Architect Salifu Yakubu’s remarkable professional journey has been recognized with a honorary doctorate degree by the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies (MITDS) and Broos Institute for Afrocentric Studies and Research. Apexnewsgh reports
This prestigious honor acknowledges his distinguished career, outstanding contributions to the field of architecture, and his commitment to giving back to his community.
Born in 1959 in Jerry, a small town in the Northwest Region of Ghana, Architect Millar’s academic journey began with his secondary school education at Jerry Secondary School from 1972 to 1979. He excelled in his studies, obtaining the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level with distinction in 1979, followed by the GCE Advanced Level certificate with outstanding results in 1981.
Architect Yakubu’s passion for architecture led him to pursue a professional degree program at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He completed the six-year program in 1986, earning both his first and second degrees. His academic excellence was recognized with the prestigious Frank Lloyd Award as the best graduating student.
After completing his national service at the Development Office of Architecture at KNUST, Architect Millar was awarded a Rotary International Fellowship to pursue a Master’s degree in Urban Planning at San Jose State University in Silicon Valley. He graduated in December 1988 and furthered his education at the University of the Western Cape, pursuing a program in Urban Development Administration in 1991.
Architect Yakubu’s professional career took a significant turn when he partnered with another architect to establish Memorial Associates, an architectural firm dedicated to achieving higher levels of customer satisfaction. Throughout his illustrious career, Architect Millar has demonstrated exceptional leadership, expertise, and commitment to excellence, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers and clients.
In 1996, Architect Yakubu participated in a 10-day visit to Ghana with 125 Rotarians, resulting in a $500,000 donation to support Ghana’s polio eradication efforts. He also facilitated a $50,000 grant from Governor Jin Walker of California for a yellow fever vaccination project in the Northern Region.
Architect Yakubu’s expertise in urban planning and development has been sought after globally. From 2002 to 2008, he led a team of 20 international consultants in planning and developing a framework for a new smart town in California, with a capital infrastructure cost exceeding $1.5 billion.
In the United States, Architect Yakubu managed the City of San Jose’s One Stop Permit Center, a novel approach to providing comprehensive municipal development services. This initiative became a model for large cities in the USA. During his 24 years of public sector employment, he rose to the rank of Division Manager in the 10th largest city in the USA, San Jose.
In 2015, Architect Yakubu registered Memarie Global Associates (MGA), a firm specializing in timeless design. As Managing Director of MGA, with offices in Tema and Tamale, he has undertaken various projects, including a supermarket complex in Vitting, Tamale, and a proposed urban design and scaling model for a Special Forces training school at Nkonya Alavanyo.
Architect Yakubu’s commitment to sustainable community development in Northern Ghana is genuinely appreciated. In 2018, he prepared a comprehensive development plan for the Tamale Central Hospital, which was utilized to secure a multi-million-dollar grant.
In 2021, Architect Millar prepared visionary plans for two renowned institutions in the Northern Region. The first was a comprehensive urban design plan for the Tamale University, which will serve as a constitution for the university’s future development. The second was the Bewa Palace Redevelopment Plan, a comprehensive blueprint for the design and development of a palace complex for the King of Dagbon.
Architect Yakubu’s generosity and compassion were evident in 2019 when he was commissioned by the Chief of Tuna to design a model school complex. He provided his services free of charge, designing a complex comprising a kindergarten, elementary school, junior high school, senior high school, assembly hall, cafeteria, administration building, and IT center.
Throughout his career, Architect Yakubu has demonstrated a passion for volunteerism and nonprofit work. His commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable communities in the Northern Region has driven him to cultivate relationships with like-minded individuals and organizations abroad. These partnerships have enabled him to bring much-needed assistance to vulnerable communities, focusing on education, healthcare, and access to portable drinking water.
Since 2015, Architect Yakubu has collaborated with philanthropist Mr. Jim Walker from California to donate significant quantities of books and electronics equipment to the Technical University College of Ghana. These donations have been instrumental in stocking the library and laboratories, providing students with access to valuable resources and equipment.
In 2022, Architect Yakubu partnered with the United Islamic Cultural Trust of Ghana to contribute substantial financial resources towards constructing 41 water wells in 23 villages. This initiative has improved access to clean water for countless individuals and communities. Additionally, four mechanized boreholes were constructed in four villages, and one mosque was built in a village. Seven secondary and tertiary education scholarships were also provided, empowering students to pursue their academic goals.
Architect Yakubu’s commitment to giving back to his community and supporting education, healthcare, and access to clean water is truly inspiring. His philanthropic efforts have made a tangible difference in the lives of many, and his dedication to his profession has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers.
Currently, Architect Yakubu serves as a City Planner with the City of East Palo Alto in the United States. He is on sabbatical from the Technical University College of Ghana, where he held the position of Head of the Department of Architecture and Planning.
Architect Yakubu’s professional affiliations include membership in the American Planning Association, American Institute of Certified Planners, Build It Green, American Institute of Architects, Ghana Institute of Architects, and the Ghana Institute of Planners.
In 2024, Architect Yakubu embarked on a personal search and rescue mission to Ghana, where he discovered MITDS and its special contribution to education in Ghana, particularly in Northern Ghana. He generously offered his services on a voluntary basis, leveraging his expertise and network to support MITDS’ projects.
Throughout his illustrious career, Architect Yakubu has held various positions and rendered outstanding services, reflecting his life of merits and achievements.
The honorary doctorate degree conferred upon him is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the field of architecture, his commitment to education, and his selfless dedication to giving back to his community.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
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