Here are 10 key facts about APC’s new national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, as reported on July 24, 2025:
- Plateau‑born politician – Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke LGA, Plateau State .
- Education – Earned a B.Eng in Electrical/Electronic Engineering (1992, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi), an M.Eng (ATBU, Bauchi), and a Ph.D. in Digital Systems Engineering (University of Nigeria, Nsukka) .
- Digital engineering specialist – After his Ph.D., he focused on Digital Systems Engineering advancing tech initiatives in Nigeria .
- Renewable energy contributions – Played a key role in the PAWA 774 micro‑grid project and partnered with Tech‑Ville USA to train 100 engineers in Ondo State .
- Professional memberships – Registered with COREN; member of IEEE, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and the Solar Society of Nigeria .
- UNICEF energy consultant – From 2005 to 2012, led UNICEF projects delivering alternative-energy cold‑chain systems across several states .
- Former REC with INEC – Served as Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State, appointed in 2017 .
- 2023 Plateau APC governorship candidate – Ran under APC, securing 44.6% of the vote but losing to PDP’s Caleb Mutfwang (~48.6%) on March 18, 2023 .
- Legal challenge post‑election – Initially won at the Court of Appeal, but the Supreme Court in January 2024 upheld Mutfwang’s victory .
- Minister of Humanitarian Affairs – Appointed in October 2024 by President Tinubu to oversee humanitarian affairs, disaster management, and social development .
Summary
Prof. Yilwatda is a seasoned engineer, academic, and politician whose career spans technical consulting, election administration, governorship aspirations, and humanitarian leadership. His engineering credentials, professional affiliations, energy-sector impact, and recent ministerial role collectively set a multifaceted foundation for his new position as APC national chairman.