Professor Mahmood Yakubu is a renowned Nigerian academic and public administrator who currently serves as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, he has been instrumental in overseeing Nigeria’s electoral processes, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections. Yakubu is celebrated for his commitment to electoral reforms and technological innovations, making him a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic development.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Mahmood Yakubu |
| Date of Birth | May 1962 |
| Place of Birth | Bauchi State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Bauchi State |
| Partner | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Children | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Occupations | Academic, Public Administrator, INEC Chairman |
| Net Worth | N/A |
Early Life and Education
Born in May 1962 in Bauchi State, Nigeria, Mahmood Yakubu attended Kobi Primary School and later Government Teachers’ College, Toro, where he earned a Grade II Teachers’ Certificate in 1980. He was the top student in his class.
In 1980, Yakubu gained admission to the University of Sokoto (now Usmanu Danfodiyo University), where he studied History and graduated with a first-class honors degree in 1985.
This achievement made him the first student from Northern Nigeria to earn such distinction in the History department.
During his undergraduate studies, he received the Waziri of Sokoto Prize for Best Graduating Student and was a Federal Government Merit Award scholar from 1983 to 1985.
Yakubu pursued further education abroad with scholarships. He earned a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) in International Relations from the University of Cambridge in 1987 and completed his Doctorate (D.Phil) in Nigerian History at the University of Oxford in 1991.
His academic journey was marked by several prestigious awards, including the Commonwealth Scholarship and Beit Fund Research Grant.
Career
Yakubu began his academic career as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Jos during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year (1985–1986).
After completing his postgraduate studies abroad, he rejoined the University of Jos as Lecturer I in 1992.
He later moved to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, where he rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Political History and International Studies by 1998 at the age of 36.
At NDA, Yakubu held several administrative positions, including Head of the Department of History, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and Director of Academic Planning. He also served on various national committees related to education reform and development.
From 2007 to 2012, Yakubu served as the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), where he introduced innovative programs such as the National Research Fund and Academic Staff Training and Development program. His tenure significantly improved Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
In October 2015, Mahmood Yakubu was appointed Chairman of INEC. Under his leadership, INEC implemented reforms such as continuous voter registration, technological innovations like Smart Card Readers for voter accreditation, and an online results portal (IReV). These measures enhanced transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Personal Life
Mahmood Yakubu hails from Bauchi State in northern Nigeria. While details about his personal life are not widely publicized, it is known that he is married with children. His family remains private as he focuses on his public service responsibilities.
Mahmood Yakubu Net Worth
Although Mahmood Yakubu’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, his wealth is primarily attributed to his earnings as an academic and public servant.
There is no record suggesting significant private business ventures or financial controversies linked to him.
Works
Professor Yakubu has authored over 50 academic publications covering political history and international studies.
His contributions extend beyond academia into policy-making through roles on various presidential committees on education reform and governance.
As INEC Chairman, his notable achievements include:
- Expanding voter registration to over 93 million Nigerians.
- Introducing technological tools for election management.
- Advocating for electoral reforms aimed at diaspora voting and electronic voting systems.
Mahmood Yakubu’s legacy is defined by his dedication to improving Nigeria’s educational system and electoral integrity through innovation and reform.
