Prof. Usman to Receive Gen. IBM Haruna Excellence Award in Strategy
By Matthew Eloyi
OurNigeria News Magazine has announced that Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has been selected to receive the Gen. IBM Haruna Excellence Award in Strategy at the 7th edition of the OurNigeria News Awards, scheduled to hold on January 31, 2026, in Abuja.
The award recognises Nigerians whose leadership, innovation and service have made significant contributions to national development. Prof. Usman was selected in recognition of his academic accomplishments, policy contributions and leadership roles across the education and public sectors.
Professor Usman is an accomplished academic and administrator with extensive training in Islamic Studies. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, a Master’s degree from the University of Peshawar, Pakistan, and a Ph.D. from Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. He has attained the rank of Professor and has authored several scholarly works in Islamic theology and jurisprudence.
In the Nigerian university system, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Al-Qalam University, Katsina, where he was also an Associate Professor. He has taught and lectured internationally, including a stint as a visiting professor in Ghana, and has contributed to curriculum development in Islamic and humanities disciplines. He is a fellow of professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria, and has served on academic committees and advisory panels at state universities.
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Beyond academia, Prof. Usman has played prominent roles in public policy and administration, particularly in the management of pilgrimage affairs. From 2019 to 2023, he served as Chairman of the Kano State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, where he led reforms aimed at improving Hajj operations and expanding outreach to intending pilgrims. Under his leadership, the board implemented measures to enhance logistics, welfare services and public enlightenment.
In October 2024, the Nigerian Senate confirmed him as Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Since assuming office, he has overseen strategic initiatives to strengthen the administration of the Hajj, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with four Islamic banks to enhance the Hajj Savings Scheme. The initiative is designed to improve transparency, accessibility and compliance with Islamic finance principles in pilgrimage funding.
Professor Usman has also served in various advisory roles to government and civic institutions and has been involved in state and national commissions. His leadership experience spans academic administration, public service and large-scale organisational management.
The Gen. IBM Haruna Excellence Award in Strategy places Prof. Usman among recipients recognised for applying knowledge, planning and leadership to address national challenges. His selection underscores the role of academic scholarship and strategic leadership in Nigeria’s development efforts.