By Abdulkadir Yusuf
In the annals of Nigerian education, few names command as much respect and admiration as Professor Danjuma Abubakar Maiwada. A pioneering scholar, visionary leader, and devoted mentor, his life was a testament to the power of knowledge, the strength of character, and the lasting impact of service. His legacy continues to live on in classrooms, institutions, policies, and the countless individuals he inspired across the nation.
Born on September 23, 1951, in Tsohuwar Kasuwa, Katsina State, Prof. Maiwada began his educational journey at Rafindadi Primary School before attending Government Secondary School, Katsina (now Dikko College). From a young age, he distinguished himself through academic brilliance and a passion for learning. His pursuit of higher education took him to St. Paul’s College, Zaria, and then to Abdullahi Bayero College, Kano (now Bayero University Kano), where he graduated in 1975 with a B.A. in Education, emerging as the best graduating student in his department.
In 1976, he began his academic career as a lecturer at BUK, a journey marked by dedication and excellence. He earned a Master’s degree in 1977 and a Ph.D. in 1983, becoming the first in his cohort to complete the program with distinction. His academic focus encompassed special education, adult learning, and educational policy areas in which he made lasting contributions.
Over a period of 45 years at BUK, Prof. Maiwada rose through the ranks from Graduate Assistant to Professor of Education by 1994. He served in various leadership roles, including Dean of the Postgraduate School, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), and Acting Vice-Chancellor. In each position, he was known for his integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
Beyond BUK, his influence extended to the establishment and growth of other institutions. He played a pivotal role in founding Katsina University (now Al-Qalam University) and Northwest University Kano (now Yusuf Maitama Sule University), serving as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor in both. Through these efforts, he did not merely build institutions but nurtured communities and empowered generations.
Perhaps his greatest legacy lies in the lives he touched. A passionate mentor, Prof. Maiwada guided thousands of students, many of whom have become educators, policymakers, and leaders in their own right. He firmly believed that education must not only impart knowledge but also instill character, compassion, and a sense of service.
Prof. Danjuma Abubakar Maiwada passed away on March 22, 2022, leaving a profound void in Nigeria’s academic and educational community. Yet, the values he lived by, the institutions he shaped, and the minds he molded continue to shine as enduring lights.
He was more than a teacher but a builder of dreams, a bearer of light, and a true champion of education. His voice, his vision, and his example remain with us, continuing to inspire generations to come.
May Almighty Allah have mercy on him.
Sources:
1. Oral Interview with anonymous.
2. Katsina State History and Culture Bureau.
