Former Nasarawa governor Tanko Al-Makura replaces Idris Olorunnimbe as UBEC chairman

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Tanko Umaru Al-Makura, a former governor of Nasarawa, as board chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, oversaw the inauguration on Tuesday during the launch of a university ICT development project in Abuja.

Tanko Umaru Al-Makura is an entrepreneur and politician.

He served two terms as the governor of Nasarawa from 2011 to 2019 under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

Al-Makura was notably the only CPC governor elected nationwide in 2011.

Following his governorship, he represented the Nasarawa South senatorial district in the national assembly from 2019 to 2023.

Al-Makura has a background in agricultural & industrial machinery, real estate, and hospitality.

As the board chairman, he is expected to provide strategic oversight and policy direction for the Universal Basic Education programme.

His duties will involve working with the executive management to formulate guidelines for the successful operation of the UBE scheme.

This includes advising the government on funding and development, collaborating with states and local governments, and prescribing minimum standards for basic education.

Al-Makura is succeeding Idris Olorunnimbe, who was appointed as the board chairman of UBEC in March 2025.