Kashifu Inuwa

By Umar Farouk

In a time when Nigeria faces complex challenges in its quest for economic growth, digital inclusion, and youth empowerment, one man has quietly and steadily emerged as a beacon of visionary leadership: Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Appointed in August 2019, he has not only repositioned the agency but also redefined what leadership in the public sector should look like: effective, transparent, youth-focused, and transformative.

As Nigeria strives toward a diversified economy powered by innovation and technology, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has been the chief architect, laying a strong digital foundation that could sustain the country for decades to come. His work has turned NITDA into a symbol of hope, especially for Nigeria’s millions of tech-savvy, ambitious youths who are eager to shape their future in the global digital economy.

Before Kashif took the reins, NITDA was largely known for its regulatory role. However, under his stewardship, the agency has evolved into a full-blown enabler of digital transformation and economic development. One of his most remarkable achievements is the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021–2024), a bold vision designed to guide Nigeria’s digital aspirations across seven critical pillars, including policy, regulation, digital literacy, innovation, and stakeholder engagement.

As of 2023, over 64% of the goals outlined in the SRAP have been achieved. These include improved IT project clearance (which saved the government over N300 billion), robust cybersecurity policies, and the aggressive push toward digital literacy and inclusivity. By aligning NITDA’s operations with national priorities, such as the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), Kashifu has ensured that digital development is no longer a side project; it is now a central engine of governance and growth.

Perhaps one of the most commendable areas where Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has excelled is youth empowerment. Nigeria, with over 70% of its population under the age of 30, faces both a challenge and an opportunity. Kashifu saw the potential and acted. He launched multiple initiatives aimed at equipping millions of young Nigerians with the skills, tools, and platforms necessary for success.

Through NITDA’s various capacity-building programs, more than 3 million Nigerians have been trained in essential digital skills. The organisation also offers free online training for young Nigerians in areas such as coding, data science, AI, and cybersecurity. 

There is Tech4COVID, during the pandemic, Kashifu led efforts to upskill thousands of youths and develop local IT solutions to support education, healthcare, and e-commerce, while through ONDI and programs like iHatch and Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support (TIES), hundreds of startups have received technical support, seed funding, and global exposure. These programs have helped thousands of young Nigerians gain employment, start businesses, and even attract international investment. 

Under his leadership, NITDA has taken infrastructure development seriously. He has overseen the establishment of over 600 Digital Economy Centres, including Innovation Hubs, Fab Labs, and IT Community Centres, across the country. Including the virtual Libraries and Smart Classrooms for schools in underserved areas.

Kashifu Inuwa is also an advocate for homegrown solutions. He has actively promoted the use of Made-in-Nigeria software and hardware, ensuring that local IT firms get the recognition and support they deserve.

Furthermore, through the enforcement of the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), NITDA has strengthened data security practices across industries. His tenure has seen the licensing of over 59 Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs), the creation of thousands of jobs, and the protection of millions of Nigerians’ data from misuse and breaches.

Today, NITDA, under the guidance of Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has become a shining example of integrity and productivity in the government. In 2022, NITDA was awarded as the Most Productive Government Agency and became the first federal agency to earn ISO 27001 certification for information security management. Kashifu has represented Nigeria on global stages at GITEX, the World Summit on the Information Society, and the Smart Africa Alliance, consistently advocating for Nigeria’s place as a rising power in the digital world.

Hence, Kashifu’s vision goes beyond just setting up programs or delivering statistics. He is cultivating a digital culture in which innovation is encouraged, risk-taking is rewarded, and the government actively supports the next generation of builders, creators, and entrepreneurs. He often emphasises that Nigeria must move “from consumption to creation”, and everything he does at NITDA reflects this philosophy.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi is more than just a Director-General; he is a national asset. His leadership at NITDA has ushered in a new era of innovation, digital transformation, and youth empowerment in Nigeria. By investing in people, building infrastructure, and promoting indigenous technology, he is laying the groundwork for a digital economy that benefits all Nigerians.

His story serves as a reminder that when leadership is grounded in vision, integrity, and action, it can truly transform lives and shape the destiny of a nation.

Umar Farouk writes from Abuja. 

By Umar Jahun

As a young graduate emerging from university, I found myself adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Despite my academic achievements, the harsh realities of the job market left me feeling despondent and questioning my future. 

I grew up in a community where there is a glaring gap between the older and younger generations. Despite having somany individuals in positions of power and influence, they lack the willingness to mentor and guide the younger ones. This absence of mentorship has had far-reaching consequences, contributing to the high rate of unemployment among young people in our community.

Although I thought that the presence of numerous individuals from our town in high-ranking positions, both within and outside the state, should theoretically provide us with a wealth of opportunities, the reality is that many of these individuals seem disconnected, leaving us to navigate the challenges of career development and personal growth on our own.

Many young people in our community are struggling to find jobs, despite possessing the necessary qualifications and skills. This leaves them stuck in a cycle of unemployment, uncertainty, and self-doubt.

It was during this tumultuous period that I crossed paths with Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, a man whose intervention altered the course of my life. My encounter with him was serendipitous yet transformative.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, a prominent Nigerian technocrat, currently holds the position of Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). With over twenty years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Kashifu has played a key role in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation.

But then, when DG Kashif Inuwa entered my life, everything changed. His kindness, guidance, and unwavering support not only secured me a job in one of Nigeria’s top agencies, but also instilled in me a sense of purpose and direction.

DG Kashifu’s impact on my life cannot be overstated. At a time when I had lost hope, he saw potential in me that I didn’t even recognize in myself. He took me under his wing and connected me with opportunities I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. His influence helped shape me into the person I am today.

The job he secured for me was more than just a source of financial stability; it was a springboard for personal growth and development, exposing me to new challenges, skills, and experiences that have been invaluable in shaping my career. 

What I admire most about Kashif Inuwa is his selflessness and generosity. He didn’t have to help me, but he chose to. He invested time, effort, and resources in me. This kindness has left an indelible mark on my life. He is more than just a benefactor; he is a role model, a mentor, and a constant source of inspiration.

Reflecting on DG Kashifu’s transformative impact on my life, I am filled with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. I owe him a debt of gratitude that I can never fully repay.

His influence on me has been nothing short of profound. He gave me purpose, direction, and a chance to succeed. I will forever be grateful for his kindness, guidance, and support. Kashifu is a shining example of the impact one person can have on another’s life.

His selflessness, kindness, and dedication have inspired countless people. Unfortunately, individuals like him are rare, and I often think, “I truly wish we had more like him, or someone like him, in our midsts.”

This is not just a fleeting thought; it is a heartfelt desire that stems from the realization that exceptional individuals have the power to transform communities. When someone with a strong sense of social responsibility and a willingness to serve others is present, it can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

May Allah’s blessings be upon Kashifu Inuwa. I extend my heartfelt wishes for his continued success, growth, and prosperity.

Umar writes from Jigawa State via daddyjahun@gmail.com.

By Haruna Muhammad Inuwa

Nigeria is a great country. A country with great potential and great people. A giant of Africa and, of course, the most populous black country in Africa. Foreigners from other parts of the time – well, for some that have not travelled well – sometimes confuse Africa and Nigeria. This is because they tend to generalise that every black individual coming from Africa is from Nigeria. This is how dominating our great country has been!

In 2018, on March 10, President Muhammadu Buhari launched a national orientation program tagged “Change Begins With Me”. In the speech, he challenged Nigerians to realise that the change they want to see begins with them and that personal and social reforms are not a theoretical exercise. So, he practically says that for a developing country like Nigeria, everyone must get to work and realise their potential for the needed change we have been seeking. This must be a national assignment from Kano to Calabar, Lagos to Maiduguri. 

Embarking on a sacred expedition of bringing change in any society requires one to be passionate about their ideals. They must first identify a problem within. They must be willing to walk the talk. They must be willing to sacrifice a lot of time and resources. They must be believers in the change they wish for. Change is brought about so ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Hence, an ordinary citizen called Engr. Mustapha Habu Ringim founded Engausa Global Tech Hub. 

The Engausa model emerged as a one-size-fits-all solution in a society with system-wide problems. However, the approach is more interesting because it is skill-driven. Engausa Hub aims to empower these youths with digital skills in a community with battalions of unemployed youths. Engausa advocates teaching digital skills using home-based languages for accessible communication and understanding. From the city of Kano, Engausa Global Tech Hub is becoming a focal point of attraction to many university graduates, undergrads, Almajiris, and even those with natural talent and innovative ideas to be developed, managed or commercialised.

The Engausa story is inspiring because it centres on shaping the way things work and changing the narratives of our society. All thanks to the relevant authorities, who support the innovative activities of the Engausa Hub, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Technology Incubation Centre Kano. During the recent graduation of 1353 students who were rigorously trained in programming, video editing, blogging, graphics design and software development, social media literacy, and digital marketing, the DG of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, happily commended Engausa Global Tech Hub for this significant paradigm shift in the digital ecosystem.

Engausa Global Tech Hub thrives on breaking barriers and bridging gaps. So far, the hub has graduated over 1700 technology apprentices with over 50 innovation-driven enterprises owned and managed by the Engausa graduates. Statistically, the hub is turning into a school where you don’t need a college degree before earning a living. Many Engausa graduates are now managing their business; others work in private sectors or are independently freelancing.

Engausa Global Tech Hub seeks collaboration and partnership to expand its operations to other northern Nigerian states because a generational change can only be actualised.

Haruna Muhd Inuwa wrote from Lagos via diamondmuhd@yahoo.com.

By Muhammad Sabiu

A Nothern Nigerian technology firm, Engausa Global Tech Hub, has trained and certified 1353 persons, including men and women, in different modern technical skills in its effort to reduce the rate of the ravaging unemployment affecting the country.

In attendance at the certification event were the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, and representatives of the Emir of Kano and Emir of Karaye, among other dignitaries.

Speaking on the purpose of establishing the firm and training the young people, the founder of the firm, Engr Mustapha Habu Ringim, said they had saddled themselves with the responsibility to train young people in digital technology in their mother tongue (Hausa).

He added that every human has the right to learn technology through his mother tongue, and “ENGAUSA is here to break barriers and bridge gaps” in teaching technology.

“We brought out those who speak Hausa, even if they understand Arabic or English, to train them,” according to Engr. Ringim.

While commending dignitaries on the high table, Mr Ringim said his firm wouldn’t have achieved all it achieved in the past three years without their collective efforts, stressing that he could not have done the work alone.

He noted that you mustn’t understand English before you begin to innovate, as there is what is called formal and informal education.

“Here in Northern Nigeria, we have this misperception that anybody who is not into formal education is not regarded as a literate person. This is a big mistake because the basis of this formal education you see was developed from non-formal education.

“One of our most significant efforts is getting these over 1000 young people we just concluded training. And it’s only for this year. In the year 2020, we trained over 300 people. This is proof that the knowledge of science and technology can be learned in one’s mother tongue because that was when we started featuring innovative young people, like Osama. Now, Osama owns a firm, and any is an employer.

“We also have Muhammad, who fabricated an excavator made from cartons and has now started fabricating a solar-powered generator. The BBC came here and covered what we were doing at Engausa. The news went viral. Afterwards, Muhammad is also now an employer.

“If these young people didn’t get to understand that we at Engausa teach in Hausa [mixed with English], they wouldn’t have come here to get trained,” Ringim is quoted as saying.

The firm’s founder further noted that by bridging the gap in the medium of imparting knowledge of technology, Engausa is in no way discouraging its learners from acquiring knowledge of the English language because efforts are underway to begin English, Arabic and French classes.

“We are doing all these because we have understood that the language barrier is one of the reasons that bar our people from understanding Mathematics, Physics and so on,” he said.

Another milestone achieved is that of those trained previously; about a hundred of them now own their own firms.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, strengthens its relationship with Google West Africa. 

The NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, made this known on Friday, April 8, 2022, while playing host to the Google West African Director, Juliet Ehimuan, in Abuja.

“If we can come together to strengthen the collaboration, we will eliminate duplication of efforts and working in silos,” He said.

 Mr Inuwa emphasized the importance of a good relationship between the two organizations and the aim of governmental regulations. 

“Together, we can achieve greater results. Governmental regulations are not to stifle or be an obstacle to your business; rather, it is to enable and unlock more opportunities and protect your business and our citizens,” He stated

Mr Inuwa also commended the effort of Google in the capacity building of Nigerians with a plan to train about five million Nigerians.  

Ehimuan, in her remarks, thanked NITDA for being one of Google’s major partners in the public sector with precedence of a great working relationship.

She confirmed the fact that Google has invested in a lot of capacity building over the years.

“Our initial estimate is to contribute directly and indirectly to create about 1.6 million jobs over time and work around device financing in partnership with telcos to make sure that people have access either through infrastructure or device data to gauge the digital world”, she disclosed.

According to Ehimuan, they will be about 300 million more internet users in Africa in the next five years, which will translate to more jobs and an enormous contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked Nigerians to hold the Ministry of Communication and Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) responsible for the lingering impasse between ASUU and the Federal Government.

ASUU Zonal Coordinator, Buchi Zone, Professor Lawan Abubakar, briefed reporters on Monday, March 4, 2022, in Jos, where he alleged NITDA is misleading Nigerians on the credibility and acceptability of UTAS which he said has passed the integrity test. 

“Ironically, NITDA, in conjunction with its parent Ministry (The Ministry of Communications where Pantami is minister), is seriously sabotaging the government at resolving the impasse. This is obviously capable of prolonging the current strike, thereby bringing untold hardship on Nigerian University students and the University System.” Prof. Abubakar stated

He further explained that NITDA, who scored UTAS high in the past, can not suddenly say UTAS failed integrity test. 

“After scoring UTAS this high, NITDA went further to contradict itself by making a fallacious statement that UTAS has failed integrity tests. The union wonders how a score of 97.4% will amount to failure.

“The Union still agreed to another Test by NITDA on March 8, 2022, in the presence of observers front the Federal Ministry of Education/National Universities Commission (NUC), Federal Ministry of Finance/OAGF, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

“This most recent test still scored UTAS 99.3% in all the Tests metrics. ASUU is Therefore surprised that NITDA, having scored UTAS this high on two different occasions, unpatriotically went to the press to deliberately mislead the public into believing that UTAS has failed Integrity tests again.” Prof Abubakar clearly explained.

Therefore, he called on Nigerians and the Federal Government to call the Ministry of Communications and NITDA to order to resolve the labour crisis.

By Engr. Mustapha Habu

The Director-General, NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, paid an assessment visit to Engausa Global Tech. Hub to assess the level of development achieved by the Hub and the impacts of its initiatives after it emerged as a beneficiary of a grant from NITDA last year.

ENGAUSA had been able to train 313 young people within two years (2019-2020). However, after winning the grant, the number surges dramatically. Today ENGAUSA has successfully trained 800 young people in 2021. The NITDA, in conjunction with ENGAUSA, will therefore conduct an end-of-training event in January 2022.

Before the end-of-the-year break commenced, Malam Kashifu assessed the expertise of 50 primary and secondary school kids, who were trained under a theme titled ENGAUSA CARCH THEM YOUNG.

ENGAUSA presented to the DG what was being invented by young people and Almajiris at ENGAUSA HUB. He was also happy and surprised how they make inventions without having gone to higher schools—as some of them are dropouts with expertise in drawing and innovation of the modern time.

Others on SIWES from various universities and those that have not got the opportunity to further their education are already into robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The Hub introduced other graduates out of the 60 who established their firms after getting trained at ENGAUSA Hub. The firms include THE D E-SERVICES, DASHERE ELECTRIC SERVICES, SD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, and so on.

An outstanding mentee who invented a mathematics learning app called HausaMaths was also introduced to the DG. Another one also built a science and technology teaching app in the Hausa language called Bemitela.Africa.

The DG also met some young people employed by companies in Kano and Abuja, namely JETSON ENGINEERING (that deploys them to COSGROVE estate sites in Abuja), CHOSEN ONE GLOBAL TECH LTD, which has sites in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and other states in the northern part of the country.

ENGAUSA HUB presented some 10 Almajiris enrolled for the ENGAUSA CATCH THEM YOUNG and have followed the footsteps of the rest in areas of graphic design and innovation. One of the Almajiris has even been employed by ENGAUSA HUB for his outstanding performance. Alhaji Yahaya Yusuf Kwande (who is not from Kano) is the one who sponsored the registration of the Kano Almajiris.

The able DG of NITDA assured ENGAUSA HUB that his agency would collaborate with the Hub in promoting such developmental projects across the states in Nigeria.

As of the time of writing this, ENGAUSA is part of the Technology Incubation Center (of NBTI) established to work under the custody of the Federal Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation. We also have a branch on Rijiyar Zaki Gwarzo Road and other cities that we plan to collaborate with within Jigawa, Kaduna, and Abuja to enhance modern skills and ease learning initiatives.

Our door is open for anyone willing to collaborate with us in making this a reality.

By Adamu Usman Garko

It was not startlingly surprising when Dr Isa Ali Pantami, on one of his official sojourns to Mallam Kashifu Inuwa’s hometown, did a public eulogy of the NITDA Boss as one of the most inquisitive, determined, and honest persons he has effaced in his sojourn as a public figure. This encouraged the Honourable Minister to recommend Kashifu to the President as a befitting figure to head NITDA spearheading IT operations under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. 

Kashifu has efficiently headed NITDA for two graceful years, and at this point, it is crucial that we retrospect on his strides borne out of his application of experiential know-how coupled with sterling leadership since his resumption to office. After graduating from the renowned Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Kashifu furthered to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a world-class institution famed for her vast repository of tech training and knowledge. 

After graduating cum laude with a master in IT Operations, Business Transformation and Solution Architecture, Kashifu proceeded to arm himself with professional certifications to deepen his technical expertise and broaden his capacity from Harvard University, the University of Cambridge, and IMD Business School. 

Asides from his stellar strides in the classroom, he has exemplified his technical expertise in public and private capacities including but not limited to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Galaxy Backbone, and IP Operations team, where he championed numerous projects aimed at helping the society at large. 

Hence, leading NITDA (National Information Technology Development Agency) in this graceful and glorious manner should be no subject of surprise. Still, a candid appraisal of his strides since the resumption of office is important to inspire other agency heads in the country about the prospects and potentials hidden in Nigeria as a whole, especially in the IT sector. 

In just two years of taking over from Dr Isa Ali Pantami, Kashifu Inuwa has made notable strides, especially in positioning the agency as an inextricable player in the IT sector of the country. Most recently, the agency, under Kashifu’s authority has kick-started capacity development programs on e-governance and digital infrastructure for executive members of all states in Nigeria and has begun the execution of this program in Kano state, Nigeria. 

Also, under the able leadership of Kashifu, the launch of the Nigerian National Public Key Infrastructure has seen the light of the day. In addition, the NITDA Strategic Road Map and Action Plan 2021–2024, which is in line with the digital economy policy and strategy for a digital Nigeria that was launched on the 20th anniversary of the agency, has also been on a high rise. 

In addition, the spike in the contribution of ICT to the nation’s gross GDP from 0.5% in 2001 to about 14% in 2020, which has paved the way for innovative creations in the sector, is all thanks to policies implemented by Kashifu’s office in conjunction with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy at large. In the same light, with programs like the Digital State Initiative, the National Adopted School For Smart Education (NASSE), among other programmes that have catered to the capacity development of the country’s young population, the Digital Nigeria dream keeps inching closer to actualisation. 

To augment the aforementioned contributions, the agency has continually distributed digital gadgets and equipment to the Nigerian populace and NGOs, which are inclusive and consistently equipped and funded digital economy centres countrywide. This has birthed pioneer sterling projects like creating a National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, the first of its kind in the country, to oversee the harness of the largess of potentials the AI industry can bring to the country. Also, The National Policy on Virtual Engagement in the Public Service has witnessed smooth execution.

It will be herculean to detail the strides of Mallam Kashifu Inuwa as the Chairman of the NITDA in just one article. However, as a loyal protégé of Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, Mallam Kashifu has proven time, and over that quality leadership is not impossible with the right people in the right positions, which has positioned him as the subject recipient of numerous awards from various fronts. Most recently, The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria tagged him as the “Icon of Humanitarian Service,” an award of excellence as SDG Humanitarian Icon of Societal Transformation, the Blueprint Public Service Award, among others that testify to the excellence of Kashifu Inuwa. 

There is hope!

Adamu Usman Garko writes from the city of Gombe State.