Ilyasu Abdulkarim

ICT Professional & IT Leader

Kano, NG.

About

Highly accomplished ICT professional with over 16 years of progressive experience in network support, systems administration, and IT management, driving significant digital transformation. Proven leader in optimizing IT infrastructure, managing high-performing teams, and executing complex projects, including spearheading digital integration and re-engineering initiatives. Holds a Master's in Information Management, multiple industry certifications, and deep expertise across diverse platforms, consistently delivering measurable results and strategic value.

Work

Salam Takaful Insurance Limited

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Assistant Manager 2/Deputy Manager – Information Technology

Kano, Kano, Nigeria

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Summary

Led IT team operations and strategic initiatives, ensuring robust infrastructure, project execution, and technology alignment with business objectives for a growing insurance firm.

Highlights

Led IT team operations, delegating tasks and monitoring performance to ensure efficient delivery of technology services and support.

Oversaw critical infrastructure upgrades, patching, and security updates, significantly enhancing system resilience and data protection across the organization.

Planned and executed complex IT projects, including budgeting and resource allocation, successfully driving digital transformation initiatives.

Ensured near 100% system uptime and swiftly resolved complex technical issues, minimizing operational disruption for critical business functions.

Recommended and implemented strategic technology upgrades, including leading the integration of an e-invoicing system with NRS (FIRS) for 2026 compliance.

Huawei Technologies Nigeria

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IP/Network Engineer

Kano, Kano, Nigeria

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Summary

Installed, configured, and maintained critical network infrastructure while providing essential data center and internal systems administration support.

Highlights

Installed and configured a comprehensive suite of network devices, including routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers, optimizing network performance and security.

Performed critical system upgrades and security configurations, enhancing network robustness and mitigating vulnerabilities across large-scale deployments.

Supported Kano Data Center operations, ensuring high availability and reliability of core IT services for regional clients.

Served as internal systems administrator, managing and optimizing IT resources for internal operations and staff productivity.

Coordinated the Access Bank Cutover Project (North-East) in 2024, ensuring a seamless migration and minimal service interruption for a major banking client.

Kano Poly Microfinance Bank

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Head, IT/MIS

Kano, Kano, Nigeria

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Summary

Directed IT and MIS operations, aligning technology strategy with organizational goals and overseeing key digital integration projects, acting as Chief Information Officer.

Highlights

Led the IT team and coordinated strategic MIS projects, significantly improving data management, reporting capabilities, and operational efficiency.

Aligned IT strategy directly with organizational goals, driving technology initiatives that supported business expansion and increased customer reach.

Acted as Chief Information Officer, providing executive leadership and strategic direction for all technology functions, including infrastructure and digital services.

Spearheaded the online digital integration project in 2022, enhancing customer access and streamlining service delivery for the microfinance bank.

Re-engineered the Kano Cooperative CBT Center systems in 2021, increasing capacity to 350 users and improving the efficiency of examination processes.

Madobi Microfinance Bank

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Head, MIS/IT

Kano, Kano, Nigeria

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Summary

Served as Chief Information Technology Officer, overseeing network infrastructure, customer databases, and promoting digital banking solutions.

Highlights

Functioned as Chief Information Technology Officer, providing strategic oversight for all IT operations and digital transformation initiatives.

Maintained robust network infrastructure and secured customer databases, ensuring data integrity and 24/7 system availability.

Identified and established partnerships with key technology providers, enhancing the bank's digital capabilities and service offerings.

Promoted and implemented digital banking solutions, contributing to improved customer experience and operational efficiency across the bank.

ACF Institute of Information Technology

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Center Manager

Kano, Kano, Nigeria

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Summary

Managed the IT center, designing network solutions, training clients, and overseeing network infrastructure for various sectors.

Highlights

Designed and implemented efficient LAN/WAN networks, ensuring reliable and high-performance connectivity for diverse clients.

Trained numerous clients in essential IT skills, significantly enhancing their technical proficiency and operational capabilities.

Managed complex network infrastructure for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and corporate sector clients, providing critical support and maintenance.

Education

Bayero University Kano

Kano, Kano, Nigeria
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Master Information Management

Nest Trust Institute of IT

Kano, Kano, Nigeria
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Honours Diploma Network Engineering

University of Maiduguri

Maiduguri, Borno, Nigeria
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Bachelor of Science Political Science

Awards

Top 10% Executives in IT

Nigerian Banking Industry Publication

Recognized for exceptional performance and leadership within the Nigerian banking IT sector, demonstrating significant impact and strategic contribution.

Languages

English

Certificates

CPN Certified Level-3 Cybersecurity Analyst – (CCA (L3))

CPN

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)

Microsoft

Fundamentals of Digital Marketing

Google Inc.

Project Management Essentials Certified

Management and Strategy Institute

Member – Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN)

Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria

Skills

Network & Infrastructure

Network Engineering & Support, Systems Administration (Windows & Linux), Cybersecurity & IT Infrastructure, Hardware Maintenance & Troubleshooting, Network Operations & Troubleshooting, Virtual Assistance.

Project Management & Strategy

Project Management & IT Strategy, Project Management Essentials Certified.

Digital Tools & Platforms

MS Suite, Google Workspace, Slack, MySQL, iMaster, VMs, Azure Workspace, Power BI, ERP Platforms.

Data & Analytics

Cybersecurity Analysis, Power BI.

Communication & Leadership

Communication & Interpersonal Skills, Email Management, Team Leadership.

Systems Administration

Systems Administration.

Interests

Hobbies

Fitness Training, Travelling, Research.

References

Mr. Gerald A. Mirilla

Head, Information Technology/CIO, Salam Takaful Insurance, gmirilla@salamtakafulinsurance.com, Mobile: 08065086093

Alh. Abdullahi Isa

Former MD/CEO, Kano Poly Microfinance Bank, nababa1040@gmail.com, Mobile: 08036825673

Prof. Mustapha Abubakar

Federal University Dutse, Mobile: 08036165319