Few traditional institutions in northern Nigeria carry the historical depth and distinctive character of the Gumel Emirate. Founded in the 18th century, Gumel has survived more than two and a half centuries of political, social and cultural change while retaining its identity and the authority of its traditional leadership. Its history predates modern Nigeria, reflects the influence of the Kanem‑Borno world, and evolved through interactions with Hausa states and the wider northern region.

The throne has passed through generations of rulers, from Dan Juma I, regarded as the founder of the emirate, to Maina Muhammad Sani II, who ruled from 1944 to 1981. His son, Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, succeeded him and went on to become one of the longest‑serving first‑class traditional rulers in Nigeria. The late Emir Ahmed Muhammad Sani II did not merely inherit the throne; he arrived with a rich background in public administration and politics. He worked with the Gumel Native Authority, served in the Nigeria Immigration Service, and later became Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs and Culture in the old Kano State. He played a role in establishing the Triumph newspaper, CTV67 and expanding Radio Kano—institutions that shaped media development in the region. When he ascended the throne in 1980, he brought that experience with him, guiding Gumel through decades of change.

That history matters because it sets the stage for the arrival of his successor. Following the death of Ahmed Muhammad Sani II on September 3, after 46 years on the throne, the question of succession was not simply about filling a vacant stool. It was about finding someone capable of carrying forward an institution defined by long service, education, public engagement and stability. On September 6, the Jigawa State Government approved the appointment of Dr. Lawan Ahmed Muhammad Sani as the 17th Emir of Gumel, following recommendations from the kingmakers and the Jigawa State Council of Chiefs. Until his appointment, he was the Chiroman Gumel and served as Director of Cybersecurity at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Dr. Lawan’s professional background brings a distinctive dimension to the historic throne. He holds a PhD in Computer and Communication Systems Engineering from Universiti Putra Malaysia, an MSc in Computing from De Montfort University in Leicester, and a bachelor’s degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. His career spans academia, research and public administration. He spent more than a decade in Saudi Arabia, serving as Chairman of the Computer Science and Engineering Department at the University of Hafr Al‑Batin. He previously lectured at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia, where he headed a smartcard research group. His research interests include computer and network security, smart cards, cloud computing and wireless communication systems. He has supervised postgraduate students, examined research work, published internationally and participated in funded projects.

This combination of traditional leadership and extensive experience in technology presents Gumel with an opportunity to connect its heritage with the demands of a changing world. Dr. Lawan’s reign should not be viewed as an attempt to match or surpass that of his father. Every reign is shaped by its own moment. His father led Gumel through a different Nigeria; Dr. Lawan inherits the throne at a time that calls for new ideas and priorities while preserving the values that have sustained the emirate.

Education offers one of the clearest opportunities. An Emirate Education and Skills Initiative could identify promising young people and provide scholarships, mentorship and practical digital training. Beyond university admission, such a programme could connect students with professionals and institutions that help them develop employable skills in software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, digital communications and other areas of the growing digital economy. The palace does not need to become a technology institution; it only needs to use its influence to bring together universities, professionals, government agencies and development organisations.

Dr. Lawan could also support a community cybersecurity and digital literacy programme. With online fraud, identity theft, scams and misinformation increasingly affecting Nigerians, communities need practical knowledge about protecting themselves online. Schools, small businesses, civil servants and young people could benefit from periodic training delivered in partnership with universities and technology organisations.

His research background could contribute to a more evidence‑based approach to community development. The emirate could work with universities to collect basic data on education, agriculture, youth employment, health and local businesses. Such information would help leaders understand local needs and identify areas where intervention would have the greatest impact.

Agriculture should remain central to the development agenda. Gumel and its surrounding communities have strong agricultural roots, and technology can help farmers access market information, weather updates, extension services and potential buyers. A practical pilot involving local farmers, agricultural institutions and technology partners could provide a useful starting point.

Yet his most important responsibility will remain the human side of traditional leadership. A modern Emir’s influence cannot be measured only by initiatives introduced during his reign. People will come to the palace with family disputes, economic difficulties, questions about education, concerns about security and requests for support. The strength of traditional leadership lies in its ability to listen, mediate, provide guidance and build trust.

Dr. Lawan inherits more than a throne; he inherits a tradition of service. His father’s long reign leaves him with a significant legacy and a strong foundation upon which to build. If more children remain in school, if young people acquire useful skills, if farmers gain better access to markets, if entrepreneurs find new opportunities, if digital safety improves and if the emirate becomes better connected to its professionals at home and abroad, then his journey from the university laboratory to the royal palace will have acquired a deeper meaning.

The crown should not mark the end of Dr. Lawan’s professional journey. It should be the point at which the knowledge, experience and networks he has accumulated over the years are brought to bear in service of a much larger community. His task is not to replicate the reigns of his predecessors, but to honour what they built, preserve what must be preserved and bring fresh ideas to the challenges facing his people.

That may be the most fitting way to carry forward a throne that has endured for centuries.

Shuaib S. Agaka is a tech journalist and digital policy analyst based in Kano.

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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned two landmark digital innovation and healthcare facilities in Hadejia, Jigawa State, describing them as strategic investments that will accelerate technological advancement, improve healthcare delivery and empower young Nigerians with future-ready skills.

The projects, Bola Ahmed Tinubu  Academy and Senator Oluremi Tinubu Clinic, were inaugurated in Hadejia Local Government Area as part of broader efforts to promote innovation-driven development and expand access to quality healthcare in underserved communities.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the First Lady said the facilities align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises healthcare, digital transformation, human capital development and inclusive socio-economic growth.

She noted that the integrated innovation and healthcare hub would bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and medical services while creating opportunities for digital skills acquisition, research, entrepreneurship and improved health outcomes.

Mrs. Tinubu urged young Nigerians to maximise the opportunities provided by the Academy by acquiring digital and entrepreneurial skills capable of positioning them for leadership in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.

She also commended the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, for his visionary leadership and sustained efforts toward expanding digital inclusion, innovation and technology-driven development across the country.

PRNigeria gathered that the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Clinic was constructed and fully equipped by FutureMap Foundation in partnership with eHealth Africa in recognition of the First Lady’s commitment to improving healthcare services for vulnerable and underserved populations.

Scenes from the newly commissioned Bola Ahmed Tinubu Academy and Senator Oluremi Tinubu Clinic in Hadejia, Jigawa State

Meanwhile , the Bola Ahmed Tinubu  Academy, is a Federal Government initiative implemented by NITDA to nurture digital talent, promote research, strengthen innovation and support the growth of Nigeria’s knowledge-based economy.

The Academy boasts world-class facilities covering the entire innovation ecosystem, including a Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab), Innovation Laboratory, Health Wearables Research Unit, Advanced Prosthetics Centre, Pitch and Incubation Space, Atrium, Theatre and Auditorium, Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre, Training Classrooms and Student Hostels.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, explained that the Academy and the Clinic were deliberately designed as complementary institutions where technological innovations can be translated into practical healthcare solutions.

According to him, the facilities will drive research and the development of indigenous digital technologies for the early detection, prevention and management of chronic kidney disease and other critical health challenges.

He described the Bola Ahmed Tinubu  Academy as a sustainability-driven innovation hub that will convert technical knowledge into commercially viable products capable of addressing societal challenges, creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth.

“Beyond developing digital skills, the Academy will nurture innovators and entrepreneurs whose ideas and solutions can improve lives, strengthen healthcare delivery and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s digital economy,” he said.

Inuwa further disclosed that the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Clinic would function not only as a modern primary healthcare facility but also as a deployment centre where health technologies developed by researchers and innovators at the Academy’s Fabrication Laboratory would be tested and deployed for public benefit.

He said the facility is equipped with a modern dialysis centre, fully fitted operating theatre, labour and maternity wards, integrated oxygen supply system and reliable power infrastructure to guarantee uninterrupted healthcare services.

The commissioning comes shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO) to coordinate Nigeria’s digital health transformation agenda.

The President also constituted a high-level Steering Committee, with NITDA as one of the key implementing agencies, to provide strategic direction for the initiative.

Observers say the commissioning of the Hadejia innovation academy and healthcare centre represents another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to harness technology, research and innovation to improve healthcare delivery, deepen digital inclusion and accelerate sustainable national development.

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Malam Inuwa Academy (MIA) has successfully enrolled and trained 520 young students over the past two years, marking a significant milestone in its mission to integrate Islamic knowledge with Western education in northern Nigeria.

The academy’s progress was showcased during a recent Musabaqa and Science Fair attended by Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITDA). Students demonstrated their knowledge and eloquence through Quran memorization, debates, quizzes, and spelling bees — a display that organizers described as “a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community decides to invest in its own future.”

The event highlighted the academy’s commitment to bridging traditional Islamic scholarship with contemporary Western education. Students across all categories participated enthusiastically, impressing attendees with their proficiency in both domains.

In recognition of their achievements, outstanding pupils received bicycles, cash prizes, and other valuable gifts. A particularly notable moment came when the first student to complete the memorization of the entire Quran at the academy received promised awards including a bicycle, computer, cash, and additional gifts.

Commending both the students’ performance and their mentors’ dedication, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi presented cash gifts to teachers, whom he described as “the backbone of the school.” The gesture underscored the vital role educators play in the institution’s success.

Established under the Malam Inuwa Foundation, the academy has drawn praise from community leaders and guests who attended the ceremony. Observers noted that combining Quranic knowledge with Western education represents the most effective educational model for northern Nigeria, equipping young people to thrive in modern society while maintaining their cultural and religious heritage.

“It is always good to be home,” said Malam Kashifu, reflecting on the event in his hometown as 2025 draws to a close. “Mentoring, encouraging, and reminding our children of the importance of pursuing both Islamic and Western education remains one of my ways of giving back to society.”

What began as a modest initiative has evolved into a growing movement. Academy officials say this achievement represents only the beginning of their ambitions for educational transformation in the region.

“Let this inspire you: give back to your hometown, support a child, strengthen a school, build a future,” organizers said in a statement. “The change we seek starts with us.”

The academy’s model offers a template for educational institutions seeking to honor traditional values while preparing students for the demands of a globalized world.

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Organized by the FutureMap Foundation with support from national and international partners, the camp ran from July 28 to August 15, 2025, and brought together 1,070 students from 45 schools. Notably, organizers ensured that at least 40 percent of the attendees were girls, reflecting a deliberate effort to encourage female participation in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Hands-on Learning and Cultural Immersion
Supported by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), The Peace Institute, Beyond Mentors, Wesley College, and the University of Rome, the program featured seven guest facilitators and three FutureMap tutors. Students received hands-on lessons in core areas including engineering, coding, and digital creativity.

Beyond the classroom, students participated in a cultural tour of Kano, where they explored traditional industries like leatherwork and indigo dyeing, connecting modern science with local heritage. The camp concluded with a soiree celebrating cultural exchange and teamwork.

Positive Impact and Future Plans

Community feedback on the initiative has been overwhelmingly positive, with parents, teachers, and local leaders praising the program for raising awareness about the importance of STEAM education. Teachers reported greater confidence in applying new methods, and students expressed renewed interest in science and technology careers.
The impact of the camp was rated 4 out of 5 by the foundation. FutureMap emphasized that its model—which successfully integrates STEAM learning, cultural immersion, and strong welfare management—has proven effective.

Looking ahead, the foundation announced plans to scale the initiative to other underserved regions of Nigeria. “Our biggest lesson is that innovation must go hand in hand with adaptability,” organizers noted. “By improving procurement planning and strengthening partnerships, we can take this model nationwide and prepare the next generation for the future of work.”

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The three-week training camp, organised in partnership with The Peace Institute (TPI) and lecturers from the University of Rome, saw 350 pupils graduate in the closing phase. This brings the total number of beneficiaries in the current cycle to 1,050 pupils across 45 schools.

The initiative forms part of NITDA’s target of achieving a 70 percent digital literacy rate among Nigerians by 2027, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The programme prioritises children in underserved communities, equipping them with essential digital and problem-solving skills.

With a curriculum rooted in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), pupils were trained not only in technology but also in creativity and critical thinking to prepare them for opportunities in the digital economy.

At the closing ceremony, participants were presented with certificates to mark their achievements. NITDA described the Hadejia programme as a model for future projects nationwide, emphasising that sustained collaboration and targeted interventions can make the vision of a digitally literate Nigeria by 2027 a reality.

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TECH DIGEST – Digital technology is the most powerful force driving change and efficiency across the global economy today. The transformative nature of digital innovations cuts across every facet of human activity and the environment we operate in. Its impact on lives and the way we do things are enormous and pervasive, because its power transcends physical borders and distance.

The disruptive impact of digital technologies is most evident in agriculture, health, education, transportation, trade and commerce, the banking and security sectors. These crucial areas encompass the art and science of humans living in harmony with the physical environment.

In fact, society remains in an unending race to catch up with the rapid evolution of digital technology. As society is learning to use the latest digital technology, newer and more innovative ones are being introduced.

Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), 3D Printing and Robotics are creating significant social and economic effects in most countries of the world.

These emerging technologies are facilitating rapid growth, efficiency, the effective exchange of knowledge, as well as easier communication among individuals, businesses and nations.

With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (also referred to as 4IR or 4.0), the boundaries between the physical, digital and biological spheres are fast disappearing and would become non-existent sooner than later.

While most advanced and developing countries have adopted the digital mode as the new and enduring enabler of their national economies, others are yet to transit from the conventional economy to the digital one.

Presently, Nigeria is developing a digital-led growth strategy to accelerate growth and upgrade the national economy through the “Smart Nigeria Digital Economy Project”, for the sustainable diversification of the economy.

This involves a gradual repositioning of the nation’s economy into one driven by technology and innovation to improve security, check corruption and harness the unlimited opportunities in both the continental and global markets.

With the ongoing implementation of the digital economy, more Nigerian youths are becoming actively engaged in technological and economic activities. Digital technology has opened up a new vista for them to explore and expand their imagination and creativity.

Digital technology offers a veritable platform for the youths to channel their restlessness into productive and problem-solving activities that foster efficiency, create opportunities, boost technology development and innovation.

States and local governments, tech companies, startups, investors, academia, NGOs, among others, have major roles to play towards creating the enabling environment to stimulate software development and innovations for solving our local socio-economic problems.

For Nigeria to produce competent manpower needed to develop the relevant technologies and innovations for solving our domestic problems, it behooves on states government to start replicating the ICT initiatives of the Federal Government within their domains.

Through strategic collaborations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders within and beyond the tech sector, state governments would be able to convince the youth to contribute the resources needed for expanding digital knowledge and expertise.

A case in point was the recent Jigawa Innovative Summit tagged “Creating Viable Innovative Ecosystem for National Development”, organised by the Jigawa state government in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and an NGO, Youth Coalition for Development (YCD).

Speaking to the theme of the event, Governor Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar challenged the youths to leverage digital technologies and build their capacity to serve as solution providers in order to overcome socio-economic challenges and move the country forward.

He advised the youths to focus on critical thinking in order to broaden their minds and transform the opportunities within their local environments into businesses, jobs, and improved economic wellbeing, adding that the more problems are being solved, the more income can be generated for the benefit of stakeholders.

The governor, therefore, urged the youths to take advantage of the vast arable land and irrigation schemes available in the State to develop the agricultural value chain, while also saying that the Informatics Institute in Kazaure has been repositioned to continue producing competent IT professionals for the country.

Also speaking at the event, the minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isah Pantami commended Jigawa State for its drive in the Digital Economy, noting that the State government showed its willingness to support the effort of the Federal Government and collaboration in order to develop the digital economy of the country.

Pantami cited how Netherland used digital technology to boost its agricultural activities, despite having lesser landmass in comparison to some states in Nigeria, and added that if Jigawa State deployed digital innovation to agriculture, it would create many jobs and generate revenue for all the tiers of government.

Presenting his keynote address, the director general, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa recalled that the governor showed interest in Jigawa State’s readiness to embrace the initiative, hence the minister endorsed engagement of all the stakeholders to ensure Jigawa benefited from the digital economy.

Evidently, there is so much the state governments stand to gain when they effectively collaborate with private and public sector stakeholders in the technology and innovations. They need to create relevant agencies to drive the tech revolution in their respective states.

State governments should emulate their Jigawa counterpart by cultivating strategic collaborations with relevant NGOs, ministries and agencies such as ministries of Communication and Digital Economy; Science and Technology; NITDA and others to empower youths with the IT skills and expertise and also boost the economic fortunes of their states.

The regular engagement between state governments and the public and private sectors, IT experts, technopreneurs, academia, and other stakeholders would encourage the exchange of ideas on how to exploit the competitive advantage in their respective states and formulate strategies that can help unlock opportunities and create prosperity for their youths.

By the time more state governments undertake deliberate actions to foster accessible platforms for tech enthusiasts and innovators, Nigeria may truly be on course to increasing the number of young IT professionals with the requisite skills to drive sustainable growth in her digital economy.

Inyene Ibanga is Managing Editor TechDigest and writes from Wuye District, Abuja.

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