Quick Facts
Biography
Dr. Alhassan Bako Zaku (born January 18, 1951) became Nigeria's Minister of Science and Technology in December 2007. He left office in March 2010 when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved his cabinet.
Background
Alhassan Bako Zaku was born on January 18, 1951 at Dampar in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State. He attended Barewa College, Zaria (1965 - 1971) and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1972 – 1979) where he obtained a B.sc (Ed) degree in 1976, and an M.Ed in 1979. In 1978, he joined the College of Education, Jalingo as a lecturer. He went to the University of Hull, England in 1981, obtaining a Doctorate in 1983 in Science and Technical Education. He returned to the College of Education, Jalingo and was made its provost in 1986.
Dr. Bako Zaku helped to establish the Adamawa State Polytechnic between 1991 and 1993, and was its first Rector. He moved to Taraba State to establish the State Polytechnic in Jalingo in 1993, where he became rector.
He worked at the National Open University of Nigeria as Centre Manager, Yola Centre between (2001 - 2004), then returned to the College of Education, Jalingo as Chief Lecturer (2004 - 2005). He then returned to Taraba State Polytechnic, Wukari as rector from 2005 to May 2007.
Political career
Alhassan Bako Zaku was appointed Secretary to the Taraba State Government in May 2007 by Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai, and was appointed Minister of State for Science and Technology in October 2007.
Bako Zaku became Nigeria's Minister of Science and Technology in December 2008 after a reshuffle of President Umaru Yar'Adua's cabinet.