Abdulmumin Jibrin @50: A Fine Gentleman and a Scholar with Two PhDs
By Adnan Mukhtar
There is a wise saying that if you truly want to know a person, go close to him. For more than nine years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Hon. Dr. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, the lawmaker representing the good people of Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency, where I also have my ancestral roots.
As a young man who has always had a passion for politics, public affairs and leadership, I have admired Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa for several reasons: his eloquence, intelligence, courage, confidence and class. His aspiration to become Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2015, and the campaign that followed, made me admire him even more. His vision and manifesto for the speakership demonstrated a remarkable understanding of the institution and revealed a great deal about his intellectual capacity, leadership ambition and desire to reform the National Assembly.
Interestingly, despite my admiration for him, I did not have the opportunity to come close to Dr. Abdulmumin Jibrin until 2017. Before then, I had even written an article against him, published by TheCable, during the controversial budget-padding episode. With time, however, after following the issues more closely and interacting with him personally, I came to a different conclusion about his role in the matter. I came to understand his actions as an attempt to expose what he believed was wrong and to draw attention to issues he considered detrimental to the integrity of the budgetary process.
That experience taught me an important lesson: sometimes, distance makes us judge people based on perceptions, assumptions and what we hear about them, while proximity gives us the opportunity to understand their true character.
Dr. Abdulmumin Jibrin is not only my elder brother; he is also a mentor and someone who has entrusted me with a level of confidence and access that I deeply appreciate. Over the years, he has brought me very close to him, to the extent that he seeks my advice on a number of issues. To me, that is a great honour because it is not every elder or leader who is willing to listen to the opinion of someone younger than him.
In 2023, shortly before the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, he sent me a WhatsApp message asking me to recommend a media professional who could work with him as an aide in the National Assembly. I recommended Sani Ibrahim Paki, my predecessor as Manager of PRNigeria Centre for Strategic Communication and the current Bureau Chief of Daily Trust newspaper in Kano. I was particularly happy that my recommendation was considered.
In 2024, he again sought my recommendation when he was looking for a good private university where he could enrol his first son. These may appear to be ordinary conversations, but to me, they reflect the level of trust and confidence he has placed in me over the years.
As a media and communication consultant, Dr. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa has also extended his generosity to me, both in cash and in kind. On several occasions, he has engaged my services as his media consultant. Beyond the professional relationship, however, our interactions have given me the opportunity to understand the man behind the public figure.
And I can say this loudly and without hesitation: Kofa is a good man.
Like every human being, he has his strengths and weaknesses. But my personal experience with him has shown me a man who is generous, accessible, intellectually curious and deeply committed to the people and causes he believes in. He is also someone who values relationships and remembers those who have contributed to his journey.
The curriculum vitae of Dr. Abdulmumin Jibrin is inspiring. He holds a BSc, MSc and PhD in International Relations and has attended executive programmes at prestigious institutions, including Harvard and Oxford Universities. Beyond his academic credentials, however, what is even more important is how he has continued to deploy his knowledge and experience in public service.
His passion for learning and continuous self-development has not diminished with age or experience. In fact, Kofa has earned a second PhD in Economics from Bayero University, Kano, with a thesis on the economic sustainability of Nigeria. For me, this is an achievement that deserves special recognition.
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At a time when many people consider one doctorate to be the pinnacle of academic achievement, Abdulmumin Jibrin demonstrated that intellectual curiosity does not have an expiry date. Having already earned a PhD in International Relations, he ventured into another discipline, Economics, and successfully earned a second doctorate.
This is not merely about adding another academic title to his name. It speaks to his appetite for knowledge, discipline, intellectual curiosity and determination to continue learning. It also reflects a belief that public leadership requires continuous understanding of the complexities of society and the economy.
His second PhD is particularly significant because of its focus on the economic sustainability of Nigeria. At a time when the country is confronted with serious economic challenges, the decision to deepen his knowledge in economics and undertake research around Nigeria’s economic sustainability is both timely and commendable.
For me, Kofa’s two PhDs tell a story beyond academic certificates. They tell the story of a man who refuses to stop learning.
Through the years, he has made significant contributions to the development of his constituents through various empowerment initiatives. He has also facilitated federal appointments and opportunities for many of his people. These interventions may not always receive the attention they deserve, but for those who have benefited directly from them, they remain important parts of his public service record and legacy.
As a lawmaker, Jibrin has always been vocal in standing for his constituents, Kano State and Northern Nigeria. As far as legislative representation is concerned, I consider Kofa one of the finest, most eloquent and most vocal lawmakers Kano State has produced since 2011.
His experience in the National Assembly has seen him chair and serve on some of the most important committees, including Appropriations, Finance, Housing and Foreign Affairs. These are committees that require experience, knowledge, confidence and the ability to engage with complex national issues.
His legislative interventions, public engagements and ability to articulate issues have made him a prominent voice not only in Kano but also within the wider political space of Northern Nigeria.
Beyond politics and public service, there is also another side of Kofa that those who know him closely will appreciate: his class.
He is a man who pays attention to details. He dresses well, carries himself with confidence, is highly organised and always appears presentable. For him, appearance is not merely about fashion; it is part of how he conducts himself and presents the responsibilities entrusted to him. He has a certain composure and confidence that are difficult to miss whenever he appears in public.
At 50, Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa has reached an important milestone in life. Fifty years is not merely a celebration of age; it is a moment to reflect on the journey so far, the people touched, the battles fought, the lessons learnt and the legacy being built.
For me, it is also an opportunity to appreciate a relationship that has gone beyond politics and professional engagement. I remain grateful for the confidence, mentorship, friendship and opportunities he has extended to me over the years. I have learnt from him, disagreed with him on some issues, worked with him on others, and through it all, I have come to appreciate the man behind the public personality.
At 50, he has not only accumulated years; he has accumulated experiences, responsibilities, achievements and knowledge. And perhaps most importantly, he continues to demonstrate that age should never be a barrier to learning and self-improvement.
From International Relations to Economics, from one PhD to another, his academic journey is a testament to the power of intellectual curiosity and perseverance.
As you attain this golden age of 50, I pray that Almighty Allah grants you many more years in good health, wisdom and strength. May He continue to guide your steps, bless your family, expand your knowledge and enable you to use the years ahead in greater service to God, humanity, Kano State and Nigeria.
May the next chapter of your life bring you greater fulfilment, peace, good health and success. May Allah grant you the wisdom and strength to continue making a positive difference in the lives of the people around you.
Happy 50th Birthday, Maliya!
Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada is a university lecturer and Doctoral Candidate at Bayero University, Kano.
