Dr Hauwa Mohammed Sani has been appointed Deputy Director of the Institute for Development Research and Training (IDRT) at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, for a period of two years. She will be responsible to the Director for the day-to-day operations of the Institute.
The appointment was made to recognise Dr Sani’s administrative and academic leadership qualities and “in the hope that she will work with the Director and bring her worthy experiences to bear in the university's service.”
The IDRT was established on July 1, 1998, to undertake cutting-edge research into development issues and problems that confront Nigeria specifically.
She said this role will significantly enhance her leadership and administrative skills, providing opportunities to manage projects and coordinate with various departments. This role will also offer her access to additional resources, funding, and collaborative opportunities, enabling the initiation and expansion of research projects:
“Consequently, my academic profile will be elevated, leading to more invitations to speak at conferences and contribute to high-impact publications, thus positioning me as a key figure in shaping research agendas and influencing policy development. My research in sociolinguistics and communication within African language communities establishes my credibility and expertise, which is crucial for my role as Deputy Director. The innovative nature of my Far-LeaF project through transdisciplinary and sustainable research will bring fresh perspectives to the institute, inspiring new methodologies and frameworks. My interdisciplinary approach will foster a collaborative environment, encouraging comprehensive projects addressing multifaceted developmental issues.”
Dr Sani is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of English and Literary Studies at Ahmadu Bello University. She is a sociolinguist with a special interest in language and communication. Her PhD is in news reportage, and it serves as the basis for her expertise in communication. She also holds an MA (English Language) and BA Hons from Ahmadu Bello University. Her research has won her the American Council of the Learned Society African Humanities grant (2016/2017), the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Early Career Academic Grant (2016), the African Peacebuilding Network (Individual Research Fellowship) of the SSRC America (2021) and the African Studies Association and Carnegie Corporation of New York fellowship (ASA/CCNY 2021) -among others. She is widely published in national and international outlets and has attended conferences within and outside Nigeria.