A 28-year-old indigene of Gumel Emirate in Jigawa State, Engr. Lasmar Garba, has emerged as one of the region’s youngest holders of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree.
Dr. Garba successfully earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from India’s Lovely Professional University, setting a new benchmark for academic achievement and inspiring a generation of young Nigerians to aim for the highest echelons of scholarship.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Garba emphasised the role of perseverance and a clear vision.
“The path was not without its challenges, but my anchor was a relentless focus on the goal,” he stated.
“To the young people of Jigawa and Nigeria at large, my advice is to define your purpose early, embrace discipline as a companion, and never underestimate the power of a supportive community. Your background does not define your future; your determination does.”
Prior to his doctoral studies, he had already graduated with a Master of Technology degree in Transportation Engineering, earning a distinction that reflected his exceptional intellectual capabilities.
However, Dr. Garba’s profile extends far beyond academics, he has consistently demonstrated a flair for transformational leadership, having served in pivotal roles representing the interests of Nigerian and African students abroad.
He served as the President of the Nigerian Students in India, where he championed the welfare of his compatriots.
His leadership acumen was further recognised when he was elected President of the African Students’ Union. Currently, he serves as the Secretary-General of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Diaspora, advocating for Nigerian students globally.
His exceptional service has been honoured with several prestigious awards, including the ‘Icon of the Year 2025’, ‘Visionary Leader of the Year’, a ‘Citation of Honour’, and the ‘Best Transformational Leader’ award.
In a candid discussion about his future, Dr. Lasmar Garba articulated a clear vision for how he intends to apply his unique expertise to the development of Jigawa State.
“My entire academic and leadership journey has been guided by a single objective: to acquire the tools and perspective necessary to contribute meaningfully to the development of my home, Jigawa State,” Dr. Garba stated.
“I specifically pursued my Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a focus on addressing infrastructure challenges pertinent to our region. I am now equipped with advanced, globally-informed knowledge in sustainable construction, transportation systems, and project management. I am eager to transition from theoretical excellence to practical implementation.”
When asked about his specific ambitions, Dr Garba said he is prepared and willing to take up a strategic role where he can have the most immediate impact.
“My technical expertise aligns directly with the mandates of key agencies or ministries, such as Works, Transportation, or Environment. I am confident that I can contribute to advancing the state’s infrastructure agenda, particularly in areas like road network optimization, sustainable water management, and the integration of smart technology into public projects.”
“I am committed to the progress of Jigawa and I look forward to the opportunity to present my development-focused proposals to His Excellency, Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi, and his dedicated team, to contribute to the realization of the state’s broader development goals.”
