Usman Bugaje Biography
Usman Bugaje is an Islamic scholar, political activist and civil society leader from Nigeria. He has a doctorate in intellectual history of West Africa and has served as a special adviser to the Nigerian vice president, a member of the House of Representatives, and the national secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria. He is also the founder of Network for Justice and the convener of the Arewa Research and Development Initiative.
Bugaje has been involved in various academic, political and social activities that aim to promote the development and welfare of Nigeria and the Muslim world.
He has written and published several articles and book reviews on topics related to Islam, Africa and the world. He has also participated in and organized various conferences, seminars and workshops on issues such as good governance, human rights, women empowerment, and Islamic revivalism.
Usman Bugaje Age
Usman Bugaje is 72 years old as of 2024.
Usman Bugaje State Of Origin
Usman Bugaje hails from Katsina State, Nigeria.
Usman Bugaje Early Life and Education
Usman Bugaje was born in 1952 in Bugaje, a town in Katsina State, Nigeria. He attended primary and secondary schools in Katsina and Kaduna, where he excelled academically and developed an interest in Islamic studies. He also participated in various social and cultural activities, such as debating, drama and poetry.
In 1975, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Nigeria.
In 1981, he enrolled in the interdisciplinary Social Science programme of African Studies at the Institute of African and Asian Studies, University of Khartoum, Sudan.
He obtained his Master of Arts degree in 1984, and his Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1991. His doctoral thesis analyzed the significance of Islamic revivalist movements (Tajdid) for reforming democratic governance in West African states. He also studied Arabic, Hausa and Swahili languages, and became fluent in them.
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Usman Bugaje Career
Usman Bugaje started his career as a pharmacist, working in various hospitals and clinics across Nigeria. He also joined the Islam in Africa Organisation (IAO), a pan-African Islamic movement that aimed to promote Islamic education, culture and development across the continent. He became a prominent member of the IAO and contributed to its publications and programmes.
He also taught at the University of Khartoum and the International University of Africa. He published several academic articles and book reviews on various topics related to Islam, Africa and the world.
In 1999, he returned to Nigeria and joined the political arena. He served as a special adviser on political affairs to the Nigerian vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, from 1999 to 2003.
He also represented the Kaita/Jibaya Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007, where he chaired the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. He was involved in several legislative initiatives and diplomatic missions, such as the African Parliamentarians for Darfur and the ECOWAS Parliament.
In 2007, he contested for the governorship of Katsina State under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), but lost to the incumbent governor. He later became the national secretary of the ACN, where he worked to institutionalize democratic reforms and greater participation of women. In 2016, he declined an offer from President Muhammadu Buhari to consider an ambassadorial appointment, citing personal reasons.
Besides his political career, Bugaje has also been active in civil society and advocacy. He is the founder of Network for Justice, an organisation that promotes civil education, consumer and human rights.
He is also the convener of the Arewa Research and Development Initiative (ARDI), a public policy group that seeks to address the challenges and opportunities facing the northern states of Nigeria. He has also been a member of the governing board of IRCICA, a research centre for Islamic history, art and culture.
Usman Bugaje Wife and Children
Usman Bugaje is married and has children, but their names and details are not publicly available. He is a private person who does not share much about his personal life.
Usman Bugaje Net Worth
Usman Bugaje’s net worth is estimated at $300,000 as of 2024.