[4] In 1978, she obtained her first degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and in 1992, she proceeded to the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) for a post graduate programme.
On 12 April 1995, she was appointed Acting Registrar of the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi and held the position till 11 November 1998 before she voluntarily retired.
[10] Mahdi and her organization’s legal team successfully fought for the freedom of Amina Lawal Kurami who was accused of adultery and was sentenced to death by stoning by the Katsina State Sharia court.
[11] In 2001, Mahdi and her legal team defended Safiyatu Hussaini who was convicted by the Upper Sharia Court in Gwadabawa, Sokoto State for adultery and sentenced to death by stoning.
[12] On 15 November 2011, Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan conferred her with the National Honours Award Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).