Mahmood Yakubu Biography: Age, Children, Parents, Wife, Net Worth, INEC, State of Origin

Biography

Mahmood Yakubu is a prominent Nigerian academic and administrator, serving as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) since October 2015.

Born in Bauchi State, Nigeria, he holds a PhD in History from the University of Oxford and has a distinguished career in academia, including roles as a professor and Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, Yakubu has overseen major Nigerian elections, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections, focusing on electoral reforms and technological advancements in the voting process.

Nigerian academic and administrator
Mahmood Yakubu
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Mahmood Yakubu
Born:	1 May 1962 (age 63 years old)
Place of Birth:	Bauchi State, Nigeria
State Of Origin:	Bauchi State
Nationality:	Nigerian
Education:	Kobi Primary School, Government Teachers College, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford
Height:	N/A
Parents:	Alhaji Yakubu Usman, Hajiya Aisha Yakubu
Siblings:	N/A
Spouse:	Married
Girlfriend • Partner:	Not Dating
Children:	N/A
Occupation:	Academic • Administrator
Net Worth:	$5 million-$15 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Mahmood Yakubu, born on May 1, 1962, in Bauchi State, northern Nigeria, grew up in a culturally vibrant Hausa-Fulani community.

His father, Alhaji Yakubu Usman, was a respected local educator, while his mother, Hajiya Aisha Yakubu, managed a modest trading business, instilling in him values of discipline and service. Information about any siblings remains private.

As a Muslim, his faith has shaped his approach to leadership and public duty, reflecting the predominant religious context of his birthplace.

His early education began at Kobi Primary School in Bauchi, followed by secondary studies at Government Teachers College in Toro, Bauchi State, where his academic talent emerged.

He went on to earn a first-class honors degree in History from the University of Sokoto (now Usmanu Danfodiyo University), becoming the first student from northern Nigeria to achieve this feat, a historic milestone.

Yakubu furthered his education abroad, obtaining an M.Phil. in International Relations from Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, and a D.Phil. in History from the University of Oxford, specializing in Nigerian political history and themes like guerrilla warfare and counter-terrorism.

Career

Mahmood Yakubu is a Nigerian academic, public administrator, and election expert known for his work in education reform and electoral management.

He holds a first-class degree in History from the University of Sokoto, an M.Phil. in International Relations from the University of Cambridge, and a D.Phil. in History from the University of Oxford.

His career began in academia as a lecturer at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna, where he taught Nigerian political history, guerrilla warfare, and counter-terrorism. His research and contributions earned him a professorship, making him a respected scholar in African history and governance.

In 2007, Yakubu moved into public service as the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). During his tenure, which lasted until 2012, he led major reforms to improve infrastructure, research funding, and academic development in Nigerian universities and polytechnics. His leadership helped strengthen Nigeria’s higher education system and promoted better accountability and transparency in funding.

Yakubu‘s most prominent role began in October 2015, when President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He has since overseen major elections, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections, managing challenges such as logistics, security issues, and public pressure.

Under his leadership, INEC introduced key technologies like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to improve transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s elections. Although some elections faced controversies and technical issues, Yakubu is credited with driving electoral reforms and strengthening the institution.

Beyond INEC, he has also served as a Senior Adviser to the Minister of Education and has been involved in various academic and international boards. His career reflects a strong commitment to public service, institutional reform, and democratic governance in Nigeria.

Personal Life

Mahmood Yakubu, born on May 1, 1962, in Bauchi State, Nigeria, is 63 years old.

He is married, though the name and background of his wife remain undisclosed in public records, reflecting his preference for discretion amid high-profile roles in academia and electoral administration.

He is known to have children, but specifics regarding their number, names, or involvement in his life are not publicly documented, underscoring his commitment to shielding his family from media attention.

Net Worth

Mahmood Yakubu, the former Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who served until October 2025, has an estimated net worth ranging from $5 million to $15 million as of recent reports.

This wealth primarily stems from his high-profile public sector roles, including his decade-long tenure at INEC—where he earned a substantial official salary—and prior positions such as Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) from 2007 to 2012, alongside his academic career as a professor at the Nigerian Defence Academy.

No verified details on personal investments, assets, or business ventures are publicly available, reflecting his low-key approach to finances amid scrutiny over electoral integrity. These figures are speculative, drawn from online sources amid controversies like unproven allegations of financial impropriety during the 2023 elections.