Myani Bukar is a Research Associate at ODI, and National Team Leader for the UK Department For International Development-funded innovative technical assistance programme, LEAP (Learning, Evidence and Advocacy Partnership). He is a lawyer, development economist and policy researcher with extensive experience in legal research, institutional capacity building and policy analysis. He received his law degree from the University of Jos in Nigeria. He has a dual master’s degree in law and management of development from the University of Torino, under a jointly administered programme with the United Nations.

Myani has worked both locally and internationally in the area of development management. Has has executed various short-term assignments in academia, the private sector and development organisations, covering justice sector reform, change management, project management and knowledge management.

Having a passion for the fault-lines of identity and citizenship in Africa, Myani has previously been involved in research on issues pertaining to ethnic, cultural and religious diversity in his home country Nigeria, including presenting policy advice for the reassessment of citizenship laws in Nigeria.

An avid reader, Myani is passionate about the relationship between legal systems and the political economy of development, an area which he has written articles and essays on.

Having previously worked as a Governance Advisor for the Nigeria Governors’ Forum under the State Partnership for Accountability, Responsiveness and Capability with the UK Department for International Development, Myani is now the Special Assistant to the president of Nigeria on legal matters, he works at the office of the vice president and is responsible for policy and research. Myani also serves as a Governance Delivery Advisor in the Presidential Delivery Unit.