OurNigeria News Magazine has announced that Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has been selected to receive the Gen. IBM Haruna Excellence Award in Strategy at the 7th edition of the OurNigeria News Awards. The award ceremony is scheduled to hold on January 31, 2026, in Abuja.
The award recognises Nigerians whose leadership, innovation and service have made significant contributions to national development. Professor Usman’s selection is in recognition of his academic accomplishments, policy contributions and leadership roles across the education and public service sectors.
Professor Usman is a seasoned academic and administrator with extensive experience in Islamic studies and public policy. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies from the Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, a Master’s degree from Peshawar University, Pakistan, and a Ph.D. from Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. He later attained the rank of professor and has authored several scholarly works in Islamic theology and jurisprudence.
In the Nigerian academic system, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Al-Qalam University, Katsina, where he also taught as an Associate Professor. He has also lectured internationally, including as a visiting professor in Ghana, and has contributed to curriculum development in Islamic and humanities disciplines. In addition, he holds professional fellowships, including membership of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria, and has served on academic committees and advisory panels at various state universities.
Beyond academia, Professor Usman has played key roles in public policy and administration, particularly in the management of Hajj affairs in Nigeria. Between 2019 and 2023, he served as Chairman of the Kano State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, where he led reforms aimed at improving Hajj operations, pilgrim welfare and institutional outreach.
In October 2024, he was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate as Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Following his appointment, he pledged to strengthen existing frameworks and prioritise the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims. As NAHCON chairman, he has overseen strategic initiatives, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with four Islamic banks to enhance the Hajj Savings Scheme, aimed at improving transparency and accessibility in pilgrimage financing.
Professor Usman has also served in various advisory capacities to government and civic institutions and has participated in state and national commissions. His leadership roles span both the academic and public sectors, where he has been involved in institutional reforms, strategic planning and large-scale programme coordination.
The Gen. IBM Haruna Excellence Award in Strategy places Professor Usman among national figures recognised for applying scholarship and strategic thinking to governance and development challenges. His recognition at the 2026 OurNigeria News Awards highlights the role of academic leadership and policy expertise in advancing national development.
