Ango Abdullahi
Ango Abdullahi | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 13, 1938 Old Giwa village, Nigeria |
| Occupation(s) | Scholar, politician |
| Known for | Vice chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University; Representative for Zaria West constituency, Kaduna State |
Ango Abdullahi (born 13 December 1938) is a distinguished Nigerian scholar and political figure, recognized for his leadership as vice chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University and his role as the representative for the Zaria West constituency in Kaduna State.
Early life and marriage
Originating from Old Giwa village, Abdullahi was married to the late senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, who was popularly referred to as Mama Taraba.
Education
Abdullahi commenced his primary schooling in 1944 at Giwa Elementary School, followed by enrollment at Zaria Middle School. His academic journey continued at Barewa College between 1953 and 1958, then at the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology from 1959 to 1961, and subsequently at the University of Ibadan from 1961 to 1964. He obtained a Master of Science degree in agronomy from Ahmadu Bello University in 1968 and completed his doctorate in agronomy in 1976. By age 40, he had achieved professorship and eventually ascended to the position of vice chancellor at Ahmadu Bello University.
Political career
Abdullahi served as the representative for the Zaria North-West constituency within Kaduna State and held the office of commissioner in North-Central State from 1973 to 1975. His tenure at Ahmadu Bello University included roles as director of agricultural research (1977–1979), deputy vice chancellor in 1979, and vice chancellor from 1979 until 1984. Between 1999 and 2003, he acted as special adviser on food and security matters to President Olusegun Obasanjo.
A practicing Muslim, Ango Abdullahi is also the father of Ango Sadiq Abdullahi, who serves in the House of Representatives.
Awards and honors
In recognition of his contributions, he was bestowed with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by Nigeria’s Federal Government in 2007. Additionally, he received the traditional title Magajin Rafin Zazzau, denoting Custodian of water and agricultural resources, granted by the Zaria Emirate.