Early Life
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai CON, born on February 16, 1960, is a distinguished Nigerian politician who held significant positions in both regional and federal governance. Notably, he served as the governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, making notable contributions to the state’s development and progress during his tenure.
Before his governorship, El-Rufai occupied crucial roles in the Nigerian government. From 2003 to 2007, he was the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, where he played a pivotal role in the growth and administration of Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. Additionally, he served as the director of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, demonstrating his commitment to public sector reform and privatization efforts.
Furthermore, El-Rufai is a co-founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling political party in Nigeria. His involvement in its establishment underscores his dedication to shaping the country’s political landscape and advancing its developmental agenda. Through his notable career, El-Rufai has cemented his position as a prominent and influential figure in Nigerian politics.
Family
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, born on February 16, 1960, hails from a Fulani family in Daudawa, Nigeria. Tragically, he lost his father at the age of 8. However, with the support of an uncle in Kaduna, he was able to pursue his early education.
El-Rufai’s personal life includes his marriage to three wives. His first wife, Hadiza Ismail El-Rufai, is a renowned writer and novelist. She is also actively involved in the Yasmin El-Rufai Foundation (YELF), established in memory of their daughter, Yasmin, who passed away in 2011. The foundation serves as a platform for various initiatives and charitable endeavors.
In addition to his notable political career, El-Rufai’s family life reflects his commitment to his loved ones and his dedication to supporting causes close to his heart.
Education
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai’s educational journey is marked by remarkable achievements. He attended Barewa College, where he had the opportunity to interact with future President Umaru Yar’Adua, who was the house captain of his dormitory during his junior years. In 1976, he graduated from Barewa College, earning the prestigious “Barewa Old Boys’ Association Academic Achievement” Trophy for ranking at the top of his class.
Subsequently, El-Rufai pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where he excelled and earned a bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying with first-class honours. His dedication to academic excellence continued, and in 1984, he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ahmadu Bello University.
Throughout his career, El-Rufai continued to enhance his knowledge and skills by attending various professional and post-graduate programs. Notably, he studied at the Georgetown School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., focusing on issues related to privatization and leadership.
Furthermore, El-Rufai’s pursuit of knowledge led him to obtain a law degree from the University of London in August 2008. Additionally, in June 2009, he earned a master’s degree in public administration from the prestigious John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. During his time at Harvard, he also received the Kennedy School Certificate in Public Policy and Management, having spent 11 months as an Edward A. Mason Fellow in Public Policy and Management from July 2008 to June 2009.
El-Rufai’s educational accomplishments reflect his commitment to personal and professional development, shaping him into a well-rounded and knowledgeable leader in the realm of Nigerian politics and governance.
Professional Career
In 1982, he founded El-Rufai & Partners, a quantity surveying consulting firm with three partners which he managed until 1998.During the military juntas of 1983–1998, the firm received building and civil engineering contracts including during the construction of Abuja, making the partners “young millionaires”.In addition to his practice, El-Rufai held management positions with two international telecommunications companies, AT&T Network Systems International BV and Motorola Inc.
Early political career
In 1998, following the death of military head of state General Sani Abacha, his successor General Abdulsalami Abubakar appointed El-Rufai as an economic advisor. In this role he worked with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
In 1999, the military transferred power to President Olusegun Obasanjo. In November 1999, he was appointed the director of the Bureau of Public Enterprises,and secretary of the National Council of Privatisation where he spear-headed the privatisation of several government owned corporations alongside Vice President Atiku Abuba.
Marraige life
El-Rufai is married to three wives and has children and they are Hamza El Rufai, Yasmin El Rufai, Biikisu El-Rufai, Mustapha El-Rufai, and Ahmed El-Rufai.
His children’s names are: Hamza El-Rufai, Yasmin El-Rufai, Bilkisu El-Rufai, Mustapha El-Rufai, Ahmed El-Rufai, Bashir El-Rufai, Abubakar Al-Siddique el-Rufai, and more.
