By Christopher Sunday
Abuja – Former Governor of Nasarawa State and newly appointed Chairman of the Governing Board of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Senator Tanko Umaru Al-Makura, on Tuesday received Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah at his Abuja residence during a courtesy visit.
Hon. Ogah, a youth advocate and political mobilizer from Kogi State, congratulated Senator Al-Makura on his new national assignment, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of his legacy of inclusive governance and developmental strides in Nasarawa State.
The appointment was announced by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the official launch of the AFD-supported ICT Development Project in 10 selected Nigerian universities. Senator Al-Makura will now oversee the UBEC Governing Board, a key agency responsible for driving basic education reform and infrastructure across the country.
During the visit, Hon. Ogah praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a tested and trusted statesman from the North Central region to lead such a strategic agency. He noted that Al-Makura’s vast experience in governance, coupled with his passion for youth empowerment and education, would add great value to UBEC’s mission.
“Senator Al-Makura is a bridge-builder whose leadership continues to inspire the youth. His tenure as governor brought meaningful progress to Nasarawa State, especially in the areas of education, infrastructure, and institutional reform. His appointment is not only strategic but also a national asset,” Ogah stated.
In his response, Senator Al-Makura thanked Hon. Ogah for the visit and goodwill message. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that UBEC continues to serve as a vehicle for educational equity, quality, and access, particularly in underserved communities across the federation.
“Basic education is the foundation of every great nation. We will work with state governments, local authorities, and development partners to ensure UBEC meets its mandate and transforms the learning environment for our children,” Al-Makura assured.
The visit ended with a renewed call for national unity, youth inclusion in leadership, and continued investment in public education as a catalyst for national development.
