Attahiru Muhammafu Jega, born 11 January 1957, is a Nigerian political scientist, former Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, and ex-INEC Chairman known for overseeing Nigeria’s historic 2015 general elections and advancing electoral reforms.
ATTAHIRU JEGA PROFILE
| Name | Attahiru Jega |
| Real Name | Attahiru Muhammadu Jega |
| Date Of Birth | 11 January 1957 |
| State Of Origin | Kebbi State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Administrator and Public Servant |
| Religion | Islam |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Copied From | Contents101.com |
ATTAHIRU JEGA BIOGRAPHY
Attahiru Muhammadu Jega was born on January 11, 1957, in Jega, Kebbi State, Nigeria. He hails from a modest background in northwestern Nigeria and was raised with strong values of discipline, education, and public service.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Jega began his early education in Kebbi State before proceeding to higher studies. He attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1979.
He later obtained a Master’s degree in Political Science from the same institution in 1981. Jega further advanced his academic qualifications by earning a Ph.D. in Political Science from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA, in 1987.
CAREER
Attahiru Jega built an impressive career as an academic, administrator, and public servant.
- He began his teaching career at Ahmadu Bello University, where he rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Political Science.
- He served as Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University from 2004 to 2009, where he implemented reforms aimed at improving academic standards and institutional governance.
- Jega was also actively involved in unionism and served as President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) from 1988 to 1994, advocating for better funding and autonomy for Nigerian universities.
His most notable public service role came when he was appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2010 by President Goodluck Jonathan.
As INEC Chairman (2010–2015), Jega oversaw major electoral reforms and conducted the 2011 and 2015 general elections. The 2015 election, which led to the victory of Muhammadu Buhari, was widely regarded as one of the most credible elections in Nigeria’s history and marked the first peaceful transfer of power from an incumbent ruling party to an opposition party.
CONTROVERSIES
Jega’s tenure was not without challenges:
- The 2011 general elections faced logistical issues and initial violence in some parts of the country.
- He was criticized by some political actors who questioned the credibility of the electoral process.
- The introduction of the biometric voter card system and card readers during the 2015 elections sparked debate, with some stakeholders resisting the technological changes.
ATTAHIRU JEGA SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLE
Attahiru Jega is not active on social media.
PERSONAL LIFE
Attahiru Jega is known to be a private individual. He is married and blessed with children, he lost his wife on the 5th April 2026.. He is widely respected for his modest lifestyle, intellectual depth, and principled stance on governance and democracy.
ATTAHIRU JEGA NET WORTH
Attahiru Jega’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed.