Prof Salisu Shehu

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Salisu Shehu, has renewed calls for a stronger embrace of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the country’s education system.

Prof. Shehu made the appeal during the AI in-Practice Forum held in Lagos on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025.

He thanked the organizers and participants, saying the gathering showed a shared national resolve to upgrade teaching and learning through new technological tools.

He explained that NERDC has made notable progress in introducing AI-related skills and concepts into the updated Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum.

He restated the Council’s commitment to expanding innovation driven by AI within the school system.

According to him, the revised curriculum now features vital digital knowledge areas such as coding, programming, artificial intelligence and robotics, among others.

He said these additions are aimed at preparing young Nigerians for opportunities in a fast-changing digital era.

Prof. Shehu also commended the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for its steady partnership with NERDC in producing the Digital Literacy Curriculum for Basic Education.

He praised NITDA for helping shape the country’s digital learning framework and stressed the need to strengthen this cooperation.

He appealed to NITDA to widen its collaboration with NERDC, especially as the Digital Literacy Curriculum and the Digital Technologies Curriculum move into the implementation phase.

He pointed out that developing a curriculum is a major step, but effective delivery calls for continuous teamwork, capacity enhancement, infrastructure and coordinated support at national level.

The Executive Secretary attended the forum with his Special Assistant (Technical), Dr. Garba Gandu, and the Head of the Policy and Programmes Unit, Dr. Oladiran Famade. Both officials were acknowledged for playing key roles in NERDC’s digital advancement efforts.

The AI in-Practice Forum brought together specialists, government representatives, educators and technology stakeholders.

The event focused on practical measures for expanding AI use in Nigerian schools and added to ongoing efforts to prepare learners for the demands of the future.

By Aisar Fagge

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has called for collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to enhance and streamline educational research efforts in Nigeria.

Speaking during a visit to the NUC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, NERDC Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, stated that the visit was both a solidarity gesture and an opportunity to explore potential areas of cooperation.

He stated that through collaboration, both organizations could contribute to national development, particularly in research.

Prof. Shehu noted that NERDC’s responsibilities extend beyond coordinating educational research programs in Nigeria.

He noted that the Council also aims to “identify educational problems in Nigeria in which research is needed and then, establish the order of priority therefrom.”

He further stressed the benefits of NERDC’s role as a repository of groundbreaking research in education, adding that such research should influence public policy.

According to him, “by our mandate, NERDC is supposed to serve as a repository of groundbreaking research in education. Such researches are supposed to inform public policies in the education sector through NERDC as the think tank of the Nigeria education. But this mandate has not been fully activated and critical findings from the faculties of education in our ivory towers are not reckoned with in the process of policy formulation in the education sector.

“I believe that, through an effective collaboration, we can harness the efforts of universities in educational research to improve our educational system. NERDC would want to see how we can work with your Commission to get this operational.”

Prof. Shehu also pointed out that NERDC is the only agency under the Federal Ministry of Education with a mandate that spans all levels of the education sector.

He identified curriculum development as another key area for collaboration and advocated for a platform where NERDC could regularly engage with deans of faculties of education and curriculum planners.

He explained that such engagements would better prepare future teachers by exposing them to curriculum frameworks, structures, philosophies, and implementation strategies.

Lamenting the shortage of qualified teachers for some trade areas, he stated that “in-spite of the implementation of the curriculum which began in 2011, we are still faced with the challenge of lack of qualified teachers in some of the trade areas; that we need the universities to fill this gap for the good of the nation. He added that the Council engages Professors as significant resource persons in our curriculum development, and hence, NUC can plan very strategic roles in this regard.”

Furthermore, he disclosed that the NERDC had developed the National Language Policy to preserve and promote Nigerian languages for economic growth and national development.

He also reiterated the need for collaboration between NERDC and NUC to ensure the effective implementation of the policy’s provisions.

In response, NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, acknowledged that it would be beneficial between both organizations, particularly in research for national development.

According to Prof. Ribadu, “NUC, NERDC, TETFUND and NRF need to collaborate in the areas of research, share resources, harness ideas together for efficiency in research delivery in order to avoid duplicity of works and waste of scarce resources.”

He also praised NERDC’s contributions to language development and the preservation of indigenous Nigerian languages, noting that such efforts had helped prevent some languages from going extinct.

Prof. Ribadu assured NERDC of NUC’s readiness to collaborate, stating that he had taken note of the concerns raised and that the commission was committed to supporting the Council in the necessary areas of partnership.

The meeting was attended by senior management officials from both NERDC and NUC.

By Ado Sunusi Sabongida

The recent appointment of Prof. Salisu Shehu as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sparked a wave of excitement across the education sector. This significant development underscores Prof. Shehu’s unwavering dedication and substantial contributions to the advancement of education in Nigeria.

A Track Record of Excellence

Prof. Shehu’s impressive credentials speak volumes about his capabilities and commitment to educational reform. His previous role as Special Adviser on Social Reorientation Programs during the Isah Yuguda administration in Bauchi State showcased his ability to navigate complex educational landscapes effectively. Furthermore, his leadership as the National Coordinator of the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) Nigeria office and Secretary of the Nigeria Islamic Council under Sultan Abubakar Sa’ad (III) highlight his influence and dedication to promoting educational initiatives.

Visionary Leadership for a Brighter Future

As the pioneer Director of the Center for Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Shehu introduced a range of innovative developments that enhanced the institution’s academic environment. His leadership style is characterized by a strong commitment to mentoring and fostering educational growth.

In his capacity as Vice Chancellor of Al-Istiqama University Sumaila, he has consistently sought to develop both academic and non-academic staff through seminars and symposia aimed at boosting their intellectual capacities.

Moreover, his recent appointment as a Shura Council member by Kano State Governor Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf further attests to his tireless efforts in community development and his dedication to improving educational outcomes.

High Expectations as Prof. Shehu Takes Charge

With Prof. Shehu at the helm of NERDC, we can anticipate a new era marked by innovation and progress within the education sector. His extensive experience, combined with his passion for educational advancement, positions him as an ideal candidate to spearhead meaningful change. “Prof. Shehu will deliver more than expectations in the commission.”

A Bright Future Ahead for Education in Nigeria

The appointment of Prof. Salisu Shehu as Executive Secretary of NERDC is indeed a welcome development for Nigeria’s education sector. With his proven track record and steadfast commitment to educational excellence, Prof. Shehu is well-equipped to leave a lasting impact on the landscape of education in the country. As Nigeria continues its pursuit of educational advancement, Prof. Shehu’s leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for education in Nigeria.

Sabongida writes from Kano State.

By Uzair Adam and Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has announced key appointments to the leadership of several federal agencies, including the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI), and the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD).

The Daily Reality reports that among the appointments, Prof. Salisu Shehu has been named the Executive Secretary of the NERDC.

Prof. Shehu, a distinguished academic in educational and human psychology, is recognized for his instrumental role in establishing the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano.

He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqamah University, Kano.

His extensive experience in education reform and administration is expected to drive innovation and transformation within the NERDC.

President Tinubu also appointed Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu as the Executive Secretary of the NUC.

Prof. Ribadu, an expert in veterinary reproduction, has previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, and Sule Lamido University, Jigawa State.

For the National Coordinator position at NEPAD, the President selected Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri.

Tsauri, who holds a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, is a seasoned administrator with expertise in legislative and global affairs as well as democratic governance.

Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the SMDF/PAGMI.

A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire, UK, Danfulani brings a wealth of experience from his roles in banking, business administration, and public service, including his tenure at the Central Bank of Nigeria and as a Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Zamfara State.

The President expressed confidence in the appointees, highlighting their vast expertise and track record of excellence.

He urged them to bring renewed commitment and deliver results that meet the aspirations of Nigerians in their respective organisations.

By Uzair Adam

The Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Professor Salisu Shehu, has commended The Daily Reality team for their outstanding support toward the university.

Prof. Shehu noted that the online newspaper has offered remarkable support to the institution since its establishment in 2022, with numerous reports about the university featured prominently on its platform.

The Vice-Chancellor spoke during a seminar titled “The Pervasiveness of Sports Betting (Online Gambling) Among Undergraduate Students in Nigerian Universities.”

The event, organized in honour of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria Day, featured The Daily Reality’s editor, Malam Aisar Fagge, as the lead speaker.

“Malam Aisar Fagge is a renowned figure on social media, and most of you see his posts on Facebook. He’s a teacher-journalist. He teaches journalism and practices it. They are the publishers of The Daily Reality [online newspaper]. The media has carried and shared a lot of information about Al-Istiqama University and has publicized us widely. May Allah bless them,” said Prof. Shehu.

In response, Malam Aisar Fagge expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for his dedication to advancing the university.

He said, “I am thrilled by the positive changes I’ve seen in this university. The progress is impressive. The university got the leadership it deserves.”