Professor Aishatu Abdu-Ismail is a seasoned academic and multidisciplinary development and policy expert with over 30 years of experience in teaching, research, and public service. Her experience spans policy studies, gender equity, education reform, governance, conflict resolution, and public policy across Nigeria and West Africa. As a professor of political science, she has a proven track record in leading research, facilitating high-level trainings, and advising governments, donors, and civil society organizations. Skilled in policy analysis, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based advocacy. In addition to development work, she specializes in Policy Studies, State and Governance in Islam, and Gender Studies, with a career marked by impactful leadership and academic excellence.

She has led major initiatives in education reform, gender equity, and youth empowerment across Nigeria and West Africa. Her work has shaped policies on girls’ education, gender-based violence, and inclusive governance, with support from global organizations like UNICEF, DFID, UNDP, ECOWAS, and the Gates Foundation.

Key Strengths

· Leadership: Former Director, Centre for Gender Studies; Head of Department; Commissioner for Higher Education

· Policy Expertise: Led and advised on national and state-level policy reviews, including education, gender, and governance

· Research Excellence: Principal Investigator and Consultant on over 25 impactful studies and assessments

· Global Engagement: Certified in project management, advocacy, and AI from institutions in the UK, US, South Africa, Finland, and Turkey

· Capacity Building: Trainer and facilitator for government, civil society, and international development programs

Selected Publications & Research Projects

· Youth Bulge, Inequality, and Digital Technologies: A socioeconomic analysis of youth resentment and social unrest in Northern Nigeria

· Gendered Perceptions of GBV and Decision Making in Schools: British Council study in Lagos and Kano States

· Girls for Girls (G4G) Intervention Review: UNICEF-supported evaluation in Bauchi, Katsina, and Zamfara

· Policy Review on Women’s Economic Empowerment: UCSD & Gates Foundation project

· National Gender Policy in Basic Education: Lead resource person for Federal Ministry of Education & UNICEF

· Teacher Recruitment and Deployment in Kano State: DFID-supported research under EDOREN

· Inclusive Education Reform: Consultant on SBMC policy review in Kano State

Her work has directly influenced policy and practice in education, gender equity, and youth development across Nigeria and the ECOWAS region. Professor Ismail is widely respected for her ability to bridge academic insight with practical solutions, especially in advancing gender equality and inclusive development.