Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Nigeria’s Humanitarian Minister, has emerged as new National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He his emergence came today, July 24, at the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.
Professor Yilwatda succeeded Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned recently.
Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda is a distinguished academic and advocate for humanitarian and poverty reduction initiatives.
Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area, he hails from a lineage of service, being the son of the Late Rev. Toma Yilwatda.
He attended the prestigious Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri. His academic journey saw him obtain his first degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, followed by a master’s degree from ATBU, Bauchi, and a doctorate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specializing in Electronic and Computer Engineering.
Prof. Yilwatda returned to his alma mater, the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he served for over 26 years. He was the University’s pioneer Director of ICT, leading transformative digital reforms that automated key institutional processes.
He earned multiple accolades, including Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year.
Prof. Yilwatda has played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of Nigeria’s public and private sectors. His consultancy work spans multinational organizations and global development partners such as the European Union, UNICEF, the World Bank, and TECHVILE USA.
In 2017, he was appointed a Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). During his tenure, he championed some reforms, including policy amendments to the Electoral Act, the development of voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), and the deepening of technology in Nigeria’s electoral system.
In 2021, he stepped down to pursue public service through elective office, contesting as the Plateau State gubernatorial candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and serving as the Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization in Plateau State during the 2023 General Elections.
