THE FULL BIOGRAPHY OF SHEIKH ISA ALI IBRAHIM PANTAMI THAT YOU WILL KNOW

 Tarihin Malam Isa Ali Pantami Tun Daga Tashinsa Har Zuwa Yanzu.

Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, widely recognized as Sheikh Isa Ali Pantami, is a distinguished Nigerian Islamic scholar, academic, and politician. Born on October 20, 1972, in Pantami Ward, Gombe State, Nigeria, he is the son of Alhaji Ali Ibrahim Pantami and Hajiya Amina Umar Aliyu. His early education commenced with traditional Islamic studies at a Tsangaya School, where he dedicated over four years to memorizing the Qur'an, before transitioning to formal education at a local primary school in Pantami. He continued his secondary education at Government Science Secondary School in Gombe. 

Academic Pursuits

Pantami's passion for knowledge led him to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi, where he earned a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Computer Science in 2003. He further obtained two Master's degrees from the same institution: one in Computer Science in 2008 and another in Technology Management (MBA). His academic journey culminated with a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Computer Information Systems from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom. Prior to this, he completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods from the same university. 

Professional Career

Pantami's professional trajectory is marked by significant contributions to both academia and public service. He began his career as a lecturer at ATBU, Bauchi, imparting knowledge in various areas of Information Technology. In 2014, he joined the Islamic University of Madinah as Head of Technical Writing at the newly established Faculty of Computing and Information Systems. 

In 2016, Pantami was appointed as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Nigeria. During his tenure, he established the agency's first department of Cybersecurity, underscoring his commitment to enhancing Nigeria's digital infrastructure and security. 

Ministerial Appointment and Achievements

Following President Muhammadu Buhari's re-election and subsequent cabinet reshuffle in 2019, Pantami was appointed as the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. This appointment marked a significant shift, as the ministry's title was updated to include "Digital Economy," reflecting the evolving focus on digital transformation. 

As minister, Pantami spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at bolstering Nigeria's digital landscape. He developed the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030) and the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025). Under his leadership, broadband penetration saw a remarkable increase, and the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector contributed significantly to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

One of his notable policies was the implementation of the SIM card registration and usage policy, which aimed to enhance national security by ensuring proper identification of mobile subscribers. This policy mandated that individuals could own a maximum of three SIM cards and required users to link their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to their SIMs. 

International Recognition and Roles

Pantami's influence extends beyond Nigeria's borders. In May 2022, he was appointed as the Chairman of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland. This role positioned him at the helm of global discussions on information society advancements. 

He is also a fellow of several esteemed professional bodies, including the British Computer Society (FBCS) and the Nigeria Computer Society (FNCS), reflecting his substantial contributions to the field of information technology. 

Religious Leadership and Activities

Beyond his academic and political endeavors, Pantami is a revered Islamic scholar and cleric. He has served as a Jumu'ah Chief Imam for over two decades, leading Friday prayers in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. His religious commitments include membership in the Shari'ah Board of Jaiz Bank and serving as the Deputy Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Shari'ah in Nigeria. 

Pantami's religious education was shaped by prominent scholars such as Sheikh Muhammad Umar Fallatah, Sheikh Muhammad ibn al Uthaymeen, and Sheikh Abdulmuhsin ibn Abbad. He has authored several religious books, including "Islam and Politics: Synonymity or Dichotomy?" and "The Essentials of Marriage in Establishing an Ideal Family," contributing to the discourse on Islam and societal issues. 

Publications and Intellectual Contributions

An accomplished author, Pantami has written extensively on topics encompassing technology, religion, and peaceful coexistence. His publications include books on ICT, STEM, technology management, and community reconciliation. He has also contributed to international journals such as the International Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering and Management (IJIREM) and the International Journal of Computer & Information Technology. 

Controversies and Public Perception

In April 2021, Pantami faced allegations linking him to extremist groups, specifically Boko Haram. These claims were based on past statements and were initially reported by online media outlets. However, the articles were subsequently retracted after the allegations could not be substantiated. Pantami publicly denounced the claims, emphasizing his commitment to peace and national development. 

Legacy and Impact

Professor Isa Ali Pantami's multifaceted career embodies a blend of religious scholarship, academic excellence, and dedicated public service. His efforts have significantly influenced Nigeria's digital transformation, positioning the country as a growing player in the global