By Lamara Garba

In a historic feat that has inspired the academic community, Prof. Umma Abdullahi has become the first female professor of Mechanical Engineering in northern Nigeria.

Prof. Umma, now in her mid-40s, was among 66 senior academics recently promoted to the esteemed rank of professor, as approved by the management of Bayero University, Kano.

This remarkable achievement is a testament to her unwavering dedication, relentless passion, and steadfast determination to defy the odds and shatter glass ceilings in a male-dominated field.

Born and raised in the Sharfadi quarters of Kano Municipality, Prof. Abdullahi’s journey to academic excellence is a story of providence, perseverance, and determination. After completing her Remedial Science Programme, she initially applied to study Geography. However, fate had other plans, leading her to Mechanical Engineering—a field that became her passion and, ultimately, her claim to fame.

A 2005 graduate and a mother of six, Prof. Umma’s achievement is even more remarkable considering she successfully balanced the demands of family life as a housewife with the rigors of an academic career. Despite these challenges, she remained focused, driven by a fierce determination to succeed.

Prof. Abdullahi’s rise to prominence serves as a beacon of hope for women and girls, particularly in northern Nigeria, where cultural and societal norms often limit opportunities for women.

Interestingly, Umma is the youngest of 21 siblings. Her story underscores the transformative power of hard work, determination, and a refusal to accept societal limitations.

As the first female professor of Mechanical Engineering in northern Nigeria, Prof. Umma Abdullahi is an inspiration to students, colleagues, and the broader community. While pursuing her Ph.D. at the Islamic University in Malaysia, she completed her program in just 24 months—a feat not achieved in the previous 30 years. Her success highlights the transformative impact of education in challenging societal norms.

Prof. Abdullahi’s historic achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a victory for women’s empowerment and a celebration of human potential. As she continues to make strides in her field, she is poised to inspire a new generation of women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In a region where women’s participation in STEM fields is limited, Prof. Abdullahi’s accomplishment is groundbreaking. She serves as a role model, mentor, and a shining example of what dedication, perseverance, and a passion for learning can achieve.

Looking ahead, Prof. Abdullahi remains committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of women in STEM. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to motivate others, challenge societal norms, and push boundaries.

Speaking shortly after receiving her letter of promotion, Prof. Umma Abdullahi expressed gratitude to her parents, siblings, and beloved husband—an academic whose financial and emotional support played a crucial role in her success.

Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has extended her empowerment programmes beyond her Senatorial District to Abigborodo community in Delta State, her husband’s ancestral home in a demonstration of commitment to inclusive development and grassroots empowerment.
At the event held on January 1, 2025, hundreds of women received business tools such as deep freezers, sewing machines, and grinding machines to promote entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance.
Renowned for her impactful performance in Kogi Central, Senator Natasha described the initiative as part of her broader mission to empower women and stimulate sustainable development.
“This effort reflects my belief in strengthening families and fostering prosperity through women’s empowerment, irrespective of location,” she stated.
Her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel, emphasized that the initiative aligns with Senator Natasha’s vision of driving economic growth and skills development across Nigeria.
Community leaders and beneficiaries praised the programme as a life-changing intervention, pledging to make the most of the tools provided.
Senator Natasha’s outreach in Delta State reinforces her dedication to inclusive governance and sustainable development, ensuring women are equipped to thrive economically and socially.

In a New Year message brimming with hope and purpose, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, the First Lady of Kogi State, has unveiled a comprehensive vision to address critical societal challenges, prioritizing women empowerment, healthcare access, and the fight against drug abuse.
Beyond traditional celebrations, Mrs. Ododo’s outreach during the festivities set a remarkable tone for 2025, emphasizing grassroots impact and sustainable development.
Her activities spanned visits to hospitals, donations of essential supplies, and dialogues with vulnerable groups, signaling a commitment to inclusive governance.
A highlight of her engagements was her visit to the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital in Iruvochinomi, where Mrs. Ododo distributed antenatal kits, pharmaceutical drugs, and food items to over 120 patients.
The donations were not only a gesture of care but also a strategic intervention to ease the financial burdens faced by families seeking medical assistance.
During the visit, Mrs. Ododo emphasized maternal health, urging women to prioritize antenatal care and security awareness. Healthcare professionals, including Dr. Jibrin Umar of the Association of Resident Doctors, commended her efforts while calling for long-term government investment to address workforce shortages in the sector.
Mrs. Ododo’s engagements also spotlighted the rising menace of drug abuse among youths. Speaking at Hajia Nana Hawawu Oziohu Memorial Hospital in Upogoro, she called on parents, especially mothers, to play active roles in monitoring and guiding their children.
“Drug abuse is eroding the foundation of our society. As mothers, we must be vigilant, supportive, and proactive to ensure our children remain on the right path,” she implored.
Her advocacy for stronger family values resonated deeply, reinforcing the need for collective efforts to tackle substance abuse through education and rehabilitation programs.
Beyond healthcare and drug prevention, Mrs. Ododo reiterated her resolve to empower women economically and socially, describing them as the backbone of societal progress. She acknowledged the support of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose “Renewed Hope Initiative” has uplifted Nigerian women, including those in Kogi State.
Mrs. Ododo pledged to expand access to skills acquisition programs, financial literacy training, and microfinance opportunities, providing women with tools for economic independence and stability.
As Kogi State enters a new year, the First Lady’s initiatives reflect a clear roadmap for growth anchored on unity and inclusivity. She appealed for continued support for her husband, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to deliver more democratic dividends.
Grateful beneficiaries described her interventions as timely and life-changing, underscoring the transformative power of compassionate leadership.
Mrs. Ododo’s New Year outreach serves as both inspiration and challenge—reminding stakeholders that real development is rooted in collective effort, care, and accountability. Her actions affirm that 2025 holds the promise of a stronger, healthier, and more empowered Kogi State.