leave a lasting legacy at the end of his tenure.
“I cherish this four-year appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because I am a trained teacher with a Grade II certificate, National Certificate of Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Studies,” he said.
“During my NYSC, I chose to teach before venturing into civil service, private business, and politics. As governor of Nasarawa State, I supported the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
“While in the Senate, I was a member of the UBEC committee. So, I see myself as a stakeholder in universal and qualitative education at various levels.”
Al-Makura also commended President Tinubu for appointing Aisha Garba as the executive secretary of UBEC.
He recalled first meeting her during his time as governor when she was working on a World Bank project in Nasarawa state.
Acknowledging her efforts since assuming office in January this year, Al-Makura noted that the executive secretary requires continued support to fulfil UBEC’s mandate.
“I commend her efforts, but she needs support to continue to succeed in developing basic education in particular, and further education in general,” he added.
In her remarks, Garba, described Al-Makura as a mentor and welcomed his appointment.
“I am happy to have my mentor and an educationist as chairman. When I was appointed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed me to fix UBEC, and I am thankful to the President for appointing an experienced stakeholder in education as chairman,” she said.
“The chairman and I have pledged to leave a lasting legacy long after we leave the commission.”
Al-Makura was accompanied by a delegation that included the former Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa state University, Mohammed Akaro Mainoma, Tanimu Sarki Mohammed, Alhaji Adamu Umar, Dominic Alancha, Jibril Suleman, and Nasir Tanko, among others.
They were received by UBEC officials including Juwon Akinyemi, Tunde Ajibulu, Engr Said Saad, Ibrahim Duro Gold, Adamu Misau, Debbie Dibal, and Paul Agi.
