The Africa Islamic Economic Forum (AFRIEF) is pleased to announce the confirmation and acceptance of Honourable Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Sokoto State, Nigeria, as Keynote Speaker at the upcoming High-Level Virtual Health Infrastructure Summit. Dr. Abubakar will deliver the keynote address on the theme: “The Urgency of Building Resilient Health Systems in Africa.”
The Summit will take place virtually on Thursday, 12th February 2026, at 10:00 a.m., convening senior policymakers, development finance institutions, health-sector leaders, and infrastructure partners from across Africa and beyond. The event also aligns with AU Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and marks a major milestone in advancing Africa’s health infrastructure transformation.
About the Keynote Speaker
Hon. Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar is the Honourable Commissioner for Health of Sokoto State, appointed by His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto. He is a seasoned health professional with over 35 years of experience spanning clinical practice, health education, professional regulation, and public-sector leadership.
Prior to his current role, Dr. Abubakar served as Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), where he provided national leadership in regulating nursing and midwifery education and professional standards across Nigeria. His tenure was marked by institutional strengthening, workforce governance reforms, and a strong emphasis on ethics, quality assurance, and professional excellence.
Professionally trained as a nurse, Dr. Abubakar holds a Doctorate in Nursing Education and is a Fellow of the West African College of Nursing (FWACN), in recognition of his outstanding contributions to nursing education, regulation, and health systems development in West Africa.
As Commissioner for Health, he is spearheading a comprehensive reform agenda in Sokoto State, focusing on the rehabilitation and upgrading of health facilities across all levels of care, procurement of modern diagnostic and clinical equipment, and the planned replacement of the century-old Sokoto Specialist Hospital with a modern, world-class facility. He has also championed workforce redistribution policies, including mandatory rural service supported by incentives, to improve access to healthcare in underserved communities.
Widely regarded as a systems-oriented reformer, Dr. Abubakar is known for his inclusive leadership style, commitment to accountability, and focus on building a resilient, people-centered, and sustainable health system.
AFRIEF expresses its profound appreciation to the Honorable Commissioner for accepting this invitation and looks forward to his insights at this landmark continental dialogue.
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