By Israel Adamu, Jos
A group under the aegis of Concerned Arewa Youths in Home and Diaspora has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider Professor Doknan Decent Danjuma Sheni for a ministerial appointment, citing his notable contributions to philanthropy, education, and grassroots development.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Faisal Zubairu (North-West representative), Aishatu Abubakar (North-East), and Olamilekan Tunde Ajayi (North-Central), and made available to newsmen in Jos.
According to the group, the call follows the recent developments within the All Progressives Congress (APC), where Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, was elected by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to fill the position vacated by former National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned due to health concerns.
“We are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint Professor Doknan Danjuma Sheni—a renowned scholar, academic, educationist, and humanitarian—to fill the Plateau State ministerial slot,” the statement read.
The group described Prof. Sheni as a highly competent and experienced individual with a proven track record of leadership, innovation, and commitment to public service.
“Prof. Sheni’s achievements in academia and humanitarian work make him a valuable asset to any government,” the group noted.
“As a distinguished academic and former Vice-Chancellor of Plateau State University, Bokkos, he transformed the institution by ensuring accreditation of all courses and promoting staff welfare.”
The statement highlighted his efforts in human capital development, noting that Prof. Sheni facilitated partnerships with world-class universities that enabled numerous Plateau State indigenes to obtain Master’s and PhD degrees.
Prof. Sheni, a seasoned optometrist and inventor with a registered patent, also has international academic and professional experience in Saudi Arabia and South Africa. He is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a grassroots mobilizer, and an active participant in several regional platforms including the North Central Peoples Forum, Plateau Elders Forum, and Northern Elders Forum.
“He also holds the prestigious traditional title of Garkuwan Matasan Arewa, reflecting his influence and leadership within the Arewa community,” the group added.
With over 45 years of university-level lecturing experience, Prof. Sheni is recognized as a leading figure in optometry. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, the South African Optometric Association, and the Nigerian Optometric Association. He has authored several books and published in peer-reviewed international journals.
His global leadership roles include serving as President of both the World Council of Optometry and the Association of African Optometric Educators.
The group further noted that Prof. Sheni is the founder of the Decent Danjuma Foundation, which focuses on empowering widows and advancing community development.
Among his numerous recognitions is the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) award, as well as the International Optometrist of the Year award by the World Council of Optometry for his outstanding contributions to the field.
“Given his impressive background and achievements, we believe Prof. Sheni is exceptionally suited for the Plateau State ministerial position. His leadership, academic expertise, and humanitarian service make him a strategic asset to the Tinubu administration,” the group stated.
They concluded by urging President Tinubu to consider Prof. Sheni’s candidacy, emphasizing his capacity to contribute meaningfully to national development and policy implementation.
“We strongly believe that Prof. Sheni will make a significant impact in government. We respectfully urge President Tinubu to appoint him to serve as a minister from Plateau State.”
