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Prof. Ladi Hamalai: A Legacy of Academic Excellence and Public Service

Prof. Ladi Hamalai (MFR) is a distinguished academic, policy expert, and public administrator with a remarkable career spanning academia, governance, and legislative research. Born in Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria, on September 20, 1959, she has made significant contributions to political science, economic development, and legislative studies.

Academic and Professional Journey

Prof. Hamalai’s academic journey began at Bayero University Kano, where she earned a Second Class Upper degree in Political Science. She later pursued a Master’s in Political Science at the University of Wisconsin, USA, and completed her Ph.D. in Development Studies at the prestigious Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, UK.

Her professional career includes tenure at various institutions, including:

  • Bayero University Kano and University of Maiduguri – Teaching and research roles.
  • Nigerian Defence Academy – Senior Lecturer in International Economic Relations.
  • National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) – Served as Director-General from 2011 to 2019, strengthening legislative capacity in Nigeria.
  • Vice Chancellor of El-Amin University – Leading academic administration.
  • Professor at Baze University – Dean of Faculty of Management and Social Sciences.

Contributions to Governance and Policy

Prof. Hamalai has played key roles in national development, including:

  • Director at Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) – Promoting business development.
  • Project Coordinator of Policy Analysis and Research Project (PARP) – Strengthening legislative research and policymaking.
  • Member, National Council on Privatisation 2000 – 2003
  • Director, NAL Bank (Now Sterling Bank) 2000 – 2003
  • Board Member, British-American Tobacco Foundation 2005 – 2016
  • Consultant to the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review – Shaping Nigeria’s constitutional development.
  • Member of the Vision 2010 and Vision 2020 Committees – Contributing to Nigeria’s long-term economic planning.
  • EFCC Academy Commandant (2019-2020) – Training anti-corruption officers.

Scholarship, Publications, and Recognition

With over 40 published research works and numerous books, Prof. Hamalai is an authority in governance, economic liberalization, and legislative studies. Her book Government-Business Relations and Economic Liberalization in Nigeriaremains widely referenced.

Her excellence has earned her numerous recognitions, including:

  • Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2001.
  • Woman of Distinction Award in 2014.
  • Traditional title of Jakadiya Mubi, conferred by the Emir of Mubi.

Commitment to Gender Advocacy and Community Development

Prof. Hamalai is a strong advocate for gender equality, having participated in the 1995 UN Conference on Women in Beijing. She has supported various women’s NGOs and played an active role in poverty alleviation programs.

Her Jakadiya Trust Foundation continues to impact education and economic development in Nigeria.

Prof. Ladi Hamalai’s illustrious career is a testament to her dedication to education, governance, and national development. Her leadership in academia and public service continues to shape policies and inspire the next generation of scholars and policymakers in Nigeria and beyond.