About Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau
Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, CON, PEN, Sardaunan Kano (born November 5, 1955 in Kurmawa Quarters, Kano City) is a Nigerian educator, administrator, and statesman. A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in Mathematics Education, he began his career as a mathematics teacher and rose through the ranks to become a Permanent Secretary in the Kano State civil service before retiring in 2001.
He served as the two-term Governor of Kano State (2003–2011) under the All Nigeria Peoples Party, becoming the first Kano governor to win a second term. He was appointed Federal Minister of Education in 2014 and was elected Senator for Kano Central in 2019, chairing the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service.
Conferred the title of Sardaunan Kano by HRH the Emir of Kano in 2009, he currently chairs the League of Northern Democrats.
Read Full BiographyPillars of a Public Life
A life defined by scholarship, institutional service, and enduring national recognition.
Education & Scholarship
From Gidan Makama Primary School to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria — five decades dedicated to learning and teaching.
Public Service
Permanent Secretary, Governor, Minister, Senator — a career built on institutional service to Kano and Nigeria.
Honours & Titles
CON, PEN, Sardaunan Kano, honorary doctorates, traditional chieftaincy titles across Nigeria.
A Career in Public Service
Six decades across the classroom, the civil service, the statehouse, and the national legislature.
Teacher & Principal
Madonna Boys HS, GTC Wudil, GSS Hadejia, GC Birnin Kudu, Rumfa College — formative years in the classroom.
Senior Civil Service
Director and Permanent Secretary across multiple ministries in Kano State before retirement from service.
1st Term Governor of Kano State
Elected on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) on a reform agenda for Kano.
2nd Term Governor of Kano State
Re-elected as the first Kano governor to win consecutive terms — an historic democratic mandate.
Federal Minister of Education
Appointed to the Federal Executive Council, leading national policy for Nigerian education.
Senator, Kano Central
Chairman, Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service — voice for governance reform.
Recent Recognition
Fellowships, awards, and honours received in recent years.
Fellowship Award — Institute of Maritime Studies
University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, in recognition of his contribution to Maritime Sector development.
Award of Honour — Rumfa Old Boys’ Association
Class 94, in appreciation of his lasting impact on Rumfa College, Kano, during his years as principal.
Merit Award — Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation
In recognition of 15 years of service as Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation.
“Leadership is a trust. Its role is to sustain a viable democratic culture, built on service, scholarship, and the dignity of every citizen.”