Nasarawa After Sule: Getting Succession Right

As the political landscape in Nasarawa State begins to crystallize ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election, the debate over succession is paramount.

The state requires a leader capable of building upon existing foundations to deliver tangible, transformative development. In this context, one name emerges not merely as a candidate, but as the embodiment of proven competence and practical experience: Engr. Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna.

Prof Haruna’s extraordinary journey from the workshop floor to the pinnacle of scientific and engineering leadership presents a compelling case for why he is the ideal successor to Governor Abdullahi Sule.

Prof. Haruna’s story is a confirmation of the value of hands-on knowledge. This is not a story of purely academic achievement, though his credentials are impeccable. It is the story of a leader who began his career as a technician, meticulously working his way up through the ranks as a supervisor, engineer, and manager.

This unique path means he doesn’t just understand theory; he understands the mechanics of problem-solving from the ground up. Having personally overhauled heavy machinery and managed successful enterprises, he possesses the practical experience desperately needed to address the state’s everyday challenges and drive innovative solutions.

His academic qualifications are a manifestation of this relentless pursuit of excellence. Holding a PhD and a Master of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering, complemented by a second PhD in Entrepreneurship, Prof. Haruna possesses a rare fusion of deep technical expertise and sharp business acumen. This combination is crucial for creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

His status as a fellow of prestigious institutions like the Nigerian Academy of Engineering and the UK’s Institution of Engineering and Technology is not merely titular; it is proof of a mind equipped for the complexities of modern governance.

For the people of Nasarawa, Prof. Haruna is no stranger. His commitment is well-documented through prior service, including his role on the governing council of the Nasarawa State Vocational and Relevant Technology Skill Acquisition Board, where he helped shape policies for workforce empowerment long before any gubernatorial ambition.

However, his most significant impact stems from his tenure as Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), where he ensured Nasarawa was a direct beneficiary of national development initiatives.

Under his leadership, he delivered critical projects that reveal a strategic vision for the state’s future: the Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI) in Lafia, designed to revolutionize farming and bolster food security, the Solid Minerals Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (SOMMEDI), which leverages the state’s vast mineral wealth to streamline mining and boost productivity.

Also, a Solar Cell Production Factory in Gora, promoting renewable energy and reducing import dependency, as well as the North Central Zonal National Laboratory and Skill Development Institute in Keffi, alongside a NASENI Skill Acquisition Centre in Agwada, both focused on curbing rural-urban migration by equipping youths with vital vocational skills.

These initiatives are not mere promises; they are existing monuments to his vision for technological advancement and economic growth in Nasarawa. This practical approach was replicated beyond state borders, reviving a tomato processing factory in Kaduna and training auto-mechanics in Kano, demonstrating a holistic focus on both infrastructure and human capital development.

As governor, Prof. Haruna will focus on core pillars essential for driving Nasarawa forward: infrastructure, agriculture, education, and industrialisation. With his background, these are not empty campaign slogans. This is the man who has built national infrastructure; he understands the engineering behind rural electrification and road construction. He is the one to finally fix the roads and connect the communities.

His expertise in agricultural technology can transform Nasarawa’s vast farmlands into hubs of modern agro-production, ensuring food security and creating wealth for local farmers.

Furthermore, his passion as a lifelong lecturer and professor ensures he will champion an education system steeped in science, technology, and vocational skills, preparing the next generation for the jobs of the future. This skilled workforce will, in turn, attract new industries, creating a virtuous cycle of economic growth and sustainable livelihoods.

The coming election demands a doer, not a talker—a technocrat with a proven performance track record. Prof. Haruna has been recognized by presidents and awarded for excellence, including for his innovative work in developing ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His motto, “From Engineer to Engineer,” perfectly captures this moment. It signifies the smooth, logical transition of leadership from one accomplished engineer, Governor Abdullahi Sule, who has laid a tremendous development foundation, to another, Prof. Haruna. This handover promises a continuation of technocratic governance, a promise of practical, hands-on leadership that will bring real progress and succour to every citizen.

For a state poised for greatness, Engr. Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna is the clear and optimal choice to lead the way. His unparalleled preparation has met this critical opportunity. The people of Nasarawa stand to gain immensely from his unique blend of experience, knowledge, and dedication.

~ Keffi is a public affairs analyst and he writes from Keffi, Nasarawa State.