Al-Makura pledges UBEC’s commitment to revamping basic education
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, former Governor of Nasarawa State and the newly appointed chairman of the governing board of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has pledged unwavering support for the revitalisation of basic education in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by Mr. David Apeh, the Public Relations and Protocol Officer of UBEC, Senator Al-Makura expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, describing the appointment as a call to national service.
Speaking at the UBEC Headquarters in Abuja during his official assumption of office, Senator Al-Makura affirmed his resolve to bring transformative leadership to the commission.
“I cherish this four-year appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated. “As a trained teacher with a Grade II certificate, a Nigeria Certificate in Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education (Social Studies), I am deeply committed to advancing the cause of universal and qualitative education in Nigeria.”
Recounting his education-focused journey, Al-Makura noted that he chose to teach during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year before moving into civil service, private enterprise, and later politics.
“As Governor of Nasarawa State, I supported the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and during my time in the Senate, I served as a member of the UBEC committee. I am a stakeholder in education across multiple levels.”
The new UBEC chairman also praised the appointment of Hajiya Aisha Garba as executive secretary of the commission. He recalled first meeting her during his tenure as governor, while she worked with the World Bank on a project in Nasarawa State. Commending her leadership since taking office in January, Al-Makura emphasised the need to support her in the actualisation of UBEC’s mandate. “She has made commendable efforts, but she needs the full backing of all stakeholders to continue driving progress in basic and further education.”
In her remarks, Hajiya Aisha Garba welcomed Senator Al-Makura’s appointment, describing him as a mentor and seasoned educationist. “I am delighted to have a mentor and committed education advocate as chairman,” she said. “When I was appointed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instructed me to go and fix UBEC. I am thankful that he has now added an experienced hand to lead the Board. Together, the Chairman and I have pledged to leave a lasting legacy long after we leave the Commission.”Senator Al-Makura was inaugurated by minister of education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, following his recent appointment by the president. Senator Al-Makura’s entourage included:
Prof. Mohammed Akaro Mainoma, former Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University;Tanimu Sarki Mohammed; Alhaji Adamu Umar; Dominic Alancha, Jibril Suleman and Nasir Tanko.
The host team from UBEC comprised: Juwon Akinyemi;Tunde Ajibulu,Engr. Said Saad,Ibrahim Duro Gold,Adamu Misau, Debbie Dibal and Paul Agi.