By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo, anipr

On 31st December, 2024 Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi’s appointment was approved as the substantive Vice chancellor, University of Abuja by the university’s Governing board chaired by Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita (Rtd) .It was approved during the 77th Extraordinary Meeting of the Council.I congratulate the brand new Vice Chancellor of university of Abuja, because she has indeed overcome the campaign of calumny in the media against her. God is great.

It would be recalled that she was appointed as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university when Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah completed his five -year tenure .Since then she has been working hard to sustain the standard of the university. Despite that the adversaries had been condemning her that she had no experience. I laughed, because this is a woman who has been Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University, before her ascension to the position of the acting Vice Chancellor. Power belongs to God and He gives it to whoever He wants. To those who felt cold about her appointment, they should accept the verdict of the Almighty and work with her to succeed. If their concern is to make the university of Abuja better and stronger, then the only option is to support her with all sincerity. In togetherness the university will do well in the community of universities and educational services.

To the brand new Vice Chancellor , here is my advice:run an inclusive administrative system. Nobody is your foe, you only have some members of staff with different interests; the interests may not be permanent most especially if you are doing the right thing. Pay attention to the antics of sycophants. Show love to everyone, but never compromise the standard of the university. You are lucky, because you are loved by many as it is evidence in the jubilation that culminated the announcement of your appointment on the University campus.

Essentially, building on the legacies of your predecessor, Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, which centered on transformation, innovation and prudence would help you a great deal.May Allah guide you

Profile of the Substantive VC

Prior to her appointment as the substantive Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi served in an acting capacity from 5th July 2024. During this period, she worked closely with the Governing Council to stabilise the University through a challenging crisis, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment.

Born on 31st January 1983 in Katsin in
Finally, UniAbuja Appoints Law Professor, Aisha Maikudi the Substantive Vice Chancellor
Maikudi’s academic excellence took her to the University of Reading, where she earned an LLB in 2004. She further specialised in Public International Law, obtaining an LLM from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2005. After completing her legal education at the Nigerian Law School (2006–2007), she pursued and had a PhD in International Law from the University of Abuja in 2015.

She joined the University of Abuja as a Lecturer II on 4th September 2008, and rose through the ranks to become a professor in 2021.

Prof Maikudi broke barriers as the first female Head of Department in 2013, the first female Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law in 2018, and the pioneer Director of the University of Abuja International Centre in 2019. She also served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), where she was instrumental in enhancing academic standards and promoting a culture of excellence at the University.

An innovator in her field, she introduced the ‘United Nations Law’ course at the University of Abuja in 2019, backed by extensive research and numerous publications in academic journals and book chapters. She is also highly experienced in supervising theses and dissertations, contributing to the growth of legal scholarship.

Maikudi has represented her university and country at numerous national and international conferences, workshops, and training sessions across the UK, US, South Africa, Germany, Italy, China, Ghana, and Egypt. She has presented papers at many of these events, further solidifying her global reputation as an academic leader.

The new Vice-Chancellor is an active member of several professional organisations, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigerian Law Teachers Association (NLTA), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and Nigerian Society of International Law.

According to the Director, Information and University Relations,Dr Habib Yakoob “her tenure promises a new era of progress and transformation for the University of Abuja”

Congratulations!

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.comc

By Rabiu Alhassan Elkanawi

KAYI Microfinance Bank is at the forefront of expanding digital financial services to underbanked communities in Northern Nigeria, particularly through its Grassroots Engagement and Empowerment Programme. By focusing on Tsangaya (Almajiri) schools, which traditionally provide Islamic education but often struggle financially, the bank offers a model that fuses financial literacy, technological tools, and community-based enterprise. This practical approach to financial inclusion aims to unlock the economic potential of marginalized populations while respecting local traditions and educational structures.
Central to this model is the provision of a five-million-naira grant package for each participating Tsangaya school. This funding covers the cost of Point-of-Sale (POS) machines and training in both financial literacy and business management. As a result, each school can establish and operate a cash point business, enabling nearby residents to deposit, withdraw, and transfer funds without traveling long distances. By fostering these local “banking hubs,” the programme not only mitigates logistical barriers but also encourages a culture of savings and financial responsibility in areas previously overlooked by formal financial institutions.

KAYI Microfinance Bank’s strategy goes beyond hardware distribution. Its training modules equip school leaders, students, and administrators with critical skills in accounting, customer service, and entrepreneurial management. Over time, these Tsangaya schools transition into community-driven economic centers, helping their communities diversify income streams and reduce street begging. By integrating business principles into the educational framework, the programme cultivates an environment where students can learn practical finance skills alongside religious teachings, bridging the gap between education and enterprise.

Leadership at KAYI Microfinance Bank has played a key role in steering this initiative. Chaired by Alhaji Saadina Hamidu Dantata, the bank’s direction underscores a broader, institution-wide commitment to community development rather than mere profit-making. Government agencies and local policymakers also stand to bolster the programme’s reach by providing regulatory support, subsidies, or policy frameworks that encourage replication in additional locations. Such collaborations could accelerate the pace of financial inclusion and economic growth across the region.

Looking ahead, KAYI Microfinance Bank remains focused on refining its Grassroots Engagement and Empowerment Programme. The goal is to replicate and scale up the model, ensuring that more remote communities in Northern Nigeria can enjoy consistent access to financial services, training, and technology. With education and enterprise working hand in hand, the initiative highlights how inclusive financial strategies—rooted in local culture and community involvement—can fuel sustainable development for generations to come.

Rabiu Alhassan Elkanawi writes from Kano and he can be reached via alhassanelkanawi@gmail.com

In an age characterized by digital disruption, Abubakar Sadiq Umar has established himself as an interesting entrepreneur. Sadiq’s professional experience stretches across borders and industries, and he has built a name for himself as a man who delivers his ambition, the latest being his mentorship platform, AltMentor. His endeavor does not only change the intersection between technology and mentorship but also serves a larger purpose which is advancing Africa’s place in the global technology story.

The Seed of Innovation: Envestlab’s Rise
For Abubakar Sadiq, creativity started with Envestlab, a venture aimed at nurturing the tech ecosystem of Northern Nigeria. The annual tech conferences of EnvestLab as well as vigorous hackathon competitions have become an important landmark for entrepreneurs. These conferences go beyond the superficial trappings of networking; they are fertile grounds where ideas meet execution.
With the aid of Envestlab, Sadiq gives chances to young inventors to come together, showcase their ideas, and obtain sufficient resources to kick start their projects. The hackathons have been transformed into a trademark of the initiative where select novel business ideas are recognized and nurtured.
It is in such a glare of creativity and competition that Sadiq’s philosophy comes into action. He has always sought to say that Africa does not receive technology. It provides it, this is the idea that inspired the creation of EnvestLab.
A Marketing Virtuoso

Prior to his entrepreneurial journey, Abubakar Sadiq nurtured his craft through positions that placed him at the forefront of technology. As the Head of Digital Marketing, Northflix experienced his flair for engaging with the audience. He was able to implement the company’s brand further through campaigns based on data analysis and telling of stories, especially in the rather crowded cyberspace.

Abubakar Sadiq Umar

Charting a Global Career in Blockchain
Furthering his range of skills, his time at Green Life Energy (GLE), a UK based renewable energy blockchain startup, introduced him to decentralized technologies. In view of this, Sadiq, as Project Manager and Director of Partnerships, made attempts at bridging the gaps towards the adoption of Blockchain and devising methods to use the still young form of technology.
Remarkably, Abubakar Sadiq was named Binance Blockchain Week Dubai 2022 Star of the Day, standing out among thousands of attendees. This award marked his rising stature in the global technological arena and marked his prowess in linking new inventions with practical use.

Sadiq’s career progressed in tandem with Gameness, a Turkish company involved in esports and focused on the blockchain industry which was once known as NerfIT. In Gameness, as the Head of Partnerships, Sadiq strategically aligned the company’s blockchain offerings to be tempered and adapted with the rapidly changing needs of the eSports environment. These experiences rounded out his skill set, equipping him with a nuanced understanding of both product innovation as well as market positioning, both of which are fundamental to successful entrepreneurial ventures.

AltMentor: The Next Frontier in Mentorship
As per Sadiq, that’s why his latest Startup, AltMentor, is timely as well as ambitious. With the focus on commencement in the first quarter of 2025, the platform seeks a different approach to mentorship. AltMentor connects mentors with mentees through a fee-based model, creating a sustainable ecosystem where knowledge sharing becomes both accessible and rewarding.
To Sadiq, AltMentor is not merely a business; it is a movement. At its core is the belief that mentorship structured, personalized, and goal-oriented has the power to transform lives. “Everyone deserves access to the wisdom of those who have walked the path before them,” he says, articulating a vision that is as inclusive as it is ambitious.
The platform’s goal of reaching a $100 million valuation within 24 months is backed by its robust scalability and global appeal. AltMentor aims to connect millions of users, from young professionals seeking guidance to seasoned experts looking to impart their knowledge. The dual benefit of empowering mentors while equipping mentees positions the platform as a potential game-changer in Africa’s education and professional development landscape.
The Broader Vision

Sadiq’s work with AltMentor and Envestlab reflects a broader narrative: the recalibration of Africa’s place in global innovation. By focusing on mentorship and entrepreneurship, he addresses two critical gaps that often hinder the continent’s growth: access to knowledge and the support needed to scale ideas.
His dream is larger than those associated with the platforms he has developed. Sadiq sees Africa as the next big tech powerhouse, not for replicating others’ inventions, but for creating original ones. By nurturing the culture of mentorship and supporting entrepreneurs, he is building a system where the next generation will be empowered to prosper.

A Legacy in the Making

Sadiq has an inspiring story to tell as his tale depicts the promise and growth potential as the launch of AltMentor is approaching. His belief in innovation and collaboration is unwavering as we can see from his journey of supporting startups at Envestlab throughout the birth of AltMentor and everything in between.
It is as transformative as it is enticing for Investors, mentors and mentees to be a part of AltMentor venture. He has been vocal about the purpose of the platform and considering his previous milestones it’s safe to say that the venture is targeted towards making profits while also solving critical problems.

Abubakar Sadiq Umar is a leader with a vision, and in his envisioned world technology does not only solve problems but rather creates a multitude of opportunities. He is the person who has dreams but even more importantly acts. He is able to demonstrate how the continent of Africa and the world at large can innovate and develop.

Rukayya Sani Ashir writes from Kano.
She can be reached via email saniashirrukayya@gmail.com