Atiku Abubakar

Atiku Abubakar: Nigerian Businessman, Politician, and Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (born Atiku Abubakar Adamawa on November 25, 1946, in Jada, Adamawa State, Nigeria) is a Nigerian businessman, politician, and philanthropist who served as the Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 during the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo. He is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, having been a perennial presidential candidate, and is recognized for his extensive business interests, particularly in logistics, oil and gas, and education. Early Life and Education Atiku Abubakar was born to a Fulani family. His father, Garba Abubakar, was a local farmer and trader. Orphaned at a young age, Abubakar was raised by his mother, Aisha Kande. He began his education at Jada Primary School and later attended Adamawa Provincial Secondary School, Yola. After graduating in 1965, he briefly worked as a tax officer before enrolling at the Nigeria Police College in Kaduna. However, he left the college due to an injury and later secured a spot at the School of Hygiene, Kano, in 1966. In 1967, he received a diploma from the school, and in 1970, he graduated with a Diploma in Law from Ahmadu Bello University’s Institute of Administration, on a scholarship. Career Progression After completing his education, Abubakar was hired by the Nigeria Customs Service in 1969. He rose through the ranks, serving in various capacities across the country, including posts in Ikeja, Kano, Kaduna, and Apapa. He eventually retired as a Deputy Director of Customs in April 1989. While working in customs, Abubakar began his foray into business, notably purchasing land in Yola in 1974 which he used for real estate development. This led to his diversification into agriculture, transportation (establishing a logistics company, Nigeria Container Services), and oil and gas services. Political Career and Major Achievements Abubakar's political journey began in the early 1980s, but he gained significant national prominence in the lead-up to the return of democratic rule in 1999. In 1998, he ran for Governor of Adamawa State and won, but before being sworn in, he was selected as the running mate to Olusegun Obasanjo under the People's Democratic Party (PDP). As Vice President from 1999 to 2007, Abubakar oversaw several key government reforms, particularly the privatization program aimed at streamlining state-owned enterprises. He was known for his role in driving economic policy and attracting foreign investment. His tenure was, however, marked by complex political dynamics and high-profile disagreements with President Obasanjo toward the end of their second term. Since leaving office, Abubakar has contested for the presidency several times, running on platforms focused on restructuring Nigeria's federal system, improving the economy through privatization, and enhancing education. His notable presidential campaigns include 2007, 2011, 2015 (where he ran in the primaries), 2019, and 2023. Notable Works and Philanthropy Beyond politics, Abubakar is widely recognized for his commitment to education. He is the founder of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, Adamawa State, a leading private development university established in 2005. He also established the Atiku Abubakar School of Technology and Entrepreneurship (AASOTE). His business empire includes logistics, media, and hospitality. Current Status Atiku Abubakar remains an influential political figure in Nigeria. He is a senior member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and continues to actively participate in Nigerian democratic processes, focusing his advocacy on good governance, national unity, and economic reform.