Mahmood Yakubu

Mahmood Yakubu: Nigerian Academic and Electoral Chairman Mahmood Yakubu (born 1962) is a distinguished Nigerian academic and public administrator, best known for his pivotal role as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He is a scholar of political history and international relations, whose career has spanned decades in academia, public service, and electoral reform. Early Life and Education Mahmood Yakubu was born in Bauchi State, Northern Nigeria, in 1962. He received his early education in the region before pursuing higher studies. Yakubu holds a First-Class Honours degree in History from the University of Sokoto (now Usmanu Danfodiyo University), which he obtained in 1985. He continued his academic journey at the University of Cambridge, obtaining a PhD in Political History in 1991. Dr. Yakubu became the youngest Nigerian ever to attain the rank of Professor of Political History at the age of 37, specializing in the field of International Relations. Career Progression and Major Achievements Before his tenure at INEC, Yakubu held several key appointments in Nigeria’s academic and public sectors. He was a lecturer at the University of Jos and later served as the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) between 2007 and 2012. During his time at TETFUND, he was credited with implementing comprehensive reforms that significantly enhanced funding and infrastructural development across Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions. In 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His primary mandate was to oversee and modernize Nigeria's electoral process. His initial term concluded in 2020, and he was subsequently reappointed for a second five-year term, making him the first INEC chairman to achieve this feat. Notable Works and Contributions As INEC Chairman, Professor Yakubu’s tenure has been characterized by efforts aimed at enhancing the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s elections. His major achievements include the introduction and implementation of the **Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS)**, a technology designed to improve voter authentication and reduce electoral fraud. Furthermore, he spearheaded the deployment of the **INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV)**, which allows for the electronic transmission and public viewing of polling unit results in real-time, greatly increasing transparency in the collation process. He oversaw the 2019 and 2023 Nigerian General Elections, navigating complex logistical and security challenges inherent in conducting polls across the nation. Current Status As of 2024, Mahmood Yakubu continues to serve as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), based in Abuja, Nigeria. He remains a key figure in Nigeria's democratic process, focusing on electoral reforms, voter education, and preparing the commission for future off-cycle and general elections.