President Bola Tinubu has announced new appointments for the leadership of 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 by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu appointed Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, a visiting professor at the NUC, as the Executive Secretary of the commission. Ribadu, an expert in veterinary reproduction, previously served as Vice-Chancellor at both the Federal University of Technology, Yola, and Sule Lamido University, Jigawa State.

For the NERDC, Salisu Shehu was named Executive Secretary. Shehu, an academic authority in educational and human psychology, was pivotal in establishing the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, and served as Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqamah University, Kano.

Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri was appointed National Coordinator of NEPAD. Tsauri holds a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University and has extensive experience in legislative and global affairs, as well as democratic governance.

Additionally, Tinubu renewed the appointment of Fatima Umaru Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI). Shinkafi, first appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, has been instrumental in advancing reforms in the solid minerals sector.

Onanuga clarified that the earlier announcement of Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani as Executive Secretary of SMDF/PAGMI has been rescinded, as there is no vacancy in the agency.

The president expressed confidence in the appointees’ expertise and commitment to driving progress and meeting Nigerians’ expectations within their respective organizations.