President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Modupe Adelabu as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Examinations Council (NECO), in a move aimed at strengthening leadership and improving standards within Nigeria’s education assessment system.

The appointment was announced on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said it forms part of broader reforms targeting key institutions in the education sector.

Professor Adelabu, a seasoned academic and expert in educational administration, is a retired lecturer from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where she built a distinguished career in teaching and research.

She previously served as Deputy Governor of Ekiti State between 2013 and 2014, bringing public sector experience to her academic background. Adelabu also chaired the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) from 2018 to 2021, where she contributed to policy reforms and institutional strengthening in technical and vocational education.

Her appointment is expected to enhance NECO’s governance structure and support ongoing efforts to improve the credibility, efficiency, and integrity of national examinations across Nigeria.

Education stakeholders have often emphasised the need for experienced leadership in examination bodies, given their central role in shaping access to higher education and maintaining academic standards nationwide.

With her combined experience in academia and public service, Adelabu is expected to play a key role in advancing NECO’s mandate and supporting reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education system.