Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, is the current Director General at National Institute For Legislative and Democratic Studies. A seasoned leader in the field of governance, he previously served as the Minister for National Planning and Deputy Chairman of the National Planning Commission. Born on the 16th of October 1965, Ilorin, Kwara State to the family of late Lagos based Muslim cleric Alhaji Sulaiman Ajimati. Abubakar is a professor of Political Science and International Relations. Beyond his academic achievements, Abubakar’s personal life is equally enriching, as he is happily married to two exceptional women and is a proud father of seven children.
Abubakar was trained early in the Islamic faith before his early years in primary school were spent at Alore Primary School, he attended Government Secondary School, Balla, where he obtained his Secondary School Certificate.
Thereafter, he studied for his undergraduate degree at Ahmadu Bello University where he obtained a degree in Political Science. He later obtained his masters degree in International and Strategic Studies from the University of Jos. In 2003, Abubakar obtained a Ph.D in International Relations from the University of Abuja.
From 1990 to 1991, he served as a resident officer in the Excise Department of the Customs and Excise in the Plateau State Command. Following this role, between 1991 and 1995, he assumed the position of Manager of Administration and Personnel at Lakeside Estate, Nig. Ltd in Abuja.
With a career spanning over two decades at the University of Abuja, he has nurtured the intellectual growth of students with a guiding hand, addressing the youth’s knowledge gaps with compassion and expertise. His mentorship has led to the successful supervision of over three hundred undergraduate projects and thirty-three Postgraduate dissertations, as well as the publication of numerous journals and books. Notably, he was entrusted with the leadership of the Centre for Peace, Leadership, and Development Studies at the University of Abuja from 2009 to 2011. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Director at the Institute for Legislative Studies at the University of Abuja, where he served from 2017 to 2018, further solidifying his reputation as a distinguished academic and leader in the field of education.
His tenure as Minister of National Planning was marked by significant challenges and rewarding experiences. Appointed during a critical juncture—less than a year before the conclusion of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and also faced with the task of addressing a leadership vacuum within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, where many stakeholders had departed.
Despite these obstacles, he approached the role with a commitment to fulfilling the government’s objectives and positively impacting the lives of the citizens of Kwara State. During his time in office, he successfully oversaw the approval of two major policy frameworks that were pivotal for the nation.
One of his proudest achievements was facilitating civil service employment for over 80 individuals from Kwara State, directly contributing to the economic well-being of the community.
Before assuming the role of Director General at NILDS, he held the position of Deputy Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Council and led the Transition Technical Sub-Committee tasked with overseeing the smooth transfer of power between the administrations of President Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. Abubakar has effectively represented Nigeria on the global stage, including as the Nigerian delegate to the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. His extensive research, publications, and presentations at prestigious conferences and capacity-building events, both domestically and internationally, underscore his commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration on a global scale.
His leadership journey reached new heights when he was appointed as the Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). His appointment represented a critical turning point in his career, as he assumed a pivotal role in advancing legislative and democratic processes in Nigeria.
Under his leadership, NILDS has flourished as a center of excellence for legislative studies and democratic development. He has overseen the institute’s efforts to provide research, training, and policy support for members of the National Assembly, contributing to the strengthening of Nigeria’s democracy. His tenure has witnessed the implementation of innovative programs aimed at enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of legislators, a key pillar in promoting good governance.
The journey of Professor Abubakar O. Sulaiman from his early days to his current role as the Director General of NILDS is a testament to his dedication to education, public service, and democratic development. His contributions to academia, politics, and governance in Nigeria have left an indelible mark on the country’s journey towards a stronger democracy. As a leader, he continues to shape the future of legislative studies and democratic processes, inspiring others with his commitment to the betterment of society. Professor Sulaiman’s life story serves as a source of inspiration for the current and future leaders of Nigeria, a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and a passion for positive change.
Professor Abubakar Sulaiman’s dedication to community empowerment and sustainable development is evident through the establishment of the Amana Foundation. Under his visionary leadership, the foundation focuses on education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and community development to uplift marginalized communities and create lasting positive change. By investing in education, healthcare services, economic empowerment, and community infrastructure, Prof. Sulaiman’s philanthropic vision embodies a holistic approach to fostering societal progress and empowering individuals to thrive.
In recent times, Prof. Sulaiman’s hands-on approach on a progressive society was evident in a heartwarming educational intervention in Kwara State, where essential educational materials were provided to students in need in over 40 public primary and secondary schools across 4 local government areas in kwara state, showcasing his commitment to improving education and making a positive impact in the community.
Additionally “The Amana Project” spearheaded by Prof. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, was a socio-economic development initiative aimed at uplifting the young people of Kwara State. Recognizing education as the foundation for human capital development, the project team successfully registered more than 200 student for free jamb providing opportunities and support to the state’s youth residents. Also in his effort to promote inclusiveness in the free jamb registration, the beneficiaries of the initiative cut across the 53 wards of kwara central of the state. Furthermore, in the spirit of Ramadan that was just concluded in 2024, Prof. Sulaiman embarked on a mission to feed 30,000 people in Kwara State, demonstrating a commitment to charity and community welfare. Additionally, the Farm2Feed Initiative, which is a new initiative led by Prof. Sulaiman, is set to launch a transformative change in Kwara State to bolster agriculture, enhance food security, and empower local farmers. Through land cultivation efforts and comprehensive support programs, the initiative seeks to uplift over 2,000 farmers and contribute to the agricultural sector’s growth in the state.
