President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of new chief executive officers for the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

In a statement released on Friday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed the appointments, highlighting the president’s confidence in the appointees’ capabilities.

Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu has been appointed as the Executive Secretary of the NUC. Ribadu, a visiting professor at the commission, is a specialist in veterinary reproduction and a former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, and Sule Lamido University, Jigawa State.

Salisu Shehu, an academic expert in educational and human psychology, was named the Executive Secretary of the NERDC. Shehu played a key role in establishing the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, and previously served as the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqamah University, Kano.

The president also appointed Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri as the National Coordinator of NEPAD. Tsauri holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University. He is a seasoned administrator with expertise in legislative and global affairs, as well as democratic governance.

Additionally, President Tinubu approved the reappointment of Fatima Umaru Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI). Shinkafi, first appointed under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is credited with driving significant reforms in the solid minerals sector.

The statement also clarified the cancellation of an earlier announcement regarding the appointment of Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani to the SMDF/PAGMI role, as the position was not vacant.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that the appointees’ expertise and track records would bring renewed commitment and progress to their respective organisations, aligning with Nigerians’ expectations for improved service delivery.