By Ibrahim Hamisu
On April 25, 2026, the academic community in Nigeria, particularly at Bayero University Kano, bid farewell to one of its greatest scholars after more than 40 years of teaching, research, and leadership.
The retirement of Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu is not merely the end of public service; it marks an important milestone in a life devoted to education, culture, and societal development.
Throughout his career, Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu became one of the most distinguished academics who successfully combined scientific and social sciences education. This earned him the reputation of being “two professors in one,” as he attained professorships in two different fields — Science Education in 1997 and Media and Cultural Communication in 2012.
This achievement placed him among the very few Nigerians to accomplish such a feat. In fact, he remains the only person from Northern Nigeria to achieve it and one of only three people in the entire country.
A Life Dedicated to Learning
The professor was born in the Daneji area of Kano in 1956 into a family deeply rooted in education and history. His father, the late Uba Adamu, was a renowned historian who played a major role in nurturing his passion for learning. From his studies at Ahmadu Bello University to prestigious institutions such as University of London and University of Sussex, his life has been a continuous journey of scholarship and research.
However, it was at Bayero University Kano, beginning in 1981, that he built the reputation that became a source of pride for Northern Nigeria.
Despite the many positions and awards he received, what most defined Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu was the way he transformed lives through education. Many students regarded him as a mentor who inspired critical thinking and opened doors to success.
To him, the classroom was not merely a place for teaching, but a space for shaping minds and promoting awareness. His colleagues also knew him as a calm, organized, and humble individual.
Promoting the Hausa Language
Beyond teaching, the professor made enormous contributions to the development of the Hausa language and the study of Hausa culture. In the 1990s, he played a key role in introducing Hausa special characters such as ɓ, ɗ, and ƙ into computer systems, a development that greatly advanced Hausa writing in the digital age.
Transforming Kannywood
Professor Adamu also became widely recognized for his studies on Hausa films, helping place the Kannywood industry on the global map of film scholarship.
At a time when Kannywood was viewed merely as entertainment, he produced research and writings showing that the industry reflected history, culture, and social transformation. Through this work, he helped position Kannywood alongside film industries such as Nollywood and Bollywood in academic discourse.
His Influence Extended Beyond the Classroom
The professor’s impact was not limited to the university environment. As the former Vice Chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria from 2016 to 2021, he led major reforms in distance learning and expanded access to education for thousands of students across the country.
During his tenure, the university gained wider acceptance, especially in Northern Nigeria, with Kano State becoming one of the states with the highest student enrollment.
Despite attaining such a high level of achievement and recognition, Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu remained approachable and humorous. He frequently interacted with young people on social media, offering advice and encouraging them to pursue education and self-development. Many people testified to his patience, attentiveness, and valuable guidance.
70 Remarkable Years
Now, at the age of 70 and retired from university service, many believe this does not mark the end of his contributions. Rather, it is seen as a new opportunity for him to continue writing, researching, and contributing to education and society without the limitations of official duties.
He also received several awards and traditional titles from communities in Igboland during his leadership at the Open University.
Indeed, the story of Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu goes beyond the story of one man. It is a story of dedication, excellence, and commitment to education. He belongs among those who not only witnessed history but also helped shape it.
And wherever discussions about education, culture, and the development of the Hausa people arise in Nigeria and beyond his name will continue to stand among those who left an enduring legacy.