Ibrahim Shekarau (born 5 November 1955 in Kurmawa quarters of Kano) is a former Nigerian Minister of Education and two-term Governor of Kano State in Nigeria. He was elected Governor in April 2003 and re-elected in April 2007. He is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Early life and education: Shekarau was educated at Gidan Makama Primary School (1961–1967), then at Kano Commercial College (1967–1973), and finally at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1973–1977), where he received a Degree in Mathematics/Education. After graduating, he joined the civil service. He later began his career as a Mathematics teacher at Government Technical College, Wudil in 1978. Two years later, he became Principal at Government Day Junior Secondary School, Wudil. In 1980, he was transferred to Government Secondary School, Hadejia, then to Government College Birnin Kudu in 1986, then to Government Secondary School, Gwammaja, and finally to Rumfa College in March 1988, serving as principal in all these roles.

Career: Shekarau rose through the ranks of the education sector, starting as Deputy Director of Education in charge of Bichi Zonal Education Area in 1992. He was promoted to Director Planning, Research, and Statistics in the Ministry of Education in 1993, then to Director General (Permanent Secretary) of the Ministry of Education and Youth Development in 1995. He later served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources, Rural and Community Development (January 1995–1997) and again in the Ministry of Education (January–May 1997). He was also assigned to the General Service Directorate of the Cabinet Office. By February 2000, he was appointed to the Civil Service Commission, where he served for four months before being transferred to the State College of Arts, Science, and Remedial Studies (CASRS) as Chief Lecturer (Mathematics) in May 2000. He voluntarily retired from the Kano State Civil Service on 2 October 2001.

After retiring, Shekarau worked as a secretary to businessman Aminu Dantata before entering politics and becoming a contender in the Kano State's 2003 gubernatorial elections.