Bauchi Speaker bags NIM fellowship

The Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, has been elevated to the distinguished rank of Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered).

The elevation, approved by the Institute’s Council, was formally conveyed in a letter dated June 11, 2025, and signed by its Registrar/Chief Executive, Taiwo Ganiyat Olusesi. The conferment ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday, September 8, 2025, in Abuja.

According to the Institute, the Fellowship is one of its highest professional honours, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advanced the management profession, and contributed significantly to national development. The letter noted that Suleiman’s recognition was based on his contributions to good governance, professional excellence, and service to civil society.

“This unique award is conferred on members who have contributed to the development of the Institute, the management profession, and civil society at large,” the Institute stated.

As a Fellow, Suleiman is expected to play an active role in the Faculty of Fellows, bringing his governance and administrative experience to bear in advancing the Institute’s objectives.

Reacting to the recognition, the Bauchi Speaker expressed gratitude and humility. “This honour is not just for me but for the people of Bauchi State who entrusted me with leadership. It challenges me to do more in promoting ethical leadership, sound governance, and the growth of our management profession,” he said.

Born on September 24, 1969, in Ningi, Bauchi State, Suleiman began his public service career in 1989 as a Confidential Secretary before rising through the administrative ranks of the Bauchi State Government. He later served in senior positions at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, before voluntarily retiring in 2018 to join active politics. That same year, he was elected into the Bauchi State House of Assembly and has since made history as its first three-term Speaker.

Academically, Suleiman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Maiduguri and a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Bayero University, Kano. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. His leadership extends beyond Bauchi, having served as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and currently as Chairman of its Constitution Review Committee.

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Over the years, he has received several recognitions, including the United Nations POLAC Honorary Doctorate in Social Justice and Peace Advocacy and the UN/Federal Ministry of Women Affairs HEforSHE Award. He also holds traditional titles such as Dangaladiman Ningi and Barden Kudun Katagum, reflecting his strong grassroots ties.

The Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), established to promote excellence in management practice, described the Fellowship grade as a crowning achievement for individuals who have distinguished themselves in their careers and public service.

For Suleiman, the conferment represents not only recognition of past achievements but also a renewed call to greater responsibility in shaping leadership and governance standards in Nigeria.