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The Founder
Meet the founder of NIIE

Dr. Lawal Aminu Bala is a distinguished PhD scholar in Entrepreneurship, with a robust background in development, central banking, and business management. With over a decade of experience at the Katsina State Investment and Property Development Company Limited, he advanced from Investment Officer to Manager of Operations/Business Development, eventually serving as Head of Operations before joining a Federal Government Development Finance Institution. His expertise is further solidified by his status as an Accredited, Licensed, and Certified Business Development Service Provider, through which he has significantly contributed to the growth of MSMEs in Katsina State.

Dr. Bala's dedication to youth empowerment is evident in his role on the Katsina State Standing Committee, where he played a pivotal role in empowering over 1,000 youths. His involvement in startup mentoring, judging, and his position as BDSP Master Trainer for Mafita DFID underscores his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
His academic credentials are extensive, with degrees from esteemed institutions such as Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, National Open University of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and Federal University, Dutsinma. His qualifications include an HND in Accountancy, a BSc in Entrepreneurship & Business Management, an MSc in Rural Finance & Entrepreneurship, an MSc in Business Administration, an MSc in Entrepreneurship (with a specialization in Halal Entrepreneurship), a Master's in Islamic Finance & Development, and a PhD in Entrepreneurship from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, all completed with distinction. He also holds a Certificate in Islamic Banking Management, Fiqh, and Usul Fiqh from the International Islamic University of Malaysia.
Dr. Bala's professional certifications include Chartered Accountant, Chartered Certified Forensic Fraud Investigator, Chartered Certified Forensic Accountant/Auditor, Chartered Manager (MNIM), Chartered Loan & Risk Manager (MCILRM), Certified Management Consultant, Certified Financial Analyst, Certified Business Development Services Provider, and Certified Global Development Professional. He is a Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Development Professionals and the Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria (FIMC).
As the founder of the Nigeria Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NIIE), Dr. Bala is poised to transform Nigeria's entrepreneurial landscape by leveraging his extensive experience in business development, financial inclusion, and youth empowerment. His leadership at NIIE aims to cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs, driving innovation and contributing to the nation's economic growth. His comprehensive background in both academia and industry provides a unique perspective essential for nurturing startups and establishing a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria.

Meet Our Governing Council

Meet the Governing Council of Nigerian Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NIIE)

Owen Christ
After working as a software developer and...
Namrata Parmar
I came to Eduma ten years ago
George Clinton
After working as a software developer and...
George Richards
After working as a software developer and...
Betty Milner
After working as a software developer and...