31st October 2025, marks the one-year anniversary of Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam's appointment as the Director General and Chief...
31st October 2025, marks the one-year anniversary of Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam's appointment as the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), a role conferred upon him by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
In the past twelve months, Dr. Imam has consistently focused on a singular mission: to rejuvenate NILEST for the prosperity and progress of the leather industry in Nigeria. His vision aligns with the aspirations of the institute's founders, aiming to reshape the national narrative and establish Nigeria as a leading hub for the global leather market.
From the beginning, Dr. Imam sought to transform NILEST into a modern, professional, and internationally respected public service institution, driven by national interests and guided by the principles of operational excellence.
In just one year, he has achieved substantial progress through strategic collaborations with federal government agencies, state governors, and educational institutions.
He received valuable support from the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Tajuddeen Abbas PhD GCON. (Iyan Zazzau). Shortly after his appointment, Dr. Imam visited His Royal Highnes, Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu, CFR, to seek further blessings. During this visit, Emir Bamalli expressed, “The entire people of Zazzau are appreciative of your recent appointment. Please embody fairness, justice, and integrity in your leadership endeavors.”
Dr. Imam has undertaken a tour of NILEST facilities, closely supervising the construction of new centers. He has ensured that nearly all 25 extension centers across the country were visited and assessed.
Following his resumption on 11th November 2024, he held a pivotal meeting with the Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, where he was encouraged to revamp the agency and enhance its capabilities.
Upon Dr. Imam's assumption of office, President Tinubu reappointed him as the Chairman of the National Steering Committee on Leather and Leather Products Policy Implementation. This committee is set to hold its annual conference in Lagos in 2024.
In his efforts to elevate NILEST, Dr. Imam collaborated with Speaker Abbas, who awarded local scholarships to hundreds of students from Kaduna North Senatorial District to pursue Diploma, National and higher National Diploma courses at NILEST. These scholarships cover registration fees, feeding, and monthly stipends, easing students' financial burdens.
In a bid to tackle youth unemployment, Dr. Imam offers contract Appointments to 36 youths in Zaria immediately after taking office.
On 19th December, he established a partnership with NELFUND to facilitate student loans and skills acquisition training, marking a significant collaboration between the two federal agencies. Students at NILEST any moment from now will start benefiting from this initiative.
On 9th January 2025, during a management tour, Dr. Imam established a strong partnership with the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum. The governor sponsored 60 indigent students from Borno to study leather and footwear-related courses at NILEST. During this visit, Dr. Imam announced the upgrade of the Borno center to a Regional Center and appointed Dr. Usman Ali Busuguma as the Northeast Regional Manager.
Dr. Imam also inspected ongoing projects in Nakigori, Bashar Town, Plateau State, facilitated by former Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Ahmad Idris Wase.
On 24th January 2025, Dr. Imam visited Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto, upgrading the Sokoto extension center to a Northwest Regional Center. The Governor committed to sponsoring youth and women in leather technology and footwear design, aligning with the state's agenda to enhance socio-economic development.
Throughout this year, the DG has made notable renovations to male and female hostels, which were in dire condition upon his arrival, ensuring they are now habitable and hygienic.
Dr. Imam's collaborative efforts extend to governors and ministers, including Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A Sule FSNE of Nasarawa State, Dr. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, and Governor Mr. Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, as well as the Minister of Livestock, Malam Idi Maiha.
His commitment to empowering youth and women is reflected in various training initiatives across states like Bauchi, Kogi, Ogun, Edo, and Gombe. One of the current initiatives is the IDEAS TVET project, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education and NILEST, supported by the World Bank.
Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam has undoubtedly made a significant impact in the leather industry and has left an indelible mark on NILEST.
He has etched his name in the annals of history.
We wish him continued health and success as he drives transformation in NILEST for the betterment of our nation.
Nuhu Basheer Masa,
A Multimedia Journalist, Communication and Information Specialist
Writes from Zaria, can be reached via basheernuhumasa@gmail.com
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