Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi
From Hadejia to Nigeria’s technology and public-service landscape.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi’s journey began in Hadejia, Jigawa State. Raised in Makwalla, he grew up in a community where artisanship, trade and practical skills were part of everyday life. His father encouraged him to pursue education and look beyond the immediate possibilities around him.
He went on to study Computer Science at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, beginning a career that would take him through technology, systems architecture, banking and public-sector transformation. His professional journey included Galaxy Backbone and the Central Bank of Nigeria before he joined NITDA in 2017. In August 2019, he was appointed Director-General/CEO of NITDA.
For KIAF, his story is not simply a biography. It is the starting point for a philosophy: where a person starts should not determine how far that person can go.
Founder, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi Foundation
Early Life
Born in Hadejia and raised in Makwalla, Jigawa State, in a community built on artisanship, trade and practical skills.
Education
B.Sc. Computer Science, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. Executive education at MIT Sloan, Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge Judge Business School and IMD.
Career
Galaxy Backbone; Technology Architect at the Central Bank of Nigeria; joined NITDA in 2017 as Technical Assistant to the Director-General.
Leadership
Director-General/CEO of NITDA from August 2019, leading work in digital literacy, innovation, digital transformation, AI and technology infrastructure.
People first. Capability matters. Opportunity changes outcomes.
Leadership Philosophy
Kashifu’s leadership philosophy places emphasis on people, professionalism, innovation, teamwork and creating environments in which capable people can perform. His personal motto is Integrity, Accountability and Equity.
KIAF carries those principles into its own work. We focus on creating opportunities for people to learn, contribute and grow, and on building programmes that can produce measurable results.
Recognised for public service, technology leadership and youth development.
Selected Honours
Public Sector ICT CEO of the Year
Public sector100 Leading Telecom and ICT Personalities in Nigeria
ATCONLeadership Icon Award
2021Democracy Heroes Award
2021Local Content Driver Award
2021Award for Public Service
Blueprint Newspapers · 2021Excellence in Public Service
BusinessDay · 2020Fellowship
Institute of Management Specialists (UK)