Biography of Professor Iya Abubakar

Born on December 14, 1934, in Adamawa state, Northeastern Nigeria, Prof. Iya Abubakar earned recognition as Africa’s leading mathematician, achieving the esteemed title of Professor of Mathematics at a mere 28 years old. His mathematical journey commenced with a first-class degree from London University (University College Ibadan) in the ’50s, followed by the completion of his Doctorate Degree at Cambridge University in England during the ’60s.

Professor Iya Abubakar’s legacy extends beyond academia, delving into politics and public service. Holding various cabinet-level positions, including Minister of Defence and Minister of Internal Affairs during the Nigerian Second Republic, he also served as a Senator for Adamawa North from May 1999 to May 2007.

Educated at Barewa College and University College Ibadan, Abubakar obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. His distinguished career included a visiting professorship at the University of Michigan in 1965–66. Notably, he assumed the role of Professor of Mathematics at Ahmadu Bello University at the age of 28 in 1967, maintaining the position until 1975. Concurrently, he served as a visiting professor at the City University of New York from 1971 to 1972.

Abubakar’s administrative prowess became evident when he assumed the position of Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University in 1975, holding the role until 1978. Additionally, he served as a director of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 1972 to 1975.

Transitioning to the political arena, Abubakar became the Federal Minister of Defence from 1979 to 1982 following the return of power to an elected government. His contributions extended to the educational sector, where he held the position of Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at the University of Ibadan from 1993 to 2005.

In the late 1990s, Abubakar took on roles as the director of the National Mathematical Centre in Abuja and chaired both the National Manpower Commission of Nigeria and the non-governmental Africa International Foundation for Science and Technology.

Embracing a political career during the Nigerian Fourth Republic, Abubakar was elected as the Senator for the Adamawa North constituency, running on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform. His impactful tenure included chairing committees on Public Accounts, Banking & Currency, Commerce, Finance & Appropriation, and Science and Technology. Re-elected in April 2003, Abubakar left an indelible mark on both the academic and political landscapes of Nigeria.