The Board of Trustees

Barrister Ado Maaji, a distinguished legal practitioner, has navigated a remarkable career spanning over three decades with unwavering dedication and expertise. Graduating with an LLB (Hons) from Bayero University, Kano, and an LLM in International Business/Trade/Commerce from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Maaji laid a strong academic foundation. Joining A, M MAAJI & CO in 2003 as a Principal Associate, he swiftly ascended to the position of State House Counsel, showcasing exemplary legal prowess and administrative acumen within the Presidential Villa until 2007 In this role, Maaji demonstrated exceptional leadership and legal insight, earning accolades for his contributions to governance. Subsequently, he established his law firm, A M MAAJI & PARTNERS, in 2007, where he currently serves as Principal Partner, overseeing general administration, staff management, and ensuring the delivery of top-tier legal services. Maaji’s career epitomizes a commitment to justice, professionalism, and excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the legal landscape of Nigeria.

Professor Hafiz Abubakar is a notable Nigerian academic and political figure. Born on March 17, 1966, he has made significant contributions to education and public service in Nigeria. Abubakar served as the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Nigeria, from 2015 to 2018. He held this position under the administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. During his tenure, he focused on various initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and socio-economic development in Kano State. Before his foray into politics, Professor Hafiz Abubakar had a distinguished career in academia. He holds a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Nigeria. He also served as a lecturer and rose through the ranks in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at ABU. In addition to his academic and political roles, Professor Hafiz Abubakar has been involved in various community development projects and initiatives aimed at empowering youth and promoting socio-economic progress in Nigeria.

Bashir Aliyu Umar was born in the town of Kano in the north of Nigeria to the Honorable son Amar of Kano Bashir studied at Ahmadu Bello University in the city of Zazzau where he studied Electrical Engineering, then he went to the Muslim University of Medina, located in Saudi Arabia to get his first BA, two MA and three Phd. both of them in the field of Hadith and Islamic Science, He studied Islamic Fiqh, Qur'an, Tawheed and other aspects of Islamic Religion in Nigeria and Medina. He was a teacher at Bayero University in Kano, which was later invited by the Kano government to become the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Shari’ah in Kano State. His work in the ministry consists of advising the Governor on the matters of Islamic law and overseeing the planning and preparation of the ministry. He was a member of the Islamic economic committee of the new Islamic bank that was opened at that time in Nigeria called JA’iz Bank, in this case he presented lectures and articles on the business of banks in accordance with the rules and regulations. Islam in Nigeria, then he worked as the President of the Islamic Advisory Board of Stanbic Bank IBTC Nigeria, and now he is a member of the Shari’ah Committee of the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation

Engr. Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna OFR, mni, is the Former Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). He holds a PhD and Master of Engineering degrees in Electrical Engineering from Bayero University Kano and a second PhD and Masters of Philosophy degrees in Entrepreneurship from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Nairobi – Kenya. He is a Fellow of Nigerian Academy of Engineering (FAEng); a Registered Chartered Engineer with United Kingdom Engineering Council (U.K); COREN registered; a Fellow of the UK based Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET); a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and a Fellow of Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (FSESN) among others. He has varied publications in national and international journals, and he is an author of three reputable textbooks. Prof Haruna has recorded several remarkable achievements that has intervened in various sectors of national development.

Prof. Ogugua, Victoria Ikpeze is a Professor of Human Rights Law in the Faculty of Law at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She is a highly experienced legal scholar with specialization in human rights, gender studies, and constitutional law. She obtained her PhD in Law from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in 2007, after completing her LLM (2002) and LLB (1994). She was also called to the Nigerian Bar after attending the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, in 1995.​ Her academic and research work focuses mainly on human rights, women’s rights, gender equality, and the impact of customary practices on society. She has contributed extensively to legal scholarship through numerous journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers. Prof. Ikpeze has written on important issues such as human trafficking, domestic violence, women’s property rights, constitutional law, and legal education in Nigeria. Her works have helped in shaping discussions on gender justice and human rights protection in Nigeria. Overall, she is recognized as a leading academic in human rights law with significant contributions to legal research and education in Nigeria.

Makaman Kano Alhaji Abdullahi Sarki Ibrahim MFR (Culled from Ado-Kurawa, Ibrahim 2017 Sarkin Kano Muhammad Sanusi II and His Chiefs) He was born in 1945. He attended Wudil and Ungogo Elementary Schools, Birnin Kudu Secondary School, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ife and other institutions for various courses. He served in the Kano State Civil Service from 1971 to 1980 where he reached the position of Under Secretary before he transferred to the Bank of the North where he reached the position of Assistant General Manager. In 1990, he was appointed Special Adviser to the President on Police Affairs, and in 1992 he became Director of Administration in the Presidency; and in the same year he was appointed Makaman Kano. In 1993, he was appointed Principal Private Secretary to the Head of State and was transferred to the Ecological Office in 1997 as Permanent Secretary where he remained until his retirement from the Civil Service in 1999. A seasoned Public Administrator, Abdullahi Sarki Ibrahim has brought his wealth of experience to the Emirate Council where he has been serving in various committees. He served Kano State Government in various committees in addition to being a trustee of the Inuwar Jama’ar Kano.

Mustapha Abdulmunafi Yunusa was born on August 5th, 1991 at Murtala Mohammed Hospital in the ancient city of Kano. He started his education in their family compound following the family long tradition of starting early Islamic education before joining BUK Staff Nursery School aged 5. He would later start his Primary School education at Sheikh Bashir El-Rayyah where he would continue a blend of Islamic and English education. In 2004, he joined Lufaloy Grammar School, also in Kano, where he stayed for the next six years until he graduated Senior Secondary School having sat for WAEC, NECO and JAMB examinations in 2010. In 2011, Mr Yunusa obtained a degree in Architecture (B.Arch) from Eastern Mediterranean University (2016) and later proceeded to Cyprus International University for his MSc. Architecture both in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Mr. Yunusa also holds certifications in supply chain management and leadership from institutions in Milan, Italy and London in The United Kingdom. He is a licensed to practice Architecture in TRNC and Turkiye. Mr Yunusa has served his family conglomerate for nearly a decade, gaining insightful experience, injecting innovation and fresh ideas into the business processes of the Azman Group. He served as Director of Operations and later Managing Director of Azman Oil and Gas Limited. He spearheaded the company’s expansion in south-south Nigeria and led the company into a winning bid for marginal field bid in conjunction with other business entities. He also served as Member of the Azman University Planning and Implementation Committee; a group of illustrious individuals from academia and industry that brought Azman University to reality. Currently, Mustapha A. Yunusa is the Executive Vice President Education of Azman Group tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the overall affairs of the university. He is also the Deputy Chairman of the University’s Governing Board Mr Yunusa is married with children.

Hajiya Zainab Abdulmunaf is a Participative and Enabling Leader Breaking all Limitations and Striving against all odds as the Managing Director of Azman Farms to ensure the Multi-Billion Naira Azman Rice Mill is a Success.