In Northern Nigeria, where many women are still denied access to quality education and confined by cultural expectations of marriage and domestic life, rising to political leadership remains rare. Yet, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe has defied that narrative with grace and determination. Born in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, she not only pursued education to its highest levels but also broke barriers to become the first female Deputy Governor in the state’s history. Her journey stands as a living testament to what is possible when opportunity meets resilience.
From a young age, Dr. Balarabe’s path reflected both privilege of access and the power of perseverance. Born into the family of Alhaji Abubakar Balarabe, she attended Girls College, Soba, where she obtained her General Certificate of Education (GCE) in 1982. She then gained admission into the University of Maiduguri to study medicine, graduating in 1986 with an MBBS. At a time when very few women in Northern Nigeria ventured into such demanding fields, she was already charting a bold new course for women in her region.
The discipline and empathy she gained from practicing medicine later became the pillars of her governance, guiding her toward policies that prioritized healthcare and the wellbeing of Kaduna’s most vulnerable. As a doctor, she had witnessed firsthand the struggles of women and children in accessing proper care, and this understanding would deeply influence her public service. Her medical background gave her more than a profession—it gave her a mission.
That mission took on a new dimension in 2019, when she was appointed Deputy Governor of Kaduna State under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Her emergence was historic, marking the first time a woman held the office in the state. In a political environment where women’s voices are often drowned out, her rise was nothing short of groundbreaking. When she was re-elected in 2023, it was not just a victory for her, but also an affirmation of the people’s trust in her capacity to serve.
Her political journey has been defined by a series of bold firsts. In 2019, while serving as Acting Governor, she made history as the first woman in Northern Nigeria to present a state budget. Delivering Kaduna State’s 2020 Budget of Renewal to the House of Assembly, she stood as a symbol of progress—proof that leadership is not bound by gender, but by vision and competence.
Beyond symbolism, her work has produced tangible results. Under her leadership, nearly 79,000 vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women and children, have gained access to healthcare through the state insurance scheme. Over 800 girls have received educational kits to support their studies, while plans to build around 100 schools by 2025 reflect her commitment to long-term educational reform. Through the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA), she has also attracted critical investments that have created jobs and opened doors for women entrepreneurs to thrive.
Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe’s story is not just about breaking barriers—it is about redefining what is possible for women in Northern Nigeria. By combining her medical expertise with political will, she has built a legacy rooted in service, compassion, and empowerment. Her rise continues to inspire young girls across the region, reminding them that with resilience and vision, even the steepest cultural barriers can be overcome.
