INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu
By JOHN ONAH, Abuja-
Professor Mahmood Yakubu is a Nigerian academic and the current chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Born in 1962 in Bauchi State, Nigeria, Yakubu has had a distinguished career in academia and public service.
Yakubu’s academic achievements are impressive. He graduated with a first-class honors degree in History from the University of Sokoto (now Usmanu Danfodiyo University) in 1985. He then proceeded to the University of Cambridge, where he obtained a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) degree in International Relations in 1987. Yakubu earned his Doctor of Philosophy (D.Phil) degree in History from the University of Oxford in 1991, at the age of 29.
Before becoming the INEC chairman, Yakubu served as the executive secretary of the Education Trust Fund (ETF), which later became the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). During his tenure, he introduced several innovations, including: Academic Staff Training and Development programme; Special High Impact Intervention Project, National Research Fund.
Yakubu has also held various academic positions, including lecturer and professor of political history and international studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy. He has published over 50 academic works and has received several awards and honors for his contributions to education and public service.
In his previous role as Executive Secretary of the Education Tax Fund (ETF), now Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), from 2007 to 2012, Yakubu achieved significant milestones. One notable accomplishment was the amendment of the Education Tax Act in 2011, which narrowed the agency’s focus to tertiary education.
In this article, JOHN ONAH, a senior correspondent with NATIONAL ACCORD Newspaper, Abuja, x-ray his achievements as the then Executive Secretary ETF and now as Chairman, INEC
Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure as the Executive Secretary of Education Tax Fund (ETF), now Tertiary Education Trust Fund TETFund), from 2007 to 2012 was marked by significant achievements. One of his notable accomplishments was the amendment of the Education Tax Act in 2011, which narrowed the agency’s focus to tertiary education.
During his tenure, Yakubu introduced several innovative programs, including:
– Academic Staff Training and Development Programme (AST&D): This program sponsored over 5,000 lecturers for postgraduate studies, both within and outside Nigeria, to enhance their capacity and break the culture of inbreeding .
– Conference Attendance Programme: This program provided opportunities for teaching and non-teaching staff to attend conferences and workshops, enhancing their skills and knowledge .
– Higher Education Book Development Fund: Yakubu resuscitated this fund, which aimed to encourage the production and consumption of locally produced books and journals.
– Research Fund: In 2009, Yakubu initiated a Research Fund with an allocation of N3 billion, promoting research and innovation in tertiary institutions .
Under Yakubu’s leadership, TETFund’s revenue increased significantly, with the agency netting N463 billion as Education Tax through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) from take-off to 2010 . His efforts were recognized with fellowship awards from several institutions, including Yaba College of Technology and Lagos State Polytechnic.
How the transformation of ETF to TETFund impacted tertiary education in Nigeria
The transformation of the Education Tax Fund (ETF) to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has had a profoundly positive impact on tertiary education in Nigeria. Established in 2011, TETFund was designed to address the perennial underfunding of public tertiary institutions in Nigeria .
One of the most significant effects of TETFund has been the massive infusion of funds into the tertiary education sector. Between 2011 and 2021, TETFund expended over 2.5 trillion Naira (approximately EUR 5.6 billion) on various projects, including the construction of lecture halls, laboratories, student residences, offices, and roads. This investment has led to a significant improvement in the infrastructure and learning environment of public tertiary institutions.
In addition to infrastructural development, TETFund has also had a profound impact on human capacity development. The fund has sponsored over 10,000 lecturers for postgraduate studies, both within and outside Nigeria, leading to a significant improvement in the quality of teaching and learning.
TETFund’s impact on tertiary education in Nigeria can be seen in several key areas:
– Infrastructural Development: TETFund has funded the construction of over 152,000 projects across various tertiary institutions, improving the learning environment and academic experience .
– Human Capacity Development: The fund has sponsored thousands of lecturers for postgraduate studies, leading to a significant improvement in the quality of teaching and learning.
– Research and Development: TETFund has provided funding for research and development projects, promoting innovation and academic excellence in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Overall, the transformation of ETF to TETFund a brainchild of Yakubu, has been a game-changer for tertiary education in Nigeria, providing a sustainable funding mechanism that has improved the quality of teaching, learning, and research in public tertiary institutions .
However, Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria has been marked by controversy and criticism, despite his achievements. While I couldn’t find specific information on why he’s considered the “most hated,” several factors might have contributed to the public’s perception.
Yakubu has been at the helm of INEC since 2015, overseeing several elections, including the 2019 general elections, which were marred by allegations of rigging, logistical issues, and violence . These challenges might have eroded public trust in his leadership.
Additionally, there have been concerns about INEC’s independence and impartiality under Yakubu’s leadership. Some critics argue that the commission has been influenced by political interests, which could have undermined the credibility of the electoral process.
It’s also worth noting that Yakubu has been the subject of fake news and misinformation, including false reports of his death . This kind of misinformation can further polarize public opinion and create unnecessary tension.
Why is Professor Mahmood Yakubu the most hated INEC chairman in Nigeria even after many achievement
Despite these challenges, Yakubu has achieved several milestones during his tenure, including the successful conduct of several elections and the introduction of new technologies to improve the electoral process . However, the controversies surrounding his leadership have likely overshadowed these achievements in the eyes of many Nigerians.
. Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s innovations at INEC include:
1. Introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS)*: A technological innovation that combines fingerprint and facial recognition for voter accreditation.
2. Electronic Transmission of Result: Yakubu introduced the electronic transmission of results from polling units to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), enhancing transparency and reducing the risk of result manipulation.
3. INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV): A platform that enables citizens to view polling unit results in real-time, promoting transparency and accountability.
4. Voter Registration Portal: An online platform that allows eligible voters to register and update their voter information.
5. Improved Election Logistics: Yakubu introduced measures to enhance the efficiency of election logistics, including the use of technology to track the movement of sensitive materials.
6. Enhanced Voter Education: He emphasized voter education and awareness, ensuring that citizens are informed about the electoral process and their rights.
7. Strengthened Partnership with Stakeholders*: Yakubu fostered partnerships with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and security agencies, to promote a peaceful and credible electoral process.
These innovations have contributed to the enhancement of the electoral process in Nigeria, promoting transparency, accountability, and credibility.
According to Kayode Anjorin from from Ibadan, in 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria, led by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made significant strides toward strengthening democracy in the country. This year was marked by groundbreaking achievements that set new standards for free, fair, and credible elections. Despite some negativity in public discourse, it became clear that Yakubu’s leadership was the foundation upon which these successes were built. The facts are simple: Yakubu should not be sacked, and the calls for his dismissal, like those from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, are wrong and unfounded. His tenure was not only a testament to his capability but also an assurance that INEC could operate transparently and impartially under his guidance.
According to him, 2024 was a milestone year for INEC under the direction of Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The election process was smoother and more efficient than ever before, showcasing the commission’s ability to manage electoral challenges with professionalism. This significant progress came from Yakubu’s vision of integrating technology and bolstering the electoral framework. As many observers have noted, the election was not just an event; it was a statement that INEC, led by Yakubu, is committed to the highest standards of electoral integrity.
Critics who claimed that Yakubu should be sacked were mistaken. Yakubu’s leadership was anything but corrupt, and accusations to the contrary did not hold up against the evidence. He maintained transparency in every stage of the election, from the voter registration process to the announcement of results. His decisions and the manner in which he led the commission demonstrated that he was indeed the right person for the job. Despite the noise from some quarters, including calls for his dismissal, Yakubu’s work proved that his commitment to fairness and democracy was unwavering.
“One of the most unfounded aspects of the year was the repeated calls for Yakubu’s removal. Former President Obasanjo’s insistence that Yakubu should be sacked was not only misplaced but also counterproductive. Yakubu’s tenure had seen unprecedented electoral improvements, which directly contradicted claims of inefficiency or corruption. His leadership was characterized by proactive reforms, an efficient electoral process, and the fair treatment of all political parties. The calls for his dismissal did not reflect the reality of his positive influence on Nigeria’s democratic landscape”.
By focusing on the tangible improvements made by Yakubu and the successes of INEC under his leadership, it is clear that his position as chairman was well-deserved. Dismissing Yakubu would not only have undermined these achievements but also sent a wrong signal to the Nigerian people that progress could be easily disrupted by unfounded political attacks.
Throughout his tenure, Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s conduct consistently demonstrated that he is not corrupt. Unlike previous instances in Nigeria’s electoral history, where claims of misconduct were rampant, Yakubu led INEC with a focus on ethical standards and professional excellence. His transparency and commitment were evident in the way INEC handled election logistics, managed technology for biometric verification, and promptly responded to voter concerns.
Despite the negative buzz around accusations of corruption, Yakubu’s integrity was proven by the high levels of public trust and international commendations that INEC received in 2024. These endorsements came from observers, media, and civil society organizations that lauded his fair approach. His reputation as a leader who placed the interests of Nigeria above any personal or political motives was reinforced as the election concluded successfully.
As Nigeria moves forward from 2024, it is clear that Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure was a turning point for INEC. The results of the year speak for themselves: under his leadership, INEC became a model of electoral reliability, inspiring confidence and trust among voters. Calls for Yakubu to be sacked were not just wrong; they were a misguided attempt to discredit the progress that had been made.
The focus now should be on continuing to build on the foundation that Yakubu laid. His leadership demonstrated that with honesty, transparency, and effective reform, it is possible to achieve electoral success. INEC’s positive outcomes in 2024 can be attributed to Yakubu’s unyielding dedication to democratic principles, making him one of the most effective INEC chairmen in recent memory.
In 2024, under the unwavering guidance of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC proved that it could be an institution rooted in credibility and fairness. While some sought to discredit his work, they failed to diminish the evidence of his success. Yakubu should not be sacked, as such a move would be both unjust and detrimental to the progress Nigeria has made. He is not corrupt and has consistently shown that his loyalty lies with the Nigerian people and the democratic process. As Nigeria looks to the future, Yakubu’s legacy of transparent, fair, and credible elections will continue to inspire confidence in the nation’s electoral system.
