Abba Kabir Yusuf

Abba Kabir Yusuf: Nigerian Governor and Political Figure Abba Kabir Yusuf (born January 5, 1963) is a Nigerian politician and the current Governor of Kano State, Nigeria. He is a prominent figure in the Nigerian political landscape, particularly within the northern region. Early Life and Education Abba Kabir Yusuf was born in Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State. He began his early education in Gaya, where he attended Sumaila Primary School and later pursued his secondary education. He obtained a National Diploma in Civil Engineering from the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, in Adamawa State. Driven by a desire for further academic achievement, he proceeded to the Kaduna Polytechnic, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Civil Engineering. He later earned a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Bayero University Kano (BUK). Career Progression and Major Achievements Yusuf's professional career began in the civil service, utilizing his background in engineering. He later transitioned into politics, where his career became closely linked with his political mentor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former Governor of Kano State. He held several key political appointments, most notably serving as the Commissioner of Works, Housing, and Transport in Kano State during Kwankwaso's second term as Governor (2011–2015). In this role, he was credited with overseeing numerous infrastructural projects across the state, including roads, flyovers, and housing developments. This period established him as a significant administrator within the state government. In the 2019 general election, Yusuf ran for the governorship of Kano State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but was defeated. Following this, he remained an influential opposition figure. Current Status Abba Kabir Yusuf ran for the governorship again in 2023, this time under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). He emerged victorious in the keenly contested election, making him the 18th Governor of Kano State. Since assuming office, his administration has focused on key areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, particularly emphasizing the revitalization of projects initiated during the Kwankwaso era and addressing issues related to governance and public sector reforms in the state.