President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of chief executive officers for 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’s Development (NEPAD).

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), President Tinubu appointed Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, a visiting professor at the NUC, as the organisation’s Executive Secretary.

The statement noted that Prof. Ribadu, an expert in veterinary reproduction, previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, and Sule Lamido University, Jigawa State.

Additionally, President Tinubu appointed Prof. Salisu Shehu as the Executive Secretary of the NERDC. Prof. Shehu is a distinguished academic in educational and human psychology. He played a key role in establishing the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, and served as the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqamah University, Kano.

The President named 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, democratic governance, and significant public service experience.

Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani was also appointed as the Executive Secretary of the SMDF/PAGMI. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Arts and Management from the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom.

The statement highlighted Danfulani’s extensive experience in banking, computing, and business administration. He previously worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria and served as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Zamfara State.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that the appointees’ expertise and track records would bring a renewed sense of commitment, progress, and positive outcomes to meet Nigerians’ expectations from their respective organisations.