The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has appointed Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Ali as the new Secretary of the Commission, following the voluntary resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Rabi’u Kontagora.
Dr. Ali emerged successful after meeting the requirements advertised by the Commission on its website and other media channels. He will take over from Alhaji Alidu Shutti, who had been acting as the Commission’s Secretary following Dr. Kontagora’s resignation.
A release signed by NAHCON’s Principal Information Officer, Shafii Sani Mohammed, and made available to Tribune Online on Friday, stated that Ali’s appointment was endorsed by the Commission’s board at its meeting on February 26, in accordance with Section 8 of the NAHCON Establishment Act (2006).
According to the release, while his appointment ensures that the North East geopolitical zone is represented in the NAHCON Board, Ali also brings valuable experience as a former Executive Secretary of the Borno State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
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“Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Ali, born in Yerwa, the Borno State capital, Maiduguri, will serve as Secretary of the Commission for a period of four years, renewable after the first tenure.
“He holds a Doctorate and a Master’s degree, both in Islamic Studies, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Administration, a Diploma in Computer Application and Internet, and an Executive Life Manager Certificate, among others.
“Dr. Muhammad attended the University of Maiduguri, Bayero University Kano, and the University College for Islamic Call, Tripoli, Libya, where he excelled in his field of studies.
“Other institutions he attended include the Administrative Staff College, Lagos; Yaysib Computer Institute; and Elkanemi College of Islamic Theology, Maiduguri, among others,” Mohammed stated.
He added that the new NAHCON Secretary has decades of working experience, including serving as Director, Centre for Kanuri Ajami and Qur’anic Studies, Borno State University; Chairman, Caretaker Management Committee, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State; and Deputy Provost, Muhammad Goni College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Maiduguri, Borno State, among others.
The release further stated that Ali’s responsibilities as the new Secretary of the Commission include record-keeping, conducting correspondences, and serving as secretary at all Commission meetings.
“These responsibilities will be in addition to ensuring effective reporting of the Commission’s activities to relevant authorities, maintaining the register of licensed Hajj operators, facilitating the publication of the Commission’s regulations, and coordinating the Commission’s standard of performance.
“It is expected that Dr. Ali’s appointment will bring additional value to the Commission. His tenure commences on the day he assumes office,” Mohammed stated.
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