The Grand MATRON of PEACE Magazine at a Glance
Dr Habiba Muda Lawal, OON, was born to the family of Alhaji Adamu Garkuwa at Bununu, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. She had her primary education at Gyamzo, Toro LGA, and Secondary education at Federal Government College, Kaduna and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Nigeria, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and emerged the best graduating student in Chemistry and Master’s Degree in Inorganic chemistry from the same University. She attended Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, for her Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) in Inorganic Chemistry and graduated in 1997.
She has had a resounding public service career as an administrator, mother, family matriarch, educationist, and motivator, and she has also excelled in the discharge of her duties.
Dr Habiba Lawal lectured at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and served as the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Tourism, Bauchi State. She served the nation as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development from 2013 – Nov. 2014; Special Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation from Nov. 2014 –Nov. 2015; Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation from November 2015 – August 2016, as well as Ecological Project Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation from August 2016 and retired in August 2022.
President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, appointed her as Acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation from April 2017 – October 2017.
In her capacity as the Permanent Secretary (Ecological ProjectOffice), she worked with transparency, dedication and commitment, making her an exemplary public officer. She initiated the change in name from the Ecological Fund Office (EFO) to the Ecological Project Office (EPO) to better reflectthe mandate of tackling ecological challenges in Nigeria. She published the first–ever 574-paged compendium on Ecological Projects in Nigeria, which Mr. President launched.
Dr Habiba Lawal was also appointed the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Policy & Coordination,during which she championed the first–ever formal democratic transition of government to the present Administration. Sheserved as Secretary, Presidential Transition Council/Federal Transition Coordinator to usher in this Administration.
She is a Fellow of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management, a Member of the Institute of Development Administration Alumni, and a Member of the Science Association of Nigeria (SAN.) LEAD International (Fellow Leadership for Environment and Development), Intern. Chair, Board of Trustees America International Visitors Leadership Programme; Life Member,Institute of Directors Nigeria; Amirah FOMWAN, Bauchi State 1995 – 1997; Chairman, FOMWAN, Primary School Management Board 1999 – 2001.
Dr. Habiba Lawal has quite a number of published articles in reputable journals, both local and International. She is widely travelled and is a recipient of many prizes and awards, including the Life Grand Matron of PEACE Magazine; the Best Graduating Student in Chemistry 1985/86 (Ahmadu Bello University Zaria); Imperial Chemical Industrial Prize for the Best Graduating Student in Chemistry 1985/86 (ABU); Imperial Chemical Industries Prize for the Best Graduating Project 85/86 Session (ABU); British Chevening Scholarship 1996/97 Session; Transparency & Excellence In Public Service Award amongst several others. Her hobbies are Reading, Travelling, empowerment for the vulnerable and community service.
Edited by
Abdullahi Yusuf
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