Umma Mohammed Rakana
State Reform Facilitator Leading Governance Of State Systems
Kano
Summary
Umma is the Technical Adviser to the Honorable Minister of State for Education and the Kano State Reform Facilitator leading the governance of State Systems for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office funded Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE). She is a Chartered Accountant with over a decade of experience in governance, policy development, health financing, education reform, and accountability systems. Provides strategic leadership for multi-donor programs, including those supported by the FCDO and USAID, advancing human capital outcomes across Northern Nigeria through high-level engagement with government, legislators, civil society, and communities.
She led the establishment of the Kano Education Sector Joint Steering Committee and spearheaded eight education policy reforms, including advancing the review of the 1964 Kano Education Law, now a bill awaiting approval by the State Legislature. Strengthened public financial management systems by supporting the development and implementation of key sector planning and performance frameworks, including the Mid-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS), Annual Operational Plan (AOP), and Annual Education Sector Performance Review (AESPR), while promoting transparent procurement processes.
Also established two award-winning accountability platforms, the Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) and the Kano State Led Accountability Mechanism (KanSLAM) across the education and health sectors to drive systemic reforms. Currently supports the Federal Government’s LUMINAH Alternative Education Initiative, championing results-based management, stakeholder coordination, and evidence-informed reforms for equitable and sustainable development.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
12
12
Certifications
Work History
Technical Adviser to the Honorable Minister of State for Education
FME
02.2025 - Current
- Supported the design and development of the LUMINAH 2030 education reform initiative.
- Coordinated monthly program and project progress review meetings with Ministers of Education.
- Facilitated technical stakeholder sessions across the 12 LUMINAH 2030 pilot states, ensuring alignment on goals and activities.
- Provided capacity-building support to project coordinators on performance monitoring and tracking tools.
- Collaborated with teams to conduct periodic tracking and assessment of program performance using established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Assessed implementation effectiveness and monitored corrective actions to address bottlenecks.
- Co-developed and maintained a knowledge management repository to facilitate knowledge sharing, preserve institutional memory, and cross-pollinate best practices across projects.
- Fostered collaboration and resource leveraging among various education programs and projects.
- Liaised with relevant government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance program coordination and performance tracking.
- Supported the dissemination of project knowledge products in partnership with the FME, media teams, and other stakeholders.
- Contributed to the preparation and submission of comprehensive project implementation reports.
State Reform Facilitator
FCDO/Partnership for Learning for all in Nigerian Education (PLANE)
01.2022 - Current
- As State Reform Facilitator, I provide strategic leadership for state-level engagement, guiding the governance of state systems and ensuring the effective management of reform research, design, implementation, and monitoring. My role focuses on advancing evidence-based education policies and strengthening institutional capacity within state government structures.
- I led the review and development of eight key education policies namely the Kano State Girls’ Education Policy, Teacher Policy, Gender Policy, Non-State Policy, SBMC Policy, School Safety, Security and Violence-Free Policy, and Inclusive Education Policy most of which were approved by the Kano State Executive Council to drive systemic education reform. I also spearheaded the review of the 1964 Kano Education Law, culminating in the drafting and gazetting of the Education Bill and its submission to the State House of Assembly for legislative consideration.
- To strengthen sector coordination and accountability, I supported the establishment of the Kano State Education Sector Joint Steering Committee and its bi-annual review meetings, alongside Technical Working Groups on Materials Development, Teacher Professional Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, and School Management and Community Engagement. I have provided technical assistance to enhance Public Financial Management processes, contributing to the development of the Education Sector Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS), Annual Operational Plans, and Annual Education Sector Performance Reviews from 2022 to date including building the capacity of the state procurement team on transparent procurement processes.
- I supported the establishment and mentoring of the award-winning Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE), which promotes budget performance analysis, monitoring of teaching and learning materials, and community engagement to address out-of-school children. Additionally, I contributed to the strategic design of PLANE interventions and assumed overall responsibility for state-level operations, including annual work planning and budgeting.
- In my capacity as Acting State Team Leader, I oversaw project team management and participated in Senior Management Team meetings, including high-level engagements with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). I facilitated the development and signing of the Kano State Mutual Accountability Framework (KanMAF I, II, and III) between FCDO and the Kano State Government, including the formulation of results frameworks.
- As a master trainer and facilitator for PLANE’s Accelerated Learning and Foundational Learning programmes, I have strengthened delivery capacity across supported LGAs—Bichi, Bunkure, D/Tofa, Gabasawa, Minjibir, Karaye, Rogo, Takai, Warawa, and Wudil—through mentoring and supervisory visits. I have also supported capacity assessments for the State Sector Planning Team.
- My work extends to financial management training for private school associations, associations of Alarammas, and other state actors, alongside supporting the development of strategic plans. I facilitated graded assessments for private schools and the development of school scorecards to inform evidence-based advocacy. I further supported socio-demographic surveys within the non-state education ecosystem, teacher recruitment and redeployment assessments, transparent procurement process training for the education sector procurement team, and dissemination of key findings to policymakers.
- I ensure the efficient and effective use of resources, achieving value for money in commissioned activities while promoting state ownership of reform initiatives under government leadership. My approach is adaptive and learning-oriented, applying flexible and issue-based strategies to address service delivery challenges linked to governance reform.
- Through reform outreach and knowledge management efforts, I promote cross-learning within and across states by leveraging existing networks and developing peer learning platforms and locally driven tools. I coordinate reform advisers and consultants, oversee implementation monitoring and results tracking, and serve as the primary liaison between the state programme and senior management.
Consultant
Options Consultancy Services UK
01.2021 - Current
- The operations research on PHC financing identifies sources of financing and decision-making processes that influence resource management at the PHC level. The research is expected to inform stakeholders in government, partners health professional and CSO advocates on opportunities for increased efficiency and transparency of funding to PHCs for government decision making thus, providing on how to ensure more accountable funding of PHCs. The research will focus on answering the following questions around budget lines/programmes should be used to track Primary Health Care, sources and funding flows, Through what schemes do PHCs receive resources (e.g. Free MNCH, DRF, BHCPF, other?) and how do they co-exist including the differences between urban/rural facilities in receiving these funds. It also accesses how facilities manage funding to provide quality services and investments they prioritise, track and report back on funding utilisation and service delivery performance
Technical Consultant
Community Health Research Initiative (CHRI)/Clinton Health Access Initiative
01.2013 - Current
- Supported the conduct of FGDs and capacity building of public health care providers across all the 44 LGA’s of Kano state on the use of Zinc/ORS
Accountability & Advocacy Coordinator
Options Consultancy Services
01.2020 - 01.2021
- As the Accountability & Advocacy Coordinator, I primarily support the delivery of ‘Technical Assistance to maximize Government of Nigeria resources and efficiency: Improved efficiency of existing resources for delivery of health services and ensuring increased demand for affordable basic health services through community accountability, and increased prioritisation of human capital (health, education, nutrition, WASH) through civil society advocacy’. I also coordinate the Accountability & Advocacy inputs in the state, proactively working with the State Government, State Led Accountability Mechanism, CSOs, WDCs and key stakeholders to identify and respond to their TA needs and accordingly identify resources to be deployed not limited to: , Strengthening Accountability & Advocacy, Human Capital Development (HCD), RMNCH, Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) roll out, advocating for the recruitment and posting of human resources for health, Maternal & Perinatal Death Surveillance Response (MPDSR), Budget tracking and development of Score cards, Community Scorecards, procurement, and supply management (PSM), leadership and governance, and budgeting and planning.
Accountability & Advocacy Adviser
Options
01.2019 - 01.2020
- As the Accountability and Advocacy Adviser, I was responsible for providing technical assistance to five MNCH2 supported states of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Yobe primarily responsible for providing evidence - based decision making, training and Mentoring state trainers on the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Scheme, qualitative and quantitative research, and translating results into programmatic,and policy change. Which requires working closely with high level stakeholders at the Federal and States levels (FMoH, NPHCDA, NHIS & SMoH) supporting MPDSR, QoC, BHCPF, WDCs and SLAMs. This requires the timely collection, management, analysis, and reporting of valid and reliable data that meet government and donor reporting requirements in Nigeria. I regularly assess project progress against milestone indicators, quality assurance and working with a pool of various stakeholders and a pool of local and international consultants identifies problems and brings issues to the attention of relevant parties.
Accountability Coordinator
Options Consultancy Services/Palladium Group
01.2018 - 01.2019
- In collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Management Board led MNCH 2 technical support for the Establishment/Reactivate of over 264 Facility Health Committees (PHC Level) as well as provided technical support to FHCs/WDC’s in terms of Monthly Mentoring and Coaching as well as provided Quarterly Self-assessments for the Facility Health Committees/Ward Health Committees across all the 44 LGAs in more than 300 communities of Kano state.
- Provided technical support in terms of establishment/reactivation, mentoring, and coaching of 38 Hospital Friends Committees (SHF) in collaboration with the Kano state Hospital Management Board across all the 44 LGA’s of Kano state.
- Provided technical support and strengthen the capacity of FHC’s/WDCs to independently advocate for funds used in the acquisition landed property worth over N150 Million as well as other equipment’s, Beddings, Water tanks, ambulances, Matrasses, Solar power, Generators etc.
- Strengthen the capacity of State level Accountability Mechanisms (AMMKAs) to develop Health Budget, Family Planning, Routine Immunization MPDSR and MNCH Scorecard used to support evidence based advocacy to SMOH and its agencies, SMOF, SMOPB etc which has yielded positive results in terms of policy formulation across the state.
- Provided technical support to the State level Accountability Mechanisms (AMMKAs) to develop and implement action plans as well as track progress of ongoing health related activities by the state Ministry of Health and all its agencies which has earned them space as board members in key agencies within the health sector (KHETFUND, KUSH, KCHMA,PHIMA).
- Currently form Part of MNCH 2 team providing technical support to Kano state on Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) major training rollout soon to take off state and LGA’s
- Provided technical support to Local Technical Assistants and consultants in the monitoring, validation, collation, storage, analysis, and reporting of data at the state level and LGAs levels and strengthen the capacity of the state actors in the health sector to utilize all evidence based data in program implementation
- Provided technical support to the development of health sector bottleneck analysis and development to assess state level project progress in all results and provide monitoring, evaluation & Value for Money progress report.
- Strengthened the capacity of over 70 Local Technical Assistants, all the 44 LGA Health Educators as well as Essential Drugs officers from the state government and CSO personnel on how to establish/Reactivate and mentor Facility Health Committees in their respective LGA’s to ensure sustainability
- Provided technical support to ensure that all findings from the FHC/WDC quarterly self assessment are disseminated at state level and LGA’s which in turn inform MNCH2 programming and Provided Technical support and mentorship to a pool of over 50 short time Local technical assistants
Evidence & Advocacy Coordinator
Options
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Provided technical support for the strengthening, establishment/reactivation and training of over 220 hundred and twenty health workers across the state and LGA’s which in turn led to the setting up of the state and facility levels MPDSR Committees in all 38 Secondary Health Facilities offering maternity services in Kano state.
- Provided technical support to the state for the institutionalization of Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response in kano state
- Strengthen systems to ensure data findings are reported back to service providers which enable them to make informed decisions on the effective service delivery, contributing to increased performance of health services.
- Provided technical support for the implementation/strengthening/expansion and effective use of information resulting from MPDSR’s, Community Score Cards, MNCH Score Cards and Facility Score Cards.
- Supported all relevant stakeholders including State/LGA government, service providers, CSOs, FHCs/WDCs, civil society coalitions, media, advocacy platforms to effectively using data for advocacy for enhanced effectiveness, equity and efficiency in the provision of health services for women and children
- Supported the government in using evidence for informed planning, budgeting and decision making on MNCH services during state and LGA AOPs, MTSS and SSHDP
- Provided technical support in the development of Annual work plan Budgets for the implementation of activities thereby ensuring that the procurement of goods and services is done as per organization policy, monitor advances in line with approvals obtained and ensure all finances are promptly reviewed and retired.
- Supported accurate filing of all timesheets and invoices to affect all payments on timely basis and ensure that verbal approval are supported with an email before processing such transaction(s)
- Ensured close and effective cooperation with other programme staff to make sure that MNCH2 strategies and approaches are delivered in a coherent and coordinated way, in line with log frame targets.
- Provided technical support to the on-going quarterly monitoring and coaching of Facility MPDSR committee planned activities using the MPDSR checklist and the use of Community scoring cards: this includes quality assuring data and reports, highlighting key issues that need to be addressed to ensure good performance.
- Provided focused mentoring support, informed by state committee and individual Facility MPDSR committee needs.
- Carried out a variety of administrative and quality assurance checks on all data received from CSO/consultants together with checks on invoices and timesheets before they are sent to Options Headquarters (HQ) for data analysis and timely payment.
Technical Consultant
DFID – Evidence for Action (E4A)
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Supported the conduct of baseline assessment for Budget Allocation Analysis, Midwives Service Scheme Functional Blood Banks, Availability of Drugs and Maternal Death Review to inform further programming in the areas of Maternal and child health in Kano & Jigawa State to achieve this Key informant Interviews with various stakeholder within the SMoH, SMoPB, SMoF, HMB and selected health facilities where Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were held with different groups.
Scriptwriter & Translator
JHU/CCP & African Radio Drama Association (ARDA)
01.2001 - 01.2014
- Wrote and translated various Radio dramas, Links, documentaries, and home video namely:
- Taka Naka Rawan… A radio serial drama program
- Komai Nisan Jifa… Phase 1 - 3 under the NURHI
- In Kidi ya Chanza… A radio serial drama program and Links scripts
- Kusaura… Phase 1 -5 Radio Drama and Home video Scripts from English to Hausa
- Burina…Home Video
- Design Document team member
- Carried out community service and outreach
National Youth Corps (NYSC)
JHU/CCP USAID
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Conducted Youth action kit training in Kano & Jigawa State as a master trainer
- Preparation of monthly Financial Retirement
- Managing, updating and registration of files digitally.
- Wrote and translated Scripts for the Ku Saurara! new Home Video “Burina”
- Assisted in the preparing of weekly and monthly reports
- Wrote and translated Scripts for the Ku Saurara! new Home Video “Burina”
- Liase with printing houses in charge of printing the Ku Saurara! IEC materials
- Liaising with the Kano state film Censorship board for clearing and Issuing certificate for the new home video Burina developed by JHC/CCP.
- Carry out any other duties assigned to me.
Program Assistant
Development Research and Project Centre (dRPC)
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Provided admin responsibilities for the Leadership Development Mechanism (LDM)
- Managing of office Petty Cash
- Co-facilitated various Seminars and Workshops organized by the DRPC
- Matching fellows with advocacy courses and supporting CSOs and CBOS working with various communities to carry out Advocacy programs in girl child education.
- Supervised logistic staff working on the Leadership Development Mechanism Packard funded program.
- Carry out any other duties assigned to me.
Scriptwriter & Translator
British Broadcasting Commission (BBC)
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Wrote and translated:
- The Story- Story Radio Drama series with other team members
- Design team member of “Yatakene” Radio serial drama
Education
Ph.D. - International Economics And Finance
Maryam Abacha American University
Niger 04.2001 -
Masters in Accounting - Msc in view
Bayero University
Kano, Nigeria01-2020
Masters in Health Economics - MHE
Bayero University
Kano, Nigeria01-2017
Masters in Business Administration - MBA
Bayero University
Kano, Nigeria01-2012
B.Sc. Accounting - undefined
Bayero University
Kano, Nigeria01-2009
Diploma in Accounting & Auditing - undefined
Bayero University
Kano, Nigeria01-2001
Certificate in Advocacy & RH - undefined
Ahfad University for women
Sudan01-2004
Diploma in Data Processing - undefined
Raz Computer Institute
Kaduna, Nigeria01-2000
SSCE - undefined
Government Girls Secondary School
T/Wada Kaduna, Nigeria01-2000
Skills
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power point, Office outlook and internet
Promotion of Voice & Accountability and Health System strengthening
Lobbying and Evidence based Advocacy for policy formulation and implementation
Excellent stakeholders’ engagement and ability to deal with people diplomatically
Data quality assessments, capacity assessments, mentoring and coaching
Knowledge management, programs reporting, Planning, Budgeting & Management
Operational Research design, coordination, data analysis & dissemination to inform planning
Development and implementation of communication and community mobilization strategies
Governance of State and Non-State Systems
Policy and Strategy
Certification
2021 Associate Chartered Accountant – Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)
Consultancy History
- 2013-01-01, 2014-01-01, DFID – Evidence for Action (E4A), Kano, Nigeria, Technical Consultant, Supported the conduct of baseline assessment for Budget Allocation Analysis, Midwives Service Scheme, Functional Blood Banks, Availability of Drugs and Maternal Death Review to inform further programming in the areas of Maternal and child health in Kano & Jigawa State.
- 2013-01-01, 2013-01-01, Community Health Research Initiative (CHRI)/Clinton Health Access Initiative, Kano, Nigeria, Technical Consultant, Supported the conduct of FGDs and capacity building of public health care providers across all the 44 LGA’s of Kano state on the use of Zinc/ORS.
- 2001-01-01, 2014-01-01, JHU/CCP & African Radio Drama Association (ARDA), Kaduna, Lagos & Kano, Nigeria, Scriptwriter & Translator, Wrote and translated various Radio dramas, Links, documentaries, and home video.
- 2005-01-01, 2006-01-01, British Broadcasting Commission (BBC), Abuja, Nigeria, Scriptwriter & Translator, Wrote and translated: The Story- Story Radio Drama series with other team members.
Skype Id
Ummkulthum85
Publications
- Financial Accountability in the management of State Health Insurance Scheme Kano State, Final year Master of Accounting (Msc.) Project, Currently ongoing
- The effect of Drugs Revolving funds in Stabilizing drug Prices and Affordability in Kano State., Final year Master of Health Economics Project, 2016-12-01
- The Impact of Money Laundering on the Performance of the Nigerian Economy., Final year Master of Business Administration Project, 2012-06-01
- The Effect of Banking Sector Reform on the Activities of the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission., Final year B.sc Accounting Degree Project, 2009-01-01
Timeline
Nigeria National Code for Health Research Ethics - West African Bioethics Training Program CITI
11-2026
Policy Development and Advocacy in Global Health – University of Washington
11-2026
2019 Master Trainer and mentor, Basic Health Care Provision Funds (BHCPF)
08-2026
2018 Project Management in Global Health – University of Washington
05-2026
2011 Economic Evaluation in Global Health – University of Washington
04-2026
Technical Adviser to the Honorable Minister of State for Education
FME
02.2025 - Current
2024 Political Economic Analysis in Action – The Policy Practice United Kingdom
12-2024
Monitoring and Evaluation in Global Health – University of Washington
06-2024
Fundamentals of Global Health Research – University of Washington
03-2024
State Reform Facilitator
FCDO/Partnership for Learning for all in Nigerian Education (PLANE)
01.2022 - Current
2021 Certificate in Public Health – West African Bioethics Training Program CITI
11-2021
2021 Associate Chartered Accountant – Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)
05-2021
Consultant
Options Consultancy Services UK
01.2021 - Current
Accountability & Advocacy Coordinator
Options Consultancy Services
01.2020 - 01.2021
2020 COVID-19: Operational Planning Guidelines and Country Preparedness Response
08-2019
Accountability & Advocacy Adviser
Options
01.2019 - 01.2020
Accountability Coordinator
Options Consultancy Services/Palladium Group
01.2018 - 01.2019
Evidence & Advocacy Coordinator
Options
01.2014 - 01.2018
Technical Consultant
Community Health Research Initiative (CHRI)/Clinton Health Access Initiative
01.2013 - Current
Technical Consultant
DFID – Evidence for Action (E4A)
01.2013 - 01.2014
2021 Certified Financial Analyst – Association of Financial Analyst of Nigeria
07-2012
National Youth Corps (NYSC)
JHU/CCP USAID
01.2009 - 01.2010
Program Assistant
Development Research and Project Centre (dRPC)
01.2005 - 01.2006
Scriptwriter & Translator
British Broadcasting Commission (BBC)
01.2005 - 01.2006
Ph.D. - International Economics And Finance
Maryam Abacha American University
04.2001 -
Scriptwriter & Translator
JHU/CCP & African Radio Drama Association (ARDA)
01.2001 - 01.2014
Masters in Health Economics - MHE
Bayero University
Masters in Business Administration - MBA
Bayero University
B.Sc. Accounting - undefined
Bayero University
Diploma in Accounting & Auditing - undefined
Bayero University
Certificate in Advocacy & RH - undefined
Ahfad University for women
Diploma in Data Processing - undefined
Raz Computer Institute
SSCE - undefined
Government Girls Secondary School
Masters in Accounting - Msc in view
Bayero University