KNOW THE NEW UNILORIN GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBERS

The Federal Government has reconstituted the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin, with an erudite academic and consummate administrator, Prof. Aminu Salihu Mikailu, as the Pro-Chancellor and Council Chairman. He will work with other eminent Nigerians who are also leaders in their various fields of endeavours. They are: Barrister Auwalu Abdullahi, Mrs Amina Yusuf Garba, Mr Babayo Shehu, and Mrs Aisha Gunabi. The new Governing Council will be inaugurated on May 31, 2024 at the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja. Kunle Akogun, Tajudeen Babamale and Isaac Lewu bring you the exciting profiles of the new Council Members

The Council Chairman, Prof. Mikailu

The Council Chairman,

Prof. Mikailu

As the 14th Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Aminu Salihu Mikailu, OON, will be responsible for guiding the University’s strategic direction and ensuring it meets its educational objectives.

Prof. Mikailu was born on April 4, 1956, in Zaria, Kaduna State. He earned a B.Sc. degree in Accounting (Second Class Upper) from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 1978; an M.Sc. in Accounting and Finance from the University of London in 1981; and a Ph.D. in Accounting and Economic Policy from the University of Reading in 1987.

In 1995, Prof. Mikailu was promoted Professor of Management Accounting at Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDU), Sokoto, where he served as Head of the Department of Management Studies (1988-1990), Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Administration (1993-1994), Dean of Student Affairs (1990-1991), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (1994-1998), Acting Vice-Chancellor (1998-1999), and Vice-Chancellor from 1999 to 2004.

Beyond UDU, he was Vice-Chancellor of Kaduna State University from 2004 to 2006 and Ag. Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University from 2013 to 2014.

Prof. Mikailu is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management, the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Accounting Association.

This astute scholar of Management Accounting has taught and supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, and Economics at UDU, Sokoto, since 1980. He has also been a visiting professor at the Accounting Departments of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Bayero University, Kano; Federal University, Gusau; and Federal University, Birnin Kebbi from the 1999/2000 academic session to date.

To date, he has supervised 50 PhD students to successful completion, as well as six MSc and 33 MBA students. Additionally, he has examined two MSc and 12 PhD theses and assessed 27 academic staff for promotion to the rank of Reader/Professor.

As part of his community service, Prof. Mikailu has served on numerous committees and boards within the university system, professional organisations, and government agencies at both federal and state levels.

Notably, he chaired the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, Rivers State, from 2017 to 2020.

He has received Merit Awards from various institutions, including ABU, Zaria; Kaduna State University; Nasarawa State University; the Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku; the National Universities Commission; the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria; and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

Barrister Auwalu Abdullahi

Barrister Auwalu Abdullahi, OON, stands out as a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and the academia, blending his extensive legal expertise, business acumen and political engagements to make a significant impact on the country. His career spans several key areas, including politics, business, philanthropy, and law, demonstrating his versatile capabilities and dedication to progress in Nigeria.

Barrister Auwalu is a successful businessman, associated with notable enterprises such as AA Rano Industries and Rano Air Limited. His business ventures have not only contributed to the economic landscape of Nigeria but also provided employment and development opportunities within the communities in which they operate. Beyond his business achievements, he is also recognised for his philanthropic efforts.

In addition to his business and philanthropic endeavours, Barrister Auwalu has been a prominent participant in Nigerian politics, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC). His involvement was notably significant during the APC Congress in Kano State, where he played a critical role as part of the National Congress Committee. In this capacity, he supervised the election process that saw Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas elected as the consensus party Chairman for a second term.

As a lawyer, Barrister Auwalu brings a wealth of legal expertise to both his political and business engagements. His legal background has been instrumental to guiding his approach to leadership and governance, ensuring that his actions are rooted in justice and legality.

His contributions to society have not gone unnoticed. He was honored with the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) award, in October 2022. This honour reflects his multifaceted contributions across various sectors, highlighting his dedication to excellence and service.

Mrs Amina Yusuf Garba

Mrs Amina Yusuf Garba, mni, MON, is a distinguished Nigerian professional with a notable career in university administration, public service, and gender advocacy. Her impressive career trajectory showcases her dedication to education, leadership, and gender equality.

Mrs Garba’s educational journey is rooted in a strong foundation in English Studies. She earned her first degree from Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, followed by an M.A. in English Language from Bayero University, Kano. This reputable Nigerian also participated in the Higher Education Administration Programme (HEAP), a prestigious course run by the University of Oxford and the University of Warwick. Her extensive educational background has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary for her various roles in the academia and beyond.

With over 25 years of experience in university administration, Mrs Garba has played a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of Nigeria. She was the pioneer Registrar of Sokoto State University, Sokoto, where her leadership and administrative skills have been instrumental to the growth and development of the institution.

Mrs Garba’s passion for education extends beyond the confines of the academia. She has made substantial contributions to public service, particularly in her role as Permanent Commissioner in the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board. Notably, she broke new grounds as the first female Commissioner in a democratic dispensation in Zamfara State, where she excelled in areas such as Women Affairs, Water Resources, and Culture and Tourism. Her work in these sectors has driven important progress and reforms, benefiting countless individuals and communities. 

Her exceptional contributions have earned her national and international acclaim. She is a recipient of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) award. She is a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment, as she actively mentors young girls and works tirelessly to promote gender equality. Her recent turbaning as Tambarar Binji was a historic event, symbolising progress for women in northern Nigeria and beyond. This honour reflects her trailblazing efforts, recognising her as a role model for women seeking to break barriers and achieve their potential.

Mrs Garba, who hails from Binji Local Government in Sokoto State, has served as the Director-General, Directorate of Women and Children Affairs, Zamfara State in 2000, Commissioner in the Ministries for Women and Children Affairs, Water Resources and Culture and Tourism in 2003, 2005 and 2006 respectively; Permanent Commissioner in the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board in 2007 and later in 2012.

 Mr Babayo Shehu

Mr Babayo Shehu, FCCA, FCA, FCIT, is a distinguished Nigerian finance professional, currently serving as the Executive Director (Finance & Accounts) at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited. With a career spanning over three decades, Mr. Shehu has made significant contributions to both public service and the banking sector, exerting a great influence on accounting practices across Nigeria.

Born in Misau, Bauchi State, he pursued his education with exceptional dedication, culminating in a First-Class Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in June 1980. He also attended the London School of Accountancy and Slough College of Higher Education, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant. His academic credentials are complemented by his status as a Fellow of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA) in the UK, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

Mr Shehu’s professional journey began in 1981 at the Bauchi State Development Board, where he eventually became the Head of the Finance and Accounts Department. His early career laid a strong foundation for his future endeavours in both the public and private sectors.

In 1990, he moved to the banking industry, joining FBN (Merchant Bankers) Limited, where he held key positions, including heading the Finance & Administration, Operations, and Treasury Departments. His over 13 years sojourn in FBN culminated in his appointment as General Manager/Head of the Enterprise Risk Management Department, where he was instrumental to implementing robust financial and operational processes.