Nasarawa State, located in the North Central region of Nigeria, boasts one of the highest GDPs in Northern Nigeria. Renowned for its vast mineral resources, it is a polyglot state with over 30 languages and stands as one of the most peaceful states in the country.
Over the years, Nasarawa State has been fortunate with its leadership. However, the economic, social, and academic welfare of the state yearns for more vigorous and forward-thinking governance.
Leadership is the capacity to translate a vision into reality.
Good leadership is a responsibility, not just a privilege. It is the duty of the governed to seek quality representation in those they choose to lead them. As Nasarawa State prepares for another cycle of leadership selection, it becomes imperative for its people to seek out individuals with great antecedents—leaders with vision, integrity, and a track record of excellence.
One such individual is Engineer Professor Mohammad Sani Haruna, FAEng, FNSE, FIET, FNATE, Sarkin Sharifan Nasarawa—a name synonymous with innovation, technological advancement, and leadership.
A Legacy of Impact and Innovation
A true son of the soil from Keffi Local Government, Eng. Prof. M-S Haruna has contributed immensely to the development of Nasarawa State. As the former Vice Chairman and CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), his tenure saw groundbreaking initiatives, including:
- The Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI) in Lafia
- The Solid Minerals Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (SOMEDI), harnessing Nasarawa’s vast mineral wealth
- The Solar Cell Production Factory in Gora, Karu Local Government—a pioneering project in renewable energy
- The North Central Zonal Laboratory and Skill Development Institute in Keffi, creating jobs and fostering innovation
- The NASENI Skill Acquisition Center in Agwada, Kokona Local Government
These projects showcase his commitment to technological advancement, economic growth, and human capital development in Nasarawa State. His legacy continues to inspire future generations and drive progress across Nigeria.
An Academic and Professional Giant
Prof. Haruna’s influence extends beyond governance and technological innovation. A highly decorated scholar, he has held prestigious fellowships and memberships, including:
- Fellow, Nigerian Academy of Engineering (FAEng)
- Fellow, Academy of Natural Science and Engineering of Nigeria (FANSE)
- Registered Chartered Engineer, UK Engineering Council
- Fellow, Institution of Electrical Engineers (FIEE), UK
- Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE)
- Member, Nigerian Solar Energy Society (FSESN)
His contributions to education and research are immense. He has authored numerous books on research, innovation, and technology and has served as a visiting professor at top institutions, including:
- University of Abuja, Nigeria
- Abu Dhabi University of Science and Technology, UAE
- Nile University of Nigeria (NUN)
- African University of Science and Technology (AUST), under the African Union
- Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto (UDUS)
Recognized Excellence and National Honors
Prof. Haruna’s outstanding achievements have earned him multiple national and international accolades. Some of his notable awards include:
- National Honor of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR)
- Nigerian Excellence Award in Public Service (2022, by President Muhammadu Buhari)
- Best Performing Director of Engineering Infrastructure Development Institutes (2010)
- Award of Excellence from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Business Day Award of Excellence in Public Service (2019)
- Multiple Merit Awards from the Nigerian Society of Engineers (2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022)
- Fellowship Awards from College of Education Akwanga, College of Agriculture Science and Technology, and Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia
Prof. Haruna has also represented Nigeria in global policy discussions, attending the 68th, 74th, and 77th United Nations General Assemblies in 2013, 2019, and 2022, respectively.
A Leader, Scholar, and Statesman
Prof. M-S Haruna is a man of diverse experience, spanning industries, academia, and government institutions. Before his tenure at NASENI, he was a lecturer at multiple universities in Nigeria and abroad.
A Senior Executive Alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State, he holds:
- Ph.D. and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano
- Ph.D. and Master of Philosophy degrees in Entrepreneurship from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya
- National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Electrical Engineering from Plateau and Kaduna State Polytechnics
- Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD) in Education and Electrical Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure
A Family Man and a Nation Builder
Married with children, Professor Mohammad Sani Haruna is not just an academic and engineer but also a statesman and a senior stakeholder in the affairs of Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large.
His dedication to public service, innovation, and education makes him a beacon of leadership—a true paragon of excellence.
Hon. Musa Mudi
Writes from Kaduna State, Nigeria
Email: mudimusa15@yahoo.com
