The Diamond Birthday Anniversary of Prof. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman
by Abdullah Dasilva
The Diamond Birthday Anniversary: Chronicles Reflection of Life of a Rare Gem. In commemoration of birthday anniversary of illustrious Son of the soil, this eventful day, Thursday,
October 16th. 2025. It is an auspicious moment that offered a great opportunity to reflect on the
enigma of Service: The Public and Professional Journey of Distinction with dignity of the celebrant; Prof. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman fondly Called AMANA.
In the evolving corridors of Nigerian public administration, few figures cast as compelling a silhouette as Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman; a scholar-administrator whose journey
bridges the empirical rigor of academia with the intricate dance of statecraft.
Prof. Sulaiman, who is currently serving as Director-General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), his ascent is a masterclass in quiet influence and measured authority.
Before assuming the helm of NILDS, he occupied some of the nation’s most critical advisory and executive roles; not limited but include Minister of National Planning, Deputy
Chairman of the National Planning Commission. Notably, he stewarded the Transition Technical
Sub-Committee during the pivotal governmental handover from President Goodluck Ebele
Jonathan to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015; an assignment requiring not just intellectual
acumen, but exceptional discretion and diplomacy.
As an Academia in University of Abuja, Prof. Sulaiman devoted over two decades to preceptor, research, and public intellectualism. His footprint spans across the classrooms and lecture halls, policy think- tanks, and multilateral forums. His intellectual engagements transcend borders, with
papers presentation and panel’s discussant at high-level symposia, including the 2023 Africa
Climate Summit in Nairobi, a convergence of over 40 African Heads of States.
“At a point, Professor Abubakar recounted how he taught for several years at the University of
Abuja without receiving a salary, demonstrating his commitment and passion to education and
community development, even when he had better opportunity to work elsewhere”.
So, what this tells us is lessons of patience and perseverance. It was a tertiary institution, where
people were brought in and placed over him. As a result of the patience, his appointment was later formalized and became the first Ilorin
indigene to be a lecturer at the University of Abuja. He has made several sacrifices in his public life to ensure he impacted his people positively, quoting that it is sacred to have worked for betterment of people, most importantly, the vulnerable.
Ilorin-born and Ahmadu Bello University-bred, his scholarly pilgrimage includes an M. Sc. in
International and Strategic Studies (University of Jos) and Ph. D. in International Relations
(University of Abuja). Notable milestones are the acquisition of Executive Certificates in
Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; the London School
of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom; and the Cambridge Judge Business School, United Kingdom; reflecting his enduring commitment to knowledge and relevance in an ever
evolving world.
A statesman in both intellect and temperament, Prof. Sulaiman’s diplomatic credentials include
representing Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. Yet his ethos is neither self-aggrandizing nor provincial. Rather, it is
rooted in a deep-seated belief in human capital as the nucleus of institutional transformation.
His reappointment as Director-General of NILDS in 2023, following a distinguished first term, signals
institutional confidence in his visionary leadership. Under his stewardship, the Institute has emerged as a continental force; enhancing legislative competence across local, national, and
African Parliaments, and fortifying democratic practice.
In the early days of the present administration, it was Prof. Sulaiman who emerged among the first
academics to offer a visionary framework, articulated at a public lecture at Al-Hikmah University,
Ilorin, for national agenda-setting, underscoring his role as both seer and statesman.
A bridge-builder, reformer, and strategic thinker, Prof. Sulaiman embodies the paradox of the
modern public servant: at once grounded in scholarship, yet agile in navigating the ever-shifting
terrains of policy and governance. Detribalized by conviction, he speaks a language that transcends
ethnicity, fluent in the dialects of unity, development, and progress.
Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, has proven himself as a true grassroots politician with
a stellar track record of service, experience, and leadership. His acumen of grassroots connection,
national leadership, and integrity sets him apart as the ideal candidate to steer the larger responsibility toward unprecedented growth and developmental of general accessibility.
Professor Sulaiman’s political journey began at the grassroots level, during his student days, when
he actively engaged in student politics and governance. His commitment to community development led him to contest in the Ilorin West Local Government elections early in his career, further solidifying his reputation as a politician deeply rooted in his community.
He has sacredness lifted many families out of languishing poverty by creating pathways to self-reliance rather than fostering dependency without subjecting them to public stigmatization. His empowerment programs teaches sustainable skills, provide startup support, and open opportunities for micro-enterprise growth. By teaching people how to fish rather than giving fish temporarily,
he ensures that interventions have lasting impact, sustainability, per capital investment and
contribution to national growth and economic development. This strategy has enabled beneficiaries
to build livelihoods that endure beyond the life of any single program.
Professor Sulaiman has maintained a close connection to the people, understanding their challenges
and aspirations firsthand. His ability to engage with constituents at the grassroots level has been
the foundation of his political career and remains central to his vision for Kwara State.
His journey from grassroots politics to national leadership is an evidence of his unmatched competence and dedication. As Minister for National Planning and Deputy Chairman of the National Planning Commission, he played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s developmental
policies. His tenure emphasized equitable resource allocation and long-term planning for sustainable growth.
On this note, it’s important to highlight some of his unprecedented achievements as Minister, in
the Ministry of National Planning. As erstwhile former Minister, he brought his expertise and vision to the forefront of policymaking, shaping the course of his country’s development.
His leadership was characterized by wisdom, integrity, and a deep understanding of the complexities
of governance. His contributions to the nation’s growth and progress will be remembered for generations to come. As a minister, within a short period, he was magnificently impacted on the people of the state by facilitating employment into the civil service, more than 80% people from Kwara State were enlisted.
As a key member of the Federal Executive Council his tenure berthed the Formulation of the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) and Crafting of Comprehensive Overseas Development Assistance Policy for Nigeria among his indelible footprints on the sands of time in the Executive Position.
For his role as Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies
(NILDS), Professor Sulaiman has continued his legacy of impactful leadership. Under his
guidance, NILDS has strengthened Nigeria’s legislative and democratic frameworks, showcasing
his ability to deliver results even at the highest levels of governance. Under his watch, NILDS had institutionalized : “Digitalization”, “Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture Series” (DPLS) and completed the World-Class Permanent Site for the Institute
In
recognition of his invaluable contributions to the development of the nation’s Public Service
Sector, he won keenly competed 2023 ” Integrity and Public Servant of the year award and also won the 2024 Bureau of Public Service Reforms, BPSR, the presidency, as “Distinguished
GovTechTrailblazer” award while NILDS bagged “Best Federal MDA in Digital Engagement”
Surely, the long lists of his awards are in exhaustible
Some of the reforms he has carried out in the institute are: an improvement in the curriculum of the institute through the setting up of an Academic Advisory Board (membership of which
comprises seasoned academics), with the responsibility of providing support and advice on academic programmes and identifying best practice standards.
He also ensured that workers’ welfare is a priority because one cannot drive a process of this nature if the workers and resource persons of the institute are not well taken care of. Since his assumption, he addressed issues of delayed staff promotion as well as enhancing the capacity of the staff
members through national and international training programmes.
These initiatives have significantly boosted the morale, productivity and confidence of staff members who are now showing unwavering commitment to work.
In his belief to deepen democracy in Nigeria, he felt the need to establish a dedicated radio channel,
called ‘Democracy Radio’ with the mandate of creating political awareness, sensitizing the people
about the policies of the government and the workings of the legislature.
One of Professor Sulaiman’s most remarkable traits, his ability to seamlessly blend philanthropy
with governance. He has consistently demonstrated honesty and transparency. He has funded
numerous community projects from his personal resources, distinguishing himself as a leader who
genuinely cares about the people.
Governance, as he rightly emphasized, is far more than philanthropy.
Facilitating federal projects
under government budgets is vastly different from initiating grassroots development through
personal commitment. Professor Sulaiman’s approach highlights his integrity and dedication to
meaningful, people-centered governance.
As for his 2027 ambitions, Professor Sulaiman’s stand-out among his peers, owing to his grassroots
connection, extensive experience, capacity, and competence. His journey from local politics to national leadership positions has been projecting him as the best-equipped aspirants to address the state’s challenges and unlock its potential to a judicious exploration.
His vision for Kwara State prioritizes grassroots development, ensure that every community benefits from meaningful projects and opportunities. With his vast network and proven track record, he is well-positioned to attract investors to the state, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the lives of all Kwarans.
Professor Sulaiman’s grassroots connection, proven leadership, and unwavering commitment to
good governance make him the best choice for Kwara State in 2027. Together, let us embrace this
opportunity to elect a leader who will sustain the development strides of Governor’s Abdulrazaq
Abdulrahman administration and prioritizing citizenry welfares, economic prosperity, and unity
for all. The people of Kwara State, community leaders, and stakeholders across the Emirates are urged to
rally behind Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, a grassroots leader with unmatched experience, capacity, and visions.
As we approach upcoming 2027 election cycles, Professor Olanrewaju Abubakar AMANA, is the
transformative leader whose our state needs. It’s clear that our state requires a leader with a clear vision, passion, and proven track records of delivering results. Professor Abubakar embodies these qualities, making him the best and ideal candidate for the Sir Ahamadu Bello House’s job, Ilorin.
He has spent years serving our community, nation, demonstrating a deep understanding of our
state’s challenges and opportunities. With a background as a scholar of political science and his
pool of experience in public administration. Professor Abubakar possesses the expertise and
leadership skills necessary to drive meaningful changes
It is indeed clear and compelling vision for our state future, centered on economic growth, social
justice, and environmental sustainability. His record leadership proven his ability to bring people together, fostering partnership and driven coalition that could bring progress, Strengthen security architecture, achieving a lasting results, and ensuring that our state remains a place of opportunity, prosperity, and happiness for
generations to come.