TEDxZaria

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Aliyu Sabo

  Mentor

  Malam Aliyu Sabo is an educator, mentor and the Coordinator of the Muslim Refresher Course Programme (MRCP)in Zaria. For decades, he has dedicated himself to educating, mentoring and guiding young people, helping to shape lives through knowledge and purposeful action. Under his leadership, MRCP has produced more than 45 PhD holders, alongside numerous graduates at other levels who have gone on to contribute meaningfully across different fields Through his commitment to education, mentorship and youth development, Malam Aliyu Sabo continues to demonstrate how consistent and purposeful action can create lasting impact across generations.

• Dr. Tijjani Ahmad

  Accountant

  Dr. Tijjani Ahmad is an accomplished expert in accounting, investment, taxation, research, and business development. He holds a PhD in Accounting and Finance from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN). With over 15 years of experience, he has worked across various fields, including teaching, research, investment and business advisory, youth and entrepreneurship training, and leading community development initiatives. His work focuses on how knowledge, leadership, and collaboration can serve as pathways to sustainable development. Dr. Tijjani is also one of the founders of Tsangaya Cooperative Society, an initiative that grew from a simple idea into a meaningful community impact. H

• Hassan Yakubu

  Entrepreneur

  Hassan Yakubu is a marketing and management professional, SME consultant, and lecturer in the Department of Marketing, Kaduna Polytechnic. With experience spanning marketing, telecom distribution, entrepreneurship, and enterprise development, he works with businesses and organisations to improve performance, strengthen customer relationships, and achieve sustainable growth.He is the founder of Kada SMEs Hub, an initiative that provides entrepreneurs with practical business training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and growth support. Through the Hub, he has trained and supported over 3,000 SMEs across Northern Nigeria. Hassan also serves as Chairman of the Arewa Telecom Operators Agents and SIM Card Dealers Association, representing telecom agents and data product partners across the 19 Northern states and the FCT.

• Hauwa'u Shehu

  Cyber security expert

  Hauwa Shehu was born in Kano, where she grew up with a passion for writing and everything related to technology and digital innovation. She completed her education from primary school through university, where she studied B.Sc. Education in Mathematics. Hauwa is a writer, teacher, and Digital Skills Facilitator. She has a strong interest in cybersecurity and uses her writing to raise awareness and help people understand how to use the internet safely and responsibly. Among her works are Harin Gajimare, which won first place in the Gusau Institute Kaduna writing competition, and Tsanin Tsaro, which focuses on online safety and cybersecurity measures.

• Jafar Abdullahi

  Entrepreneur

  Abdullahi Jafar is a highly skilled Chemical Engineer, entrepreneur, and leader in industrial development. He has over a decade of experience working in chemical processing, natural resources, and industrial development across Nigeria and the Sahel region. He is the Managing Director of Prism Chemicals & Stones Engineering Limited, where he leads initiatives focused on transforming natural resources into value-added products that contribute to economic growth and create employment opportunities. Abdullahi was also selected for the Mandela Washington Fellowship, where he received training in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development. He believes that Africa’s development is built on good leadership, keeping commitments, and taking actions that create lasting and meaningful change.

• Karimatu kasim Aliyu

  Disable with creativity

  Halima was born in Kaduna and is 29 years old. She completed her education from primary school through tertiary institution. She is passionate about beadwork and has developed her skills in the craft over the years. Three years ago, Halima lost her sight, but this did not stop her from pursuing her passion and continuing to develop her creativity through beadwork. Her journey is a story of resilience, determination, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

• Maryam Shehu

  Writer

  Maryam Shehu is a literary advocate, writer, book reviewer, journalist, cultural curator, and community builder based in Zaria, Nigeria. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Bookish Alchemy Ltd, a literary, educational, and creative development organization dedicated to advancing literacy, storytelling, cultural engagement, and youth development. She holds a Diploma in Shari’a and Civil Law from the Centre for Islamic Legal Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Law. Her multidisciplinary background informs her work at the intersection of literature, education, culture, civic engagement, and social transformation.