By Sadiq Yahaya, Gombe

Abbas Adamu Nafaɗa has proven to be a Nigerian technocrat, entrepreneur and politician with vast skills and experiences in the educational, digital, data analysis and processing, transportation and research sectors garnered and exerted through his services in various ministries departments and agencies across states of the federation.

Born on 5th August, 1987 in Nafaɗa Local Government Area of Gombe State,
Abbas Adamu Nafaɗa studied Computer Science at Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, he strengthen his tech skills with a certificate in Business Management at Aberdeen Business School, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom, an Executive Education Course, “Achieving Leadership Excellence” at the London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK where he was trained in ethical and engaging leadership that enhances the performance and well-being of staff, as well as the performance of the organization at large.

Nafaɗa had played a crucial role in the 2023 campaigns and elections as member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) supporting the candidature of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima.

He was a member, Field Operations Directorate APC Presidential Campaign Council, and Chairman APC 2023 National House of Representative Primary Elections Committee, Katsina State. He also served as Secretary Business and Professionals unit, under the directorate of stakeholder engagement, APC Presidential Campaign Council, 2023.

Nafaɗa had also imprinted his impacts as technocrat while he was a member of the Implementation and Monitoring Committee of the Twenty Billion (₦20 billion) Naira Revitalization Fund for the Nigerian Public Universities, where his expertise in project management and coordination has not only played a tremendous role, but also projected his passion for education and research. This is not surprising because, in his role as the Special Assistant on Administration and Special Duties to the Honourable Minister of State for Education (HMSE), Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba from August 2019 to May 2023, he led several projects including the $611m World Bank Assisted Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) across 17 states of the federation and played a crucial role in the review of digitization policy of candidate’s enrolment by JAMB and other exam bodies that resulted in mandating the use of National Identification Number (NIN) by students for registration in the country.

Having studied Strategic Project Management at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom, Abbas under the mandate of the Hon. Minister of State for Education designed and assisted in the centralization and digitization of enrolment in FG’s Unity Schools to ensure equitable distribution of enrollees.

His passion to contribute in transforming education in Nigeria is evident when he also served as a lead to a technical working committee in the implementation of the Alternate School Program as a key intervention to tackle the challenges of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Well educated and dynamic in expertise, Abbas possess a powerful understanding of the Nigerian governance and in-demand mixture of experience and understanding of the various facets of the country’s socioeconomic realities.

These garnered expertises provided him with a favourable combinations to explore various sectors of the Nigerian industry and governance.

Abbas is not just a technocrat, he is also a philanthropist that supports his community. Recently in 2023, Abbas facilitated the instalment of solar powered street lights at his hometown, Nafaɗa, in Gombe State.

He provided portable water and toilet facilities to public schools in the FCT, designed a scholarship system to primary school students gaining admission into secondary schools within Gwarimpa district and donated baby incubators to public hospitals all in Gwarimpa districts of the Federal Capital Territory.

This showed that Adamu is not unforgetful of where he came from, but also gives back to his working community. This is a little out of the great sponsorship and support he provides young people to obtain or further their education.

He also mentored hundreds of people, and serves as a great inspiration to many.

Sadiq Yahaya is a dear brother to abbas Nafaɗa
Sadiqy48@gmail.com