Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah
Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 15, 1948 Bida, Niger State, Nigeria |
| Occupation(s) | Statesman, Politician |
| Years active | 1974–present |
| Known for | Minister of Agriculture (2010–2011) |
Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah (born 15 March 1948) is a Nigerian statesman who held the position of Minister of Agriculture from 6 April 2010 until 29 May 2011, having been appointed by acting president Goodluck Jonathan.
Early life and education
Abdullah's birthplace is Bida, located in Niger State. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria in 1974, where he studied alongside his close associate Abdullahi Aliyu Sumaila. Subsequently, he completed a Master of Business Administration at Syracuse University in 1977.
Career
Abdullah's professional focus has been on human resource management and development, particularly at ABU, where he earned his doctorate in 1990. During the tenure of Late Gen. Sani Abacha, he contributed as a member of the vision 2010 committee and also served as a federal commissioner on the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission. Between 2003 and 2008, he led the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) as its director general, an institution dedicated to training in public administration. In August 2008, he became part of the Abuja City University Steering Committee and took on the role of chairperson for the African Management Development Institutes' Network based in Pretoria, South Africa.
While serving as Minister of Agriculture, Abdullah addressed major issues within a sector that employs approximately 70% of Nigerians. Despite considerable government subsidies, agricultural output remained limited, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing programs.
He was promoted from the chieftaincy title Chigarin Nupe to Magajin Garin Nupe by HRH Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, succeeding the late Justice Jibrin Ndajiwo.