One Year After Leaving Office, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami Continues to Make Significant Impact in Education, Philanthropy, and Beyond

Just one year after stepping down as Nigeria’s Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami has continued to make remarkable strides in various fields, underscoring his commitment to education, philanthropy, and community service.

As a Professor of Cyber-Security and the first African Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec), Pantami has exemplified the virtues of lifelong learning and service. His post-ministerial activities have included engaging in numerous conferences and seminars, both nationally and internationally, on topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and ICT. Notably, he spoke at a conference in Egypt on "Education for the Future" and contributed to an expert review of the Artificial Intelligence Charter for OIC member countries in Morocco.

Back in Nigeria, Pantami has been actively involved in various educational and philanthropic efforts. He recently spoke at a workshop hosted by Nile University of Nigeria and the 2024 graduation ceremony of Al-Ansar Centre Comprehensive Education (ACCCE). He has also established the Al-Waalidayn Charitable Foundation in Gombe, named in honor of his late parents. This foundation includes a school, vocational center, mosque, and digital training facilities aimed at supporting and uplifting local communities.

Pantami’s impact extends to substantial infrastructure projects across Gombe State, including the establishment of communication and digital centers, as well as various vocational training centers. His humanitarian efforts include distributing food and other forms of assistance to alleviate economic hardships.

In the realm of Islamic activism, Pantami continues to lead and inspire through his da’wah activities and social media presence, providing clarity on Islamic matters and officiating marriage contracts. His wisdom and exceptional character have earned him respect and admiration within the Muslim community.

Prof. Pantami's contributions have been widely recognized with over 80 awards celebrating his achievements. These accolades include a Distinguished Fellowship Award from Federal Polytechnic Kazaure, recognition from Nile University, and multiple awards for his contributions to cyber security and Islamic scholarship.

Appointed as Co-Chair of the 4th Industrial Revolution Policy Council by the African Union, Pantami is contributing to the development of the framework for the 4th Industrial Revolution across Africa. He is also involved in reviewing the Artificial Intelligence Charter for ICESCO member countries.

While not formally affiliated with any political party, Pantami’s tenure as minister and his subsequent activities have positioned him as a prominent figure in Nigerian politics. Speculation about his potential candidacy in the 2027 Gombe gubernatorial election reflects the high regard in which he is held by his supporters.

Despite some criticisms, such as the perceived shortcomings of the NIN-SIM registration exercise in addressing security challenges, Pantami has attributed the issues to the underutilization of data by relevant institutions rather than the policy itself.

Overall, Prof. Pantami’s continued influence and contributions highlight his enduring commitment to improving education, supporting humanitarian causes, and advancing both scholarly and community-focused initiatives.