President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made a key appointment in the education sector. The President has appointed former Head of Service of Yobe State, Alhaji Garba Bilal, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI), Ogun State.
Details of the appointment were contained in a letter dated February 9, 2026, from the Federal Ministry of Education. The letter was reportedly signed by officials of the ministry, although the name of the signatory was not disclosed.
The appointment of Alhaji Garba Bilal to the position is expected to impact the governance of FUTI, with the Pro-Chancellor playing a crucial role in shaping the institution's policies and direction.
President Tinubu's appointment of Alhaji Garba Bilal as FUTI's Pro-Chancellor raises questions about the President's priorities for Nigeria's education sector. The former Yobe State Head of Service has no known background in education, sparking concerns about his ability to effectively lead the university's governing council. As Nigerians continue to grapple with the country's poor educational outcomes, it is imperative that the President's appointments are guided by a clear vision for improving the sector. The appointment of Bilal, a technocrat with a background in administration, may not be the best fit for a role that requires deep expertise in education. The President must ensure that his appointments are informed by a commitment to improving the quality of education in Nigeria.
