Rakiya Mohammed: The predicament of CBN’s ICT guru

Upon completing the routine security check, we ascended to the impressive Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) complex in Abuja. Led to a spacious yet modest hall where an event was unfolding, we found seats beside a woman modestly dressed in a Muslim Hijab. She greeted us warmly and invited us to sit beside her. Her humility and warmth immediately put us at ease.

We had assumed she was a guest or another participant at the briefing. However, as we discussed the media industry, she listened intently, nodding in agreement. When she finally spoke, her insightful comments on disruptive technologies and their impact on the communication industry left us in awe. Her deep knowledge spanned online streaming services, virtual events, and redefining audience engagement through innovation, leaving us with respect for her expertise.

She elaborated on how blockchain, 5G networks, and artificial intelligence facilitate secure, faster connectivity and interactive experiences with enhanced royalty management. Beyond aiding in content generation and personalisation, she noted media production is becoming increasingly democratised. Moreover, she ‘schooled’ us on the latest technological tools for fact-checking, cybersecurity, and digital journalism—all without a trace of arrogance or pomposity.

As the event concluded, we offered our printed business cards. In response, she shared her digital business card. Scanning the QR code revealed her identity: Hajia Rakiya Shuaibu Mohammed, Director of Information Technology, CBN. This position speaks volumes about her expertise and influence in the field.

Curiosity drove me to search for her profile upon leaving. What I uncovered was astounding. Despite not being a celebrity tech expert paraded on social media or television, she is an extraordinary IT specialist. Former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele described her as such, having promoted her from Head of Information Security Management after a rigorous selection process.

Speaking at the eNaira Hackathon Grand Finale in Abuja in 2022, Emefiele credited the success of Africa’s first central bank digital currency partly to Rakiya. He admitted to underestimating her suitability for the Director of IT, initially preferring a male candidate. He said. “When she was considered for the director role, I initially doubted. I’m sorry, please forgive me. I went back and read her CV. She is a First-Class computer science graduate, a brilliant erudite lady from Northern Nigeria, and a chartered accountant. I said you could not have a better person as head of IT for the Central Bank.”

Rakiya’s academic and professional accolades are extensive. She was the Head Girl of the Federal Government Girl College, Bakori, and the Best Graduating Student in 1982. She obtained a First-Class degree in Computer Science from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in 1987, followed by a Master’s degree in Information Systems Engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 1994. She has attended executive education programs at Harvard University and Oxford University.

He professional journey spans over 25 years across the financial, telecommunications, and technology sectors. Before the promotion to CBN’s IT Director, where she spearheaded and implemented the Industry Security Operation Centre (NFICERT) and the E-Naira, Rakiya headed CBN’s System Services and Information Security Management (CISO) unit. She modernised the IT infrastructure, introduced innovative solutions like video conferencing, implemented robust information security strategies, maintained the ISO 27001 certification and ensured zero major security incidents.

Previously, Rakiya was the Head of Strategy and IT at Galaxy Backbone Plc (2009-2011), CIO at Premium Pension Limited (2005-2008), the Deputy General Manager (IT) and CIO of NITEL (2003-2005), and the Head of Branch Banking Systems in the Northern Region of Continental Merchant Bank (1988-1995).

He numerous certifications include Lean Process Practitioner, Certified IT Business Manager, Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), Certified Enterprise and Solution Architect, Certified IT Governance Professional (COBIT, CGEIT), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Chartered Accountant (ICAN) and Honorary member of the Certified Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

On May 16, 2024, she made an outstanding presentation to the CBN board on maximising the utility of current IT facilities. One week later, Rakiya became one of the directors retrenched by the current CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, despite ensuring increased revenue, reduced costs, and improved security in various organisations.

It is perplexing to understand the rationale behind the disengagement of some of the highly qualified and integral personnel at the country’s apex monetary authority, especially considering the ongoing appointments of external consultants. If retaining and promoting the best within the service is not prioritised, what justifies these replacements with outsiders?

Shuaib authored “Award Winning Crisis Communication Strategies.”
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