Fati Lami Abubakar

Fatima Lami Abubakar (born April 12, 1951, in Minna, Northern Region, British Nigeria, now Minna, Niger State, Nigeria) is a distinguished Nigerian jurist and public figure. She is notable for being the First Lady of Nigeria during the military administration of her husband, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and later serving as the Chief Judge of Niger State. She holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian First Lady to have graduated from university.Early Life and Education Abubakar received her secondary education from several institutions, including Our Lady's High School, St. Anne's, Queen's Elizabeth Secondary School in Ilorin, and the Federal Government College, Sokoto. Driven by a passion for law, she pursued multiple degrees in the field. She attended the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), the Nigerian Law School, and later obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1987. She further earned a Doctor of Laws (LL.D) from Obafemi Awolowo University in 2005.Career Progression and Major Achievements Abubakar’s legal career commenced in 1976 as a Pupil State Counsel in the Niger State Ministry of Justice. She steadily rose through the ranks of the Nigerian judicial system. She served as an inspector and senior counsel before achieving several pioneering roles in Niger State, including becoming the first female lawyer, Solicitor General, and Attorney General of the state. In 1989, she was appointed a judge for the High Court. A significant moment in her public life occurred when her husband, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, became Nigeria’s Head of State. She served as the First Lady of Nigeria from June 9, 1998, to May 29, 1999. After her tenure as First Lady, Abubakar returned to the judiciary. Her career culminated in her appointment as the Chief Judge of Niger State, a position she held from March 28, 2013, until her retirement on April 12, 2016. She is recognized for her dedication to the rule of law and her status as one of Nigeria's most influential female legal practitioners.Notable Works and Status Fati Lami Abubakar has been a judge of the High Court of Niger State and, post-retirement, remains an influential figure in Nigerian legal and social circles. She is the mother of six children. She holds the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).