The Director of the Iya Abubakar Institute of Computing and ICT (IAIICT) of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Professor Emmanuel Adewale Adedokun, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC). Aziz Hilali will serve as Vice-Chairman.
Professor Adedokun is a Professor of Electrical Engineering. He received his Ph.D. Degree in Electrical Engineering (Network Security), M.Sc. and B. Eng in Electrical Engineering in 2014, 2009, and 1999 from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. He is a member of several professional bodies including IEEE, NSE, CPN, NCS, FOA. His areas of Expertise are Computer Networks, Security, and Emerging Technologies. As Director of the Iya Abubakar Institute of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at ABU, Professor Adedokun has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. His appointment is expected to bring a new level of stability and direction to AFRINIC.
This new leadership marks a fresh phase of stability and strategic focus for AFRINIC, which manages internet resources across Africa. Professor Adedokun brings decades of academic, technical, and leadership experience to the role.
“Our focus is to restore confidence and ensure stability, so AFRINIC can continue its critical mission without distraction,” Professor Adedokun emphasized, adding that the board would prioritize renewal, unity, and transparency after a period of challenge for AFRINIC.
As one of the world’s five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs), AFRINIC plays a vital role in allocating Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and Autonomous System numbers within its service region. The organization’s stability is crucial for Africa’s digital economy.
The new board includes representatives from various regions, comprising Kaleem Ahmed Usmani, Kayemba Laurent Ntumba from Central Africa, Carla Sanderson from Southern Africa, Fiona Asonga from Eastern Africa, Benjamin Mark Roberts, and Ajao Adewole David as non-regional members. Professor Adedokun will represent Western Africa, while Aziz Hilali represents Northern Africa.
“A stable AFRINIC is key to a stable Internet ecosystem across the continent,” Hilali highlighted. He added that the organization would work diligently to ensure transparency and efficiency, focusing on the equitable distribution of internet number resources that power Africa’s digital economy.
With its new leadership, AFRINIC is poised to navigate the complex landscape of internet governance and resource management. Professor Adedokun and Aziz Hilali’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and equitable distribution of internet number resources will be crucial in shaping the future of Africa’s digital economy.
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