President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially approved the composition of governing boards for three pivotal national institutions: the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). This move, formalized on December 5, 2025, is aimed at strengthening governance and driving policy execution in the agriculture and education sectors.
UBEC Board Gets New Regional Representatives
At the Universal Basic Education Commission, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who was initially appointed in July, will continue to serve as the Chairman of the board. His leadership is now bolstered by a team of new members representing Nigeria's six geo-political zones.
The newly appointed board members for UBEC are Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem (South-East), Gift Ngo (South-South), Mrs. Ibiwunmi Akinnola (South-West), Dr. Meiro Mandara (North-East), Dr. Abdu Imam Saulawa (North-West), and Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro (North-Central). The chairman and all members are set to serve an initial term of four years.
Bank of Agriculture and NADF Boards Formalized
In a parallel development, President Tinubu confirmed the earlier announcements concerning the Bank of Agriculture. Muhammad Babangida has been confirmed as Chairman, with Ayo Sotinrin taking the role of Managing Director.
The BOA board is further composed of three executive directors and five non-executive directors, ensuring national representation. The executive directors are Fatima Garba (Sokoto) for Corporate Services, Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Borno) for Risk Management and Strategy, and Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami (Kwara) for Operations.
The non-executive directors are:
- Aminu Malami Mohammed (North-East)
- Charles Amuchienwa (South-East)
- Oladejo Odunuga (South-West)
- Rabiu Idris Funtua (North-West)
- Kochi Donald Iorgyer (North-Central)
Strengthening Agricultural Financing
Similarly, the President has formalized the board for the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF). Muhammad Abu Ibrahim, who was appointed Executive Secretary and CEO in October 2023, will continue to lead the agency. The NADF was established to enhance farmers' and agripreneurs' access to affordable financing.
In accordance with the Fund's statute, Mallam Bello Maccido, the pioneer chairman of FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited and a financial services veteran of over three decades, was appointed as the Board Chairman, representing the North-West zone.
Other members of the NADF board include:
- Dr. Nelson Henry Essien (Akwa Ibom/South-South) – Financial consultant and banker.
- Amina Ahmed Habib (Jigawa/North-West) – Chartered accountant.
- Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola (Ondo/South-West) – Engineer and entrepreneur.
- Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman (Borno/North-East) – Founder of New Frontier Developments Ltd.
- Lufer Samson Orkar (Benue/North-Central).
- Felix Achibiri (Imo/South-East) – Group Director at Genesis Energy Holdings.
These strategic appointments underscore the administration's focus on placing experienced professionals at the helm of key agencies to drive national development in agriculture and foundational education.
