Masari Honoured at UNIPORT’s 35th Convocation, Urges Varsity-Govt Synergy

Masari, Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees and former Governor of Katsina State.

At its 35th Convocation and 50th anniversary, the University of Port Harcourt confers an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Science in Public Administration on Rt Hon Aminu Bello Masari, applauding his legacy in governance, public service, and education reform.

Masari, Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees and former Governor of Katsina State, receives the accolade amid a gathering of dignitaries, scholars, and students at the institution’s milestone event, according to a statement signed by the  Director, Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi.

In a convocation lecture titled “The Role of Universities in Nation-Building,” Masari challenges Nigerian universities to evolve into engines of innovation, research, and national progress. “Universities must rise beyond theory to influence real-world governance and economic growth,” he says.

He advocates stronger alliances between academia, government, and the private sector, noting that “the quality of a nation’s graduates determines its developmental trajectory.”

The University of Port Harcourt lauds Masari for transforming TETFund into a catalyst for academic excellence. The Vice-Chancellor highlights the honoree’s “visionary leadership that has elevated standards in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.”

Masari’s tenure as governor and strategic role in TETFund have been credited with expanding infrastructure, increasing research grants, and enhancing institutional performance across higher institutions in Nigeria.

The event not only honors past achievements but sets a tone for the future. As the university marks half a century of impact, Masari’s charge to academia signals a renewed urgency for universities to lead societal transformation.

“This honor is not just mine,” Masari concludes, “It’s a reminder that education remains the bedrock of any meaningful national development.”

Gom Mirian  – Report

Al-Makura Vows Overhaul of Basic Education, Backs UBEC Reforms

New UBEC Chairman, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has pledged a sweeping transformation of Nigeria’s basic education system, affirming his commitment to delivering results during his four-year term.

Speaking at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) headquarters in Abuja, Al-Makura said his appointment by President Bola Tinubu signals a new era for foundational learning in the country. “I cherish this appointment because I am not just a politician—I am a trained teacher,” he said. “This is a return to my roots.”

Al-Makura, a former governor of Nasarawa State and ex-senator, brings a portfolio steeped in education. With qualifications including a Grade II certificate, NCE, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, he highlighted his early career as a teacher during his National Youth Service. “From my days in the classroom to the Senate UBEC committee, I have always been a stakeholder in qualitative education,” he added.

He pledged to collaborate closely with UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Hajiya Aisha Garba, describing her as “a determined reformer.” The two previously worked together when Garba led a World Bank education project in Nasarawa.

“She’s doing a commendable job already,” Al-Makura said. “But she needs total support to actualise UBEC’s mandate.”

Garba welcomed the Chairman’s arrival, describing him as a mentor and educationist. “President Tinubu told me to go and fix UBEC. With Senator Al-Makura as Chairman, I believe we will leave a lasting legacy,” she said.

The new leadership comes amid increasing calls for urgent reform in Nigeria’s basic education sector, which faces challenges including poor infrastructure, teacher shortages, and funding gaps.

Observers hope the Al-Makura-Garba partnership will inject needed momentum into UBEC’s operations.

Gom Mirian-Report