Tinubu Makes key Appointments in Education, Devp’t Agencies

President Bola Tinubu has announced leadership changes in three key educational and development agencies likely to placate sectional interests. He has named new heads for the National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), and New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD).  Additionally, Fatima Umaru Shinkafi’s role as Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) has been renewed. Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, an expert in veterinary reproduction, will now lead the NUC. PLEASE READ: ASUU to FG: Scrapping Education Tax Will Ruin Tetfund, Public Universities Ribadu previously held leadership positions as vice-chancellor at two Nigerian universities.  Meanwhile, Prof. Salisu Shehu, known for his work in educational psychology, has been appointed to oversee the NERDC.  His background includes founding the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, and serving as vice-chancellor at Al-Istiqamah University. NEPAD’s new National Coordinator is Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri, a specialist in international diplomacy and public administration.  His extensive experience in governance and legislative matters is expected to enhance the agency’s performance. In the mining sector, Shinkafi’s reappointment to the SMDF solidifies her role in advancing initiatives like the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative. A previous announcement of Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani’s appointment to SMDF was withdrawn, citing no vacancy in the role. These appointments are seen as part of Tinubu’s efforts to position experienced professionals in key roles to drive the nation’s development.

Germany to boost Africa infrastructure with €10m

The African Development Bank (AfDB) said the German Government will provide 10 million Euros, to replenish the  New Partnership for Africa’s Development Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF) Special Fund. The support will be done through the KfW. NEPAD-IPPF is a multi-donor Special Fund, hosted by AfDB with a leading project preparation facility in Africa that plays a catalytic role in providing technical and financial assistance for the preparation of regional infrastructure projects and programs. Its mandate is to spur sustainable infrastructure development on the African continent through the preparation of bankable, investment-ready projects. According to the Bank, the fund will help boost the development in the African continent. The fund would be provided by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The agreement was signed in Berlin by Helmut Gauges, Head of Financial Cooperation in Sub-Saharan Africa on behalf of KfW, and AfDB Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Hassatou N’Sele. According to the statement, Germany’s support will bolster NEPAD-IPPF’s efforts towards priority areas such as green and climate-smart infrastructure. It said it would ensure stronger focus on the second Priority Action Plan of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa for the period 2021-2030 (PIDA-PAP 2). It said it would also support Africa’s transformation under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by boosting intra- and extra-African trade. The KfW Director, Christoph Tiskens, said the partnership would support infrastructure development on the continent. Tiskens said this would focus on areas such as climate change, gender, Agenda 2063, and a stronger focus would be on attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “The KfW, on behalf of the German Government, is a key partner of AfDB and will continue to support facilities that play a key role in economic growth and poverty reduction,”Tiskens said. The AfDB Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, said the support of partners such as Germany would enable AfDB to deliver on its important development mission. N’Sele said this was especially as economies in Africa navigated new challenges in the face of overlapping global crises. “With the replenishment of NEPAD-IPPF Special Fund, we are determined to further support our clients. “While helping them realise their economic potential through increased infrastructure investments, contributing to green growth, inclusion, and job creation,” she said.