Salisu Shehu

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has appointed Professor Salisu Shehu, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), as its Deputy Secretary-General (International) as part of the restructuring and expansion of its National Executive Council (NEC).

The Daily Reality reports that the appointment was contained in a statement signed by Abbas Jimoh, Public Affairs Officer of the NSCIA, following the General Assembly of the Council held in Abuja on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Prof. Shehu has now been assigned the additional responsibility of Deputy Secretary-General (International) of the NSCIA, placing him among the senior officers to serve under the expanded national leadership structure of the Islamic body.

His new role is expected to involve matters relating to the Council’s international engagements and affairs, as the NSCIA expands its executive structure to accommodate additional responsibilities.

The General Assembly, attended by Muslim leaders comprising traditional leaders of the Islamic faith and Chief Imams of Central Mosques from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, approved the expansion of the National Executive Council.

Under the restructuring, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji was appointed Deputy Secretary-General (National), while Mr Abeny Mohammed (SAN) was named Deputy Secretary-General (Corporate) and Dr Bala Muhammad Deputy Secretary-General (Administration).

The Council also appointed Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu as Public Relations Officer, with Hajia Sekinat Lawal serving as Deputy Public Relations Officer.

Dr Mairo Mandara was appointed Development Officer, while Arc Abdullahi Musa PenAbdul was named Deputy Development Officer (Technical). Prof. Fatimah Abdulkarim was also appointed Family Affairs Officer.

The decisions were reached during the General Assembly under the leadership of the President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni.

The expanded executive structure is expected to strengthen the Council’s administration and broaden the areas of responsibility within its national leadership.

The Daily Reality recalls that the NSCIA serves as the umbrella body for Islamic affairs in Nigeria and provides a platform for Muslim leaders and institutions to coordinate issues affecting the Muslim community.

The latest appointments therefore bring additional expertise and responsibilities into the Council’s leadership, with Prof. Shehu’s appointment giving him a specific role in advancing the NSCIA’s international engagements alongside his existing responsibilities at NERDC.

The Mindbrood Initiative has sought a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to introduce an Artificial Intelligence (AI)–powered educational technology platform, aimed at enhancing learning through innovation and technology.

The proposal was presented during a courtesy visit of Mindbrood Initiative to the Council on Tuesday, 20th January, 2025.

Speaking at the meeting, the Founder of the Mindbrood Initiative – Mr. Godspower Omolere, explained that the organisation is currently developing the Sociometrics Framework and other educational tools designed to help young people understand societal fundamentals and grow into responsible, empowered citizens.

Mr. Omolere stated that the platform, which has been in development for over 10 years, leverages AI to assess students’ skills, generate personalised profiles, and provide insights through student assessment, data analysis and performance tracking.

He added that the initiative is keen on partnering with NERDC to benefit from its expertise in curriculum development.

According to him, “Given NERDC’s national mandate in curriculum development and educational standards, we believe this collaboration will ensure strong alignment with Nigeria’s educational goals, while providing students with modern framework for civic and socio-economic understanding.”

He further noted that the Mindbrood Initiative, which began 13 years ago as a book-focused project, has evolved into a technology-driven organisation developing innovative software solutions for individual profiling and educational development.

Responding, the Executive Secretary – Prof. Salisu Shehu, expressed appreciation to the Mindbrood team for the visit, noting that the initiative aligns with the Council’s research-focus in education.

While welcoming the proposal, he stated that the Council would study the project in detail, deliberate with management and determine possible pathways for integrating the platform into Nigeria’s education sector.

In his vote of thanks, the Head of Finance and Accounts – Mr. Charles Itodo commended the Mindbrood team for sharing their innovation and for enlightening the Council on the proposed educational application.

Members of the Mindbrood Initiative present at the meeting included the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Otumba James Udoma; Legal Adviser, Barr. Onyebuchi Ndiokwere; Adviser, Mr. Yemi Opesade; and a member, Mrs. Simar Linus.

NERDC officials in attendance were the Assistant Director of Finance and Head of the Consultancy Unit – Sir Justin Nwokedi; Head of the Policy and Programmes Unit (PPU) – Dr. Famade Oladiran; and the Legal Officer, Barr. Segun Daniels.