OSi Team

The OSi Nigeria Team: Changing the Face of Education in Africa

OpenSchool Initiative’s has a team of passionate educators who are dedicated to improving education in Nigeria. We believe that technology can be a powerful tool for learning, and we are committed to providing teachers with the training and support they need to use technology effectively in their classrooms.

Abdulrahaman Hayatu
Director of Design and Development

Abdulrahaman Hayatu is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse skill set and a strong educational background in computer science. He has earned several prestigious certifications and gained extensive experience in various IT-related roles.

As a Google Certified Educator and Google Digital Skills Trainer, he is well-versed in leveraging Google’s educational tools and technologies. Additionally, he holds a specialization in Google Cybersecurity, highlighting his expertise in safeguarding digital assets and information.

With five years of hands-on experience in PC hardware repair and software installation, Abdulrahaman excels in diagnosing and resolving hardware issues while ensuring seamless software integration. His proficiency extends to computational thinking, where he earned certification from Microsoft, underscoring his understanding of its significance in education.

He is also a seasoned full-stack web developer, boasting over six years of experience in creating dynamic and user-friendly web applications. His Bachelor’s degree in computer science from Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa serves as a strong foundation for his IT expertise.

Currently, he holds the position of I.T. Technician at Mota-Engil Nigeria, where he plays a vital role in maintaining and optimizing the organization’s IT infrastructure. In this capacity, he applies his extensive knowledge and skills to ensure the smooth operation of technology systems.

As a Google Certified Python Programmer and Android Developer, he is well-prepared to tackle software development projects, whether for web-based applications or mobile platforms. His ability to code in Python and create Android apps showcases his proficiency in these domains.

Furthermore, Abdulrahaman Hayatu possesses a wealth of knowledge in Artificial Intelligence (AI), recognized and acknowledged by International Business Machines (IBM). He has specialized in Machine Learning (ML), demonstrating his capability to design and implement AI-driven solutions that can analyze data and make informed predictions.

In summary, Abdulrahaman Hayatu is a multifaceted IT professional with a solid educational background and an impressive array of certifications and specializations, including Google Cybersecurity, I.T. Technician at Mota-Engil Nigeria, and Cybersecurity Analyst. His skills, experience, and dedication make him a valuable asset in the field of IT and cybersecurity.

Hauwa Abubakar Uda
Girl Tech Advocate

Hauwa Abubakar Uda is a passionate data analyst with a B.Sc. and a ND in Computer Science, and certifications from Google in Data Analysis and Project Management. She has proven skills in Excel, MS Office, data entry, R programming, Tableau, SQL, and Arabic, and fluency in English and Hausa. She has worked as a data analyst at Dangote Ultra-Modern Skills Acquisitions Centre and as a tax officer at Kano State Internal Revenue Service, where she delivered data-driven solutions and insights that exceeded quality standards. Hauwa is also a volunteer and a girl tech advocate who mentors and inspires young girls to pursue their dreams in IT through the openschool school initiative.

Amina Rahma Audu
Program Manager for Digital Inclusion

Amina Rahma Audu is an award-winning education officer, lecturer, and council member of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. She has a strong academic background in Sociology of Education and Primary Education from Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto. She has over 20 years of impressive experience in the education sector, with a special focus on disability rights, inclusive education, and social inclusion. She has authored or co-authored many publications on various topics related to education, psychology, sociology, gender, trauma and disability. She is currently volunteering with OpenSchool initiative as Empowerment Program Manager for Digital Inclusion, where she is leading a team of volunteers to provide online learning opportunities and digital skills training to children and youth with disabilities across Nigeria.

Dr. Alhassan Umar
Director of Digital Learning

Alhassan Umar is a certified Microsoft Innovative Educator and recognized trainer in Teaching with Technology. He has six years of experience managing Google Workspace for Education and is currently the Principal Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at Jigawa State Polytechnic Dutse, where he leads the ICT Directorate. He also has extensive experience as a Computer IT/User Support Specialist and was formerly the Head of the MIS unit at the same institution.

Mr. Umar holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Minna, an MSc degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the University of Leeds, UK, and a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru. He has published papers in IEEE Xplore, won the outstanding paper award at the 7th International Conference on Electrical Engineering, Computer Sciences and Informatics (EECSI) Indonesia, and authored academic manuscripts in multidisciplinary fields. He also reviews for the Nigerian Journal of Technological Development and Biomedical Physics & Engineering Express, UK.

Mr. Umar is passionate about solving problems and helping users with their IT needs. He is detail-oriented, team-oriented, and customer-oriented. He has earned various certifications, including Google Project Management Professional, Google Workspace Professional Administrator, Microsoft Certified Innovator Educator, and Career Essentials for System Administration and Administrative Assistant from LinkedIn and Microsoft. He is currently participating in Microsoft Power Up and the Google IT Support Specialization Programs.

At Openschool initiative, Dr. Alhassan volunteers as a Director of Digital Learning, where he leads the design and implementation of online and blended learning programs for students and teachers in Nigeria.

Dr. Bashir I Dodo
Director of Policy and Advocacy

Dr. Bashir I Dodo is an expert in computer science, with a specialization in medical image analysis. He is an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at the University of York, where he focuses on online masters programs. He holds a BSc. (Hons) in Software Engineering and an MSc in Computer Systems Engineering (Software Systems) from the University of East London, UK, as well as a PhD in computer science from Brunel University London. He has eight years of teaching experience as a Lecturer and Postgraduate Coordinator at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Nigeria, and as a visiting lecturer at Al-Qalam University Katsina. He is skilled in learning pedagogies, research methods, and outreach activities. He is a passionate advocate for accessible and quality education. He is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Reviewer for several prestigious journals in his field. He is currently pursuing his Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, UK.

At OpenSchool Initiative, Dr. Dodo is the Director of Policy and Advocacy, where he is leading the development and implementation of effective policies and strategies to promote and support online learning in Nigeria and beyond.

Engr. Khalil Y. A
Director of Partnerships and Fundraising

Engr. Khalil Y. A. is an accomplished electrical and electronics engineer with 20 years of experience in the power value chain and power system technical and vocational training sectors. He has participated in and contributed to various local and international professional events and publications on power systems, education, and online learning techniques. He is a registered engineering technologist member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), a competent and certified electrical power systems engineer, internal and external quality assurance manager, and energy transformation expert. Additionally, Yusuf is a certified health and safety supervisor with the Occupational Health and Safety Association (OSHA). He is currently serving as the Chief Instructor (Electrical) at the Department of Training, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), Abuja.

Yusuf is also the Director of Partnerships and Fundraising at OpenSchool Initiative, where he is responsible for developing and maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders, donors, and partners in the education sector. He is also in charge of planning and implementing effective fundraising campaigns and events to support OpenSchool’s vision and mission.

Engr. Abba Muhammad Gadanya
Director of Outreach Services

Engr. Abba Muhammad Gadanya is a highly experienced Chief Engineer at Voice of Nigeria, leading the Substation and Alternative Energy Unit. He is a COREN-certified and esteemed member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE). He also holds certifications from the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and the Renewable Academy (RENAC) in Germany.
In addition to his technical expertise, Engr. Gadanya is an accomplished project manager with proven skills in team management, stakeholder engagement, budget oversight, and risk mitigation. He is also proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, which allows him to optimize productivity and collaboration.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Engr. Gadanya is passionate about giving back to his community. He volunteers as a Director of Outreach Services at OpenSchool Initiative, where he is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with external partners, coordinating and supervising outreach staff and volunteers, and monitoring and evaluating outreach outcomes and impact. Engr. Gadanya is also deeply committed to mentoring and training orphans and vulnerable people in hard-to-reach areas.

Dr. Nura Tijjani Abubakar
Founder
Dr. Nura Tijjani Abubakar

Nura Tijjani is a Google Certified Trainer and Educator I & II. He is also an expert in graphics, software, web development, and IT and a lecturer/HOD at Jigawa State Institute of Information Technology, Kazaure. With several degrees in Computing and software engineering in Singapore and the UK, Nura continues pursuing his passion for software and design while lending his skills to humanitarian courses. Nura is undergoing his computer science PhD at Brunel University London, United Kingdom.


Top Skills

Web/Software Development
90%

Graphics/Multimedia
80%

Modelling & Simulation
75%

Training and Mentoring
85%

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