Professor Abubakar Momoh Biography
Professor Abubakar Momoh is a renowned professor of political science and the acting Director-General of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s Electoral Institute. With a Ph.D. in Political Theory, Professor Momoh has made significant contributions to academia and governance in Nigeria and beyond.
Early Academic Pursuits and Career Beginnings
Professor Abubakar Momoh’s academic journey began with his passion for political theory, which led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Political Theory. In 1988, he embarked on his teaching career and quickly established himself as a respected lecturer, earning the admiration of his students and peers.
Leadership and Academic Roles
Prior to his appointment as the acting Director-General of INEC’s Electoral Institute, Professor Momoh served as the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Lagos State University (LASU). During his tenure as dean, he demonstrated a strong commitment to encouraging academic excellence and supporting faculty research efforts.
Involvement in International Research and Academic Institutions
Professor Momoh’s expertise in political science and government extends beyond Nigeria. He has affiliations with several prestigious research centers and universities worldwide. As a visiting research fellow at the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Helsinki in Finland, he collaborated with leading scholars from around the globe to address critical challenges faced by developing countries.
Contributions to Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies
Driven by his interest in peace and conflict studies, Professor Momoh accepted a fellowship position at Uppsala University’s Department of Peace and Conflict Research in Sweden. This experience provided him with invaluable knowledge in understanding and resolving complex societal issues.
African Union and Electoral Governance
Professor Abubakar Momoh is highly regarded as a respected election observer due to his unwavering commitment to advancing fair electoral processes in Africa. He has been actively involved in various technical teams for the African Union Commission (AUC) and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and the African Union Elections Benchmarking.
Influence in Nigerian Governance
Professor Momoh’s expertise in foreign policy led to his involvement in the “Foreign Policy” Subcommittee of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s “Vision 20:20” Technical Committee. His extensive knowledge and insights contributed significantly to the country’s diplomatic efforts. Additionally, he was part of the group responsible for developing the Federal Government’s “Peace Support Operations (PSOS)” program, making a substantial impact on Nigeria’s peacekeeping initiatives.
External Examiner and Election Observer
Professor Abubakar Momoh’s knowledge and expertise have been highly sought after, not only among academics but also as an external examiner for prestigious universities in Nigeria and South Africa. Furthermore, he has actively participated in election observation missions on behalf of ECOWAS, the African Union, and several European nations, promoting fair and reliable elections.
