After gaining admission into Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin in the 1960s, a young Laraba Gambo Abdullahi set out from her hometown of Azare, Bauchi State, determined to attend the first secondary school for girls in Northern Nigeria. Navigating a complex railway system alone, she faced unexpected delays and overnight stays in unfamiliar surroundings. Yet, guided by her determination and the kindness of strangers, she reached her destination. This resilience would define her career in academia and governance.

After earning a doctorate in analytical chemistry, she lectured at the University of Maiduguri before transitioning into government. Between 1985 and 1990, she served in three ministries as a state commissioner before returning to academia. In 1998, she was appointed federal Minister of Women Affairs, where she drove key policies on women's empowerment, child development, and social welfare. During her eight-month tenure, she also prioritised initiatives for people with disabilities and the elderly.

In 1999, she became Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, strengthening academic programmes and infrastructure. Later, as the director-general of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), she promoted the commercialisation of university research, bridging the gap between innovation and industry.

Her contributions have been recognised nationally, earning her the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a National Merit Award.