Attahiru Jega

**Attahiru Muhammadu Jega: Biography of a Nigerian Academic and Electoral Reformer** Attahiru Muhammadu Jega is a distinguished Nigerian academic, political scientist, and administrator, widely recognized for his pivotal role as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. His tenure at INEC is often credited with introducing landmark reforms that significantly enhanced the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral processes, culminating in the peaceful transition of power in 2015. **Early Life and Education** Attahiru Jega was born on January 11, 1957, in Jega, present-day Kebbi State, Nigeria. He pursued his early education in his hometown before gaining admission to the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Political Science in 1978. Driven by a commitment to academia, Jega proceeded to complete his master’s degree in Political Science at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, USA, in 1981, and subsequently obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Political Science from the same institution in 1985. **Career Progression and Academic Contributions** Jega began his professional career as a lecturer at Bayero University Kano (BUK) in 1979, where he rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Political Science in 1994. Throughout his academic life, he specialized in Nigerian politics, political economy, and democratic studies. Beyond teaching, he actively engaged in university administration, serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at BUK. His commitment to educational leadership led to his appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano in 2004, a position he held until 2010. Before his electoral role, Jega was also a vocal leader in civil society. He served as the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the umbrella body for academic staff in Nigerian public universities, from 1999 to 2004. In this capacity, he advocated for improved university funding, educational autonomy, and better conditions for academic staff, positioning himself as a significant voice for educational reform. **Major Achievements as INEC Chairman** Professor Jega was appointed as the INEC Chairman by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010, following a period of widespread public dissatisfaction with the management of Nigerian elections. His major achievements centered on institutional reforms and the implementation of technologies to curb electoral malpractice. Key reforms included:1. **Introduction of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) and the Card Reader:** This technology was crucial in verifying voters’ identities and reducing identity fraud and over-voting, fundamentally sanitizing the voter accreditation process. 2. **Enhanced Transparency:** He oversaw significant improvements in the transparency of the electoral process, including a more robust collation process and improved engagement with stakeholders. 3. **The 2015 General Elections:** His leadership during the 2015 presidential election, which saw the incumbent president concede defeat to the opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, was widely hailed by national and international observers as a major democratic milestone for Nigeria and Africa.**Notable Works and Current Status** As an author and scholar, Jega has published extensively on democracy, governance, and political transition in Nigeria. His works often focus on the challenges and prospects of democratic consolidation in developing nations. After concluding his five-year term as INEC Chairman in 2015, Professor Jega returned to academia. He currently serves as a Professor of Political Science at Bayero University Kano and remains an influential public intellectual and advocate for good governance and electoral integrity across the African continent. He frequently participates in high-level discussions, conferences, and electoral observation missions, continuing to shape discourse on democracy and development.