Buni Appoints Harvard-Trained Professional as Acting SSG
Governor Mai Mala Buni of of Yobe State has appointed Dr. Muhammad Goje, a Harvard-trained humanitarian expert, as the Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG) with immediate effect. This was contained in a statement signed by the Director General of Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, Malam Mamman Muhammad, and made available to […]
Governor Mai Mala Buni of of Yobe State has appointed Dr. Muhammad Goje, a Harvard-trained humanitarian expert, as the Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG) with immediate effect.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director General of Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, Malam Mamman Muhammad, and made available to newsmen.
He stated that Dr. Goje, until his appointment, was the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Governor Buni urged the new appointee to rededicate his efforts to the service of the state and the betterment of its people.
Born on September 1, 1980, he is a distinguished public health and humanitarian professional with extensive administrative expertise and a strong record of leadership in complex emergency settings.
He attended the Harvard Kennedy School and the London School of Economics. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (UK) and a Fellow of the International Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, USA.
Dr. Goje holds a Master’s of Science degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Universiti Putra Malaysia. His academic background is further strengthened by advanced certifications from the University of Nottingham, University of Birmingham, University of Southampton, Bournemouth University, Coventry University, Deakin University, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. His career reflects a deliberate commitment to global capacity development, enriched by international study engagements in Japan and Pakistan, with a focus on post-conflict governance, stabilization, and recovery.
Since 2019, he has worked in different capacities under the Buni administration.
Dr. Goje is a seasoned humanitarian and disaster management specialist with extensive experience at both strategic and operational levels across the Lake Chad region. He currently serves as the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), where he has led multi-partner emergency coordination, humanitarian response, and post-conflict recovery efforts in Yobe State, Nigeria.
“His work is defined by strong administrative and technical leadership, effective multi-stakeholder coordination, and a firm commitment to data-driven decision-making. He has played a pivotal role in strengthening disaster response systems, mobilizing resources, and implementing resilience-focused interventions that contribute to sustainable development and long-term stability in conflict-affected communities.”
“Dr. Goje Muhammad brings a rare combination of technical expertise, administrative competence, and strategic leadership to any high-level public office. His proven capacity to navigate complex humanitarian environments, coupled with strong emotional intelligence and a results-driven work ethic, positions him to effectively manage the demands of a challenging governance space.
“His extensive international exposure and professional networks further enhance his ability to attract partnerships and drive innovation in public service delivery.
“As a mentee of His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni, his leadership approach is firmly aligned with the administration’s vision, values, and development priorities.
“Consequently, his appointment as Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG) is both a strategic and merit-based decision, reflecting confidence in his ability to coordinate government activities efficiently, strengthen institutional performance, and deliver on the broader objectives of the state,” the statement announcing his appointment read.