Former Governor of Nasarawa State and newly appointed Chairman of the Governing Board of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has pledged his commitment to revitalizing basic education in Nigeria.
Speaking upon officially assuming duties at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Al-Makura expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the role. He vowed to bring his extensive experience and passion for universal, qualitative education to bear in transforming the country’s basic education system.
The statement, released on Sunday by the Public Relations Officer of UBEC, Mr. David Apeh, quoted Al-Makura as saying:
“I cherish this four-year term appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because I am a trained teacher, with a Grade II Certificate, a National Certificate in Education, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Social Studies).”
Al-Makura highlighted his early years as a teacher during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and his continued advocacy for education throughout his career in the civil service, private sector, and politics.
“As Governor of Nasarawa State, I supported the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and as a senator, I was a member of the UBEC committee. I consider myself a stakeholder in universal and qualitative education at all levels,” he stated.
The new chairman also commended President Tinubu for appointing Hajiya Aisha Garba as UBEC’s Executive Secretary. He recalled first meeting her during his governorship, when she was working with the World Bank on a project in Nasarawa State.
“I commend her efforts since assuming office in January, but she needs all the necessary support to succeed in achieving the Commission’s mandate,” he added.
In her remarks, Executive Secretary Hajiya Aisha Garba expressed confidence in Al-Makura’s leadership, describing him as a mentor and seasoned educationist.
“I am happy to have my mentor and an educationist as chairman. I was with the World Bank when he was Governor. When I was appointed, President Tinubu directed me to go and fix UBEC. I am thankful to the President for appointing an experienced education stakeholder as Chairman,” she said.
“The Chairman and I have pledged to leave a lasting legacy long after we leave the Commission.”
Al-Makura was recently inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa.