Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut: Academic icon and Plateau Ambassadorial nominee

Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut is a distinguished Nigerian academic and politician who represented Plateau South Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2020 to 2023.

A respected professor of French and former Head of the Department of Foreign Languages at the University of Jos, she made history as the first female senator from Plateau State.

The former lawmaker has now been named as the ambassadorial nominee from Plateau State, marking another major milestone in her long career of public service.

Profile summary

Name: Nora Ladi Daduut

Born: May 10, 1953

Place of birth: Plateau

Education: Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Religion: Christianity

Marital status: Married

Career: Politician

Background

Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut was born on 10th May 1953 into the royal family of the Chief of Kwalla in Qu’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.

She is the fourth child of her father, late Musa Shalong Kepuoe, and the second child of her mother, Bibiana Nada.

Her home, known for generosity and openness, became the centre where Catholic missionaries established the first church and school in the community.

Growing up in this environment shaped her deep love for education and her strong Catholic faith.

Academic journey

Nora began her education at St. Patrick’s RCM Primary School, Kwalla (1960–1962), where her excellent performance made her skip a class.

She moved to St. Louis Convent Primary School, Shendam in 1963. In 1965, she was selected among the top pupils to complete her primary schooling at St. Theresa’s Girls’ Primary School, Jos.

Her academic strength later earned her admission into Fatima Secondary School, Minna, the only co-educational Catholic school at the time.

She studied there from 1966 to 1970 and served as Senior Prefect (Head Girl).

Her leadership journey began early. She was Senior Prefect at Fatima Secondary School and a member of the ABU basketball team that represented Nigeria at the 1973 West African University Games in Kumasi, Ghana.

Nora proceeded to the School of Basic Studies at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria (Kano Campus), and graduated with a degree in French in 1976.

She won a Federal Government scholarship to Université de Bordeaux III in France, where she completed her Master’s degree in French in 1979.

She also served as Vice President of the Catholic Students Association and President of Nana Hall (ABU Kano Campus).

She later obtained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Jos (1982) and a PhD in French from ABU Zaria (1991).

She also upgraded her knowledge through academic programmes at Université de Dakar, Université de Tours, Université de Strasbourg, Université de Montpellier, and Université d’Abomey Calavi in Benin Republic.

Early Career

Prof. Daduut started out as a classroom teacher and rose through positions such as principal, deputy director, coordinator and inspector of French programmes in Plateau State, and director of school services.

She lectured part-time at the Nigeria Institute of Journalism and the Institute of Archaeology and Museum Studies in Jos.

Her popular programme “French for Beginners” on PRTVC inspired many viewers to develop interest in the French language.

Foray into Politics

In 2020, Prof. Nora Dadiut made history by becoming the first female senator from Plateau State.

She contested under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and won the Plateau South Senatorial bye-election with 83,151 votes. She served in the Senate from December 2020 to June 2023.

Awards

Her strong contributions to education and French studies earned her several local and international honours.

In 2003, the French Government awarded her the Chevalier des Palmes Académiques, a highly respected recognition for academic excellence.

In 2010, she was elected President of the Nigerian Chapter of this body at a conference in St. Etienne, France.

She is also a founding member and trustee of Alliance Française, Jos, which she established in partnership with the French Director of CFTD, M. Thomas De Douhet.

Leadership roles

In 2007, Prof. Daduut was appointed Senior Special Adviser on Education to Chief Michael Bot Mang, then Deputy Governor of Plateau State.

At the University of Jos, she served as lecturer, coordinator of the Preliminary French Programme and Head of the Department of Foreign Languages until October 2019.

She has presented papers at many national and international conferences, coordinated academic workshops, and served in associations such as UFTAN and NAFT.

Personal life

A devoted Catholic, Prof. Daduut is deeply committed to her faith. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI honoured her with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award.

She also translated Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama’s book, Dialogue of Life, into French.

Prof. Daduut enjoys basketball, farming, drama and music. She is passionate about supporting vulnerable and underprivileged youths.

She is married to Mr. John Daduut, former Bursar of the University of Jos and former Commissioner of Finance and Local Government Affairs in Plateau State. They have four children: Jonathan, Noah, Dr. Jummai and Judith.

Professional roles

Over the years, she has served in many leadership roles, including:

• National Vice President, Pan Women Association
• National Recording and Corresponding Secretary, Ladies of Knights of St. John International
• Grand Respected President, Ladies of Knights of St. John International
• Vice President, Supreme Ladies of Knights of St. John International (USA)
• Vice President, Society for Women and AIDS in Africa (Plateau State)
• Founder and Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Society for Community Concerns (SOCCONS)
• Principal of GSS Jos and GSS Laranto (1980–1992)
• Member, Plateau State Teacher Recruitment Panel
• Chairperson, Examination Malpractices Committee, Ministry of Education
• Board member, The Word of Life Catholic publication
• Patroness, Jos Catholic Archdiocesan Central Choir

Plateau Times Magazine once described her as “an epitome of a role model” because of her humility and integrity.