Umar Idris Shuaibu: The man behind The Historica Nigeria

Umar Idris Shuaibu is a Kano-born journalist and Editor of The Historica Nigeria, an online newspaper focused on topical issues, governance, history, culture and stories of public interest.

Born to Malam Idris Shuaibu, a retired employee of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), and Hajara Shuaibu, Umar has built his educational and professional career in Kano State, with experience spanning journalism, administration and digital media.

His maternal grandfather was a renowned Islamic scholar who also served with the Nigerian Prison Service, now known as the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Umar began his early education at a Qur’anic school before attending Gidan Makama Primary School and later completing his primary education at Adda’awah Primary School in Hotoro, Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State.

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He proceeded to Government Secondary School, Hotoro, for his junior secondary education. Following his performance in the Science and Technical Schools Board examination, he gained admission to the prestigious Science College, Dawakin Kudu, Kano State, where he completed his secondary education.

His transition into journalism began after he obtained a Diploma in Mass Communication from Kano State Polytechnic. The qualification provided him with the foundation to pursue a professional career in journalism.

He subsequently obtained an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration and a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Public Administration from Kano State Polytechnic. He later earned a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Public Administration from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JOSTUM), Makurdi.

Umar also underwent specialised training in Artificial Insemination of cattle in Denizli, Turkey, under the auspices of the Denizli Veterinary Doctors, with the training sponsored by the Kano State Ministry of Agriculture. The international training added another dimension to his exposure, particularly to agriculture and livestock development, areas that have also featured among his journalistic interests.

His academic progression has broadened his professional outlook beyond journalism, giving him additional grounding in public administration, organisational management and institutional affairs.

From radio to digital journalism
Umar’s journalism career has taken him through broadcast and online media, exposing him to different aspects of newsroom operations and editorial practice.

He worked with Freedom Radio Kano, one of the pioneer indigenous private FM radio stations in the city, where he served in various capacities, including News Reporter, Translator, News Presenter/Caster, Programme Producer and Sub-Editor.

His years in the broadcast newsroom exposed him to news gathering, reporting, translation, production, presentation, editorial decision-making and the demands of daily journalism.

He later became a pioneer reporter with Daily News 24, one of the early online newspapers based in Kano, at a time when digital journalism was rapidly transforming the Nigerian media landscape.

Umar also worked with Premier Radio FM as a News Caster/Presenter, Producer and Sub-Editor, further strengthening his experience in broadcast journalism and newsroom management.

His professional career later extended into the public-sector and institutional environment through his work with Kano State Investment and Properties (KSIP) Ltd., where he combined administrative responsibilities with communication and information-related duties.

At KSIP, he was involved in institutional communication and information management, while also participating in professional activities within the organisation’s chapter of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution Employees (NUBIFIE).

A pen with many interests
Throughout his journalism career, Umar has developed particular interests in agriculture, environmental issues, governance and human-interest stories.

His reporting interests have also extended to public policy, political developments, community affairs and issues affecting society.

His experience across traditional broadcast journalism and digital media has shaped his approach to reporting, combining newsroom discipline with the speed, accessibility and wider reach of online journalism.

As Editor of The Historica Nigeria, Umar focuses on topical issues and historical events, with an emphasis on stories that connect contemporary developments with the people, institutions and history behind them.

The publication also reflects his longstanding interest in preserving and promoting historical narratives, culture and the stories of communities that may otherwise receive limited attention in mainstream discourse.

Professional membership
Umar is an active member of the Kano State Online Media Chapel and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council.

His professional journey from radio reporting and news production to online journalism, institutional communication and editorial leadership, reflects the evolution of his career alongside the changing Nigerian media landscape.

Today, through The Historica Nigeria, he continues to pursue journalism not only as a profession but also as a platform for telling stories, examining public affairs, documenting history and giving greater visibility to issues of public interest.

Away from his professional engagements, Umar is married to Hauwa Abdullahi Shuaibu, and their marriage is blessed with a daughter, Hajara, popularly known as Nawwara.

Photos:

Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf with Umar Idris Shuaibu

Umar in a warm handshake with National Party Chairman APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje