Nentawe Yilwatda Biography: APC’s New National Chairman in 2025
Nentawe Yilwatda Biography
Nentawe Yilwatda Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria .
Nentawe Yilwatda is the son of the late Rev. Toma Yilwatda, raised in a Christian family known for service and community leadership.
Nentawe Yilwatda Primary and Secondary Education
Nentawe Yilwatda schooling at LGED Primary School, Dungung, completing his First School Leaving Certificate in 1981 .
Attended Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri, earning his GCE Ordinary Level in 1986 .
Nentawe Yilwatda University and Advanced Studies
Nentawe Yilwatda enrolled at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering in 1992 .
Completed a Master of Engineering at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi .
Nentawe Yilwatda earned a PhD from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specializing in Digital Systems Engineering .
Received international training in e‑governance from the UN University International Institute for Software Technology in Macau, China.
Nentawe Yilwatda Academic and Early Career Path
Nentawe Yilwatda Began as an Assistant Lecturer in 1995 at Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkinladi, before moving to the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi in 1996 .
Nentawe Yilwatda serve at the university for over 25 years, including a 12‑year tenure as pioneer Director of ICT. In this role, he spearheaded digitization of institutional processes and developed a 10‑year ICT architecture plan .
Nentawe Yilwatda Earned awards such as Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year for his transformative contributions .
Nentawe Yilwatda Consultancy and International Engagement
Nentawe Yilwatda worked as an ICT consultant on projects for entities like the World Bank, UNICEF, European Union, and Tech‑Ville USA, focusing on alternative energy, education infrastructure, and digital transformation .
Participated in energy research delegations to the USA and Canada, and contributed to efficiency programs with UNDP and Nigeria’s Energy Commission.
Nentawe Yilwatda Summary Table
Stage Highlights
Family & Upbringing Plateau-born, raised in religious and service-oriented household
Primary/Secondary LGED Primary School (1981); Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri (1986)
Undergraduate B.Eng in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, MAKURDI (1992)
Postgraduate M.Eng (ATBU Bauchi), PhD specializing in Digital Systems Engineering (UNN)
Academic Career Over 25 years teaching; ICT Director at Federal University, Makurdi
Consultancy & Intl. Training UN training in Macau; projects funded by UNICEF, World Bank, EU
Also Read: Malcolm Jamal Warner Biography: Age, Career, Family, Death & Legacy
Nentawe Yilwatda Academic Excellence & ICT Innovations
Professor of Computer Engineering at Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (c.1996–2022), serving over 26 years .
Pioneer Director of ICT for 12 years, where he implemented transformative digital reforms and developed a 10-year institutional ICT strategy.
Recipient of Best Staff of the Year (2012) and Best Director of the Year awards for outstanding leadership.
Nentawe Yilwatda Consultancy & National‑Level Initiatives
Led major ICT and financial systems projects with Alteq Ltd and the European Union (2003–2005), implementing integrated financial management systems across government agencies.
Served as lead consultant for UNICEF (2005–2012), designing and deploying alternative energy systems for cold chain infrastructure in multiple Nigerian states.
Consulted for the UNDP/Energy Commission of Nigeria, delivering energy efficiency and economic audits across factories and key sectors
Participated in the PAWA 774 Project, deploying eco‑friendly micro-grid electricity in underserved communities.
Trained 100 renewable-energy/software engineers with Tech‑Ville USA, preparing talent for export-level certifications.
Nentawe Yilwatda Electoral Reforms & Governance Leadership
Appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State, INEC (2017–2021), overseeing key elections in Anambra, Osun, Benue, Kogi, Rivers, and Cross River states .
Championed innovative voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), promoting inclusive electoral participation.
Led the deployment and evaluation of BVAS and electronic voting technologies, enhancing transparency in electoral processes.
Spearheaded peace-building town hall meetings in volatile communities to promote stability during election periods.
Nentawe Yilwatda Community & Humanitarian Impact
Funded scholarships and JAMB fees annually for ~200 students from Kanke and Pankshin; hired tutors and facilitated university admission support.
Organized youth training in animal husbandry (2018), supporting trainees to establish piggeries and sustainable livelihood.
Distributed 112 laptops to underprivileged tertiary students in Kanke and Pankshin.
Co‑founded the Bikatki Cooperative, helping rural farmers access credit and expand their operations.
Supported construction of schools and classrooms in remote communities.
Nentawe Yilwatda Research & Publications
Authored technical papers in renewable energy, digital systems, and robotics, including:
Optimum Design of Phase Opposition Disposition Pulse Width Modulation Logic Circuit (2016)
Maximum Power Point Tracking with a Boost Converter & Three‑Level 3‑Phase Inverter (2016)
Walking Biped Robot Design via MATLAB/Simscape (2019).
Graduated numerous Master’s and PhD students and served on university senate and national strategic planning committee.
Nentawe Yilwatda Political & Ministerial Recognition
APC Plateau State Governorship Candidate (2023), running on the GenerationNext–ACEES manifesto focused on Agri‑technology, Climate resilience, Economy, Education, Energy, and Security.
Appointed Coordinator of the Tinubu‑Shettima Campaign in Plateau during the 2023 presidential elections.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction (appointed October 2024), working to rebuild trust in a troubled ministry and emphasize sustainable solutions.
Named one of the 50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVP) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy for 2024 by IT Edge News.Africa, lauded for linking tech innovation to poverty reduction.
Nentawe Yilwatda Area Key Achievements
Nentawe Yilwatda Academic Leadership Professor, Professor of Computer Engineering; ICT pioneer; Institutional awards
Consultancy & ICT Major UN and EU projects, clean energy deployments, financial systems design
Electoral Reform Inclusive voting frameworks, tech-enhanced elections in multiple states
Community Empowerment Scholarships, youth training, laptop distribution, community development
Research & Mentorship Numerous peer-reviewed publications and graduated postgraduates
Politics & Governance APC gubernatorial candidate, campaign coordinator, national minister
Recognition 50MVP digital economy award, engineering professional memberships
Academic and Early Career Path
| Stage | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Family & Upbringing | Plateau-born, raised in religious and service-oriented household |
| Primary/Secondary | LGED Primary School (1981); Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri (1986) |
| Undergraduate | B.Eng in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, MAKURDI (1992) |
| Postgraduate | M.Eng (ATBU Bauchi), PhD specializing in Digital Systems Engineering (UNN) |
| Academic Career | Over 25 years teaching; ICT Director at Federal University, Makurdi |
| Consultancy & Intl. Training | UN training in Macau; projects funded by UNICEF, World Bank, EU |
Nentawe Yilwatda Academic Excellence & ICT Innovations
Professor of Computer Engineering at Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (c.1996–2022), serving over 26 years.
Pioneer Director of ICT for 12 years, where he implemented transformative digital reforms and developed a 10-year institutional ICT strategy.
Consulted for the UNDP/Energy Commission of Nigeria, delivering energy efficiency and economic audits across factories and key sectors.
Participated in the PAWA 774 Project, deploying eco‑friendly micro-grid electricity in underserved communities.
Trained 100 renewable-energy/software engineers with Tech‑Ville USA, preparing talent for export-level certifications.Electoral Reforms & Governance Leadership
Appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State, INEC (2017–2021), overseeing key elections in Anambra, Osun, Benue, Kogi, Rivers, and Cross River states.
Championed innovative voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), promoting inclusive electoral participation.
Led the deployment and evaluation of BVAS and electronic voting technologies, enhancing transparency in electoral processes.
Also Read: Hulk Hogan Biography: Life, Career, and Legacy of a Wrestling Icon
Nentawe Yilwatda Summary Table
|
Area |
Key Achievements |
|---|---|
| Academic Leadership | Professor, Professor of Computer Engineering; ICT pioneer; Institutional awards |
| Consultancy & ICT | Major UN and EU projects, clean energy deployments, financial systems design |
| Electoral Reform | Inclusive voting frameworks, tech-enhanced elections in multiple states |
| Community Empowerment | Scholarships, youth training, laptop distribution, community development |
| Research & Mentorship | Numerous peer-reviewed publications and graduated postgraduates |
| Politics & Governance | APC gubernatorial candidate, campaign coordinator, national minister |
| Recognition | 50MVP digital economy award, engineering professional memberships |
Nentawe Yilwatda Quick Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda |
| Date of Birth | August 8, 1968 |
| Place of Origin | Dungung, Kanke LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria |
| Education | B.Sc. Makurdi; M.Eng. ATBU; Ph.D. UNN Nsukka; UNU Macau |
| Academic Role | ICT Director, F.U.A. Makurdi |
| INEC Role | Resident Electoral Commissioner, Benue State |
| 2023 Role | APC Governorship Candidate — Plateau State |
| Ministerial Role | Minister of Humanitarian Affairs (Oct 2024–2025) |
| APC Chairmanship | National Chairman, elected July 24, 2025 |
FAQ About Nentawe Yilwatda
Who is Nentawe Yilwatda?
Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda is a Nigerian professor of Computer Engineering, former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, ICT consultant, politician, and the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction (appointed in October 2024).
When and where was he born?
He was born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung village, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria.
What is his educational background?
Primary School: LGED Primary School, Dungung
Secondary School: Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri
B.Eng: Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (1992)
M.Eng: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi
PhD: Digital Systems Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Also trained in E-governance at the UN University in Macau, China
What positions has he held?
Professor and ICT Director at Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State (INEC), 2017–2021
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction (from 2024)
Former APC Governorship Candidate for Plateau State (2023 elections)
What are his major achievements?
Spearheaded electoral technology reforms at INEC
Led ICT and energy projects with UN, EU, and World Bank
Provided scholarships, ICT training, and youth empowerment in Plateau State
Recognized as one of Nigeria’s 50 Most Valuable Personalities in the Digital Economy (2024)
Is he involved in politics?
Yes. He contested for Governor of Plateau State under APC in the 2023 general elections and now serves as a federal minister in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
What is the ACEES Agenda he proposed?
ACEES stands for Agriculture, Climate, Economy, Education, and Security. It was the central theme of his 2023 governorship campaign to transform Plateau State through innovation and infrastructure.
Has he published academic work?
Yes. He has authored peer-reviewed papers in robotics, digital systems, power electronics, and renewable energy and has supervised postgraduate theses in those areas.
Is he married?
Yes. Prof. Yilwatda is married and has children, though detailed information about his family is kept private.
What are his professional affiliations?
Member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)
Member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN)
Consultant to global agencies like UNICEF, UNDP, EU, and World Bank
Conclusion About Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda
Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda stands out as a visionary academic, technocrat, and public servant whose life has been marked by innovation, integrity, and impactful leadership. From humble beginnings in Plateau State, he rose through Nigeria’s academic, technological, and political ranks to become a respected voice in governance and national development.
With a strong foundation in engineering and digital systems, Yilwatda pioneered institutional ICT reforms, contributed to global development projects, and played a crucial role in electoral transformation as an INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner. His humanitarian efforts—ranging from scholarships to youth training and community empowerment—reflect a deep commitment to social justice and inclusive growth.
Politically, his GenerationNext/ACEES agenda laid the groundwork for sustainable development in Plateau State, and his recent appointment as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction positions him at the heart of Nigeria’s fight against poverty and inequality.
In essence, Nentawe Yilwatda exemplifies technocratic leadership, ethical governance, and people-centered innovation, making him a transformative figure in Nigeria’s contemporary political and developmental landscape.