President Tinubu appoints Ilorin-born educationist into NASS Commission

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Alhaji Salihu Umar Agboola-Balogun, a retired principal and former secretary of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS) in Kwara state, as a member of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC).

Mr. Balogun, an Ilorin-born educationist and a prince from Gambari royal dynasty, was among the 12 members appointed to the commission by the President.

The appointments, which include representatives from all six geopolitical zones, were announced on Tuesday in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

According to the statement, Dr. Saviour Enyiekere was appointed as the Chairman of the commission for a renewable five-year term. Enyiekere, an environmental specialist, previously served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President.

The National Assembly Service Commission, established over two decades ago, has predominantly featured Commissioners from North Central states such as Nasarawa, Kogi, Plateau, Niger, and Abuja.

Despite 8th Senate President Sen. Saraki’s nomination of a representative from Ilorin, the appointment was not approved due to political rifts between him and the President.

Mr. Salihu Umar Agboola Balogun, the close ally of Senator Saliu Mustapha has become the first individual to represent the entire North Central region as a Commissioner at the National Assembly Service Commission. This position is equivalent to that of a State Minister.

Until his appointment, Mr Agboola a renewed educationalist and ally to the Senator Representing Kwara Central Senatorial District Senator Saliu Mustapha.

Full list of appointees

The 12 newly appointed members of the commission include:

North-West: Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi, Hon. Yusuf A. Yusuf Tabuka

North-East: Aminu Ibrahim Malle, Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud

North-Central: Mark Hanmation Tersoo, Salihu Umar Agboola Balogun

South-West: Hon. Taiwo Olukemi Oluga, Hon. Afeez Ipeza-Balogun

South-East: Hon. Dr. Nnanna Uzor Kalu, Festus Ifesinachi Odii

South-South: Patrick A. Giwa, Mrs. Mary Ekpenyong

Balogun-Gambari was at different times Principal of Community Secondary School, Ogbondoroko, Asa LGA Kwara State; Banni Community Secondary School and Government Day Secondary School, Karuma, Ilorin, Kwara State.

The National Assembly Service Commission is responsible for the recruitment, promotion, and welfare of staff in the National Assembly.

Like the chairman, all members will serve a renewable term of five years.