Yahaya Zakari Abdullahi, a professor of economics and former pioneer Vice Chancellor of Zamfara State University (a public institution in Talata Mafara, northwestern Nigeria), has been appointed as a commissioner and member of the Zamfara State Executive Council. Governor Dauda Lawal nominated Zakari, and the Zamfara State House of Assembly confirmed the appointment at its 177th sitting on 7 May 2026. The appointment brings over two decades of academic and administrative experience to the state government, drawing on Zakari's background in economics, policy formulation, and public service.