Dr Lawal Hussein, mni, was born in Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria. His formative years were spent in Gusau, where he attended Birnin Ruwa Primary School and Government Secondary School. He later studied political science at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1998. He returned to the same university to pursue a Master’s degree, which he completed in 2012, and a Doctor of Philosophy, which he obtained in 2021. His doctoral research focused on the Political Economy of Gold Mining in Zamfara State, while his master’s dissertation explored capitalist agriculture and the Zamfara Comprehensive Agricultural Revolution Programme (ZACAREP).
Dr Hussein was appointed a Permanent Secretary in the Zamfara State civil service in 2021. He served as the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs, until his nomination to attend SEC 47, 2025 at the National Institute, Kuru.
Beyond his formal appointments, he has taken on numerous ad hoc responsibilities. The leadership style of Lawal Hussein emphasises diligence, strategic thinking and a commitment to the public good. The professional interests of Dr Hussein include political economy, institutional reforms, public-sector strategy, and development-oriented leadership.
He has participated in local courses on civil service reforms and attended international programmes organised by RIPA International in the United Kingdom, covering succession planning, talent management, effective people management and strategic skills for organisational development.
Beyond his professional duties, Dr Hussein values reading and continuous learning, engages in social networking to exchange ideas and maintain collegial relationships, and dedicates time to mentoring the younger ones.
The Kaleidoscopic World of Lawal Hussein 