Tinubu appoints ex-Nasarawa Governor, Al-Makura, as UBEC Chairman

President Bola Tinubu has removed Idris Olorunnimbe from his position as Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), just months after his appointment, and replaced him with former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Tanko Umaru Al-Makura.

The change in leadership was officially confirmed on Tuesday during the inauguration of the new UBEC board in Abuja, which was presided over by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

Olorunnimbe, appointed in March 2025, was quietly relieved of his duties without any official explanation from either the presidency or the Ministry of Education. In his place, Senator Al-Makura, a veteran politician and former governor who also served as Senator for Nasarawa South from 2019 to 2023, steps in.

Beyond his political background, Al-Makura is also known for his business ventures in agriculture, real estate, hospitality, and heavy-duty machinery.

As the new UBEC chairman, he is expected to drive critical reforms within the commission and improve collaborations aimed at enhancing access to quality basic education for children across Nigeria.