This tribute is therefore not merely about honouring individuals; it is about preserving lessons, reinforcing values, and recognising that true leadership is measured not by position, but by impact.
On the third day of the Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW) in Kaduna, amid intense sessions on communication, governance, and national development, I received a message that momentarily shifted my focus from policy debates to personal reflection.
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The Head of the Department of Information and Media Studies at Bayero University Kano (BUK), Professor Nura Ibrahim, had reached out, inviting me to contribute an article to a scholarly journal in honour of Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu, a scholar in Science Education, Communication and Cultural Studies.
Professor Adamu, a former vice chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), is an exceptional mentor who exposes young scholars and communicators to international platforms, nurturing their confidence, intellectual curiosity, and professional growth. He was due to retire from the university on 25 April.
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The request required more than a simple “yes”; it demanded reflection. Almost instinctively, my mind wandered through memories of Professor Adamu’s visible impact in expanding NOUN’s accessibility, particularly in Northern Nigeria; of the many panels we shared where, as a keynote speaker, he masterfully deconstructed the complexities of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Journalism; and of his unannounced visits to our office, where he quietly observed how we engaged interns and mentored young communicators. His leadership was always remarkably human — measured, thoughtful, and deeply considerate.
But before I could even respond, a tap on my shoulder shifted my attention, as another update arrived — this time, in person. The Chairman of the Board of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), Dr Sule Yau Sule, informed me that he was cutting short his stay at the NPRW to head to Abuja for a book presentation in honour of Professor Umaru Pate, a Media and Society scholar and the immediate past vice chancellor of the Federal University, Kashere (FUK).
I received the invitation earlier but had almost overlooked it amid my packed schedule, which included a planned trip to Kano for a capacity building programme at the PRNigeria Centre. Yet, something about that moment felt instructive. Professor Pate is another extraordinary and compassionate scholar — one who not only supports students while they are still learning, but also opens doors for their recruitment and advancement. Many practising journalists and communicators have benefited from his efforts in securing grants, aid, and scholarships, often without even knowing he was the facilitator.
Recognising the significance of the occasion, I adjusted my plans and returned to Abuja to honour the scholar. What awaited was not just a book launch, but a gathering that reflected the depth and dignity of Nigeria’s academic and intellectual community.
The event brought together vice chancellors, politicians, scholars, journalists, traditional rulers, and students, in what can best be described as a rare convergence of intellect and influence. It was, perhaps, the first time I attended a book presentation where nearly every contributor on the high table held a professorial or doctoral title — not merely the honorary prefix of “Dr or doctor.”
The book, titled Umaru Pate: An Icon of Visionary Leadership, Knowledge Transformation and Impactful Change, was edited by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of FUK, Professor William Olu Adelumo, who has also been a former vice chancellor of three universities. With 182 pages across eleven chapters, the volume constructs a 360-degree portrait of Pate’s stewardship from 2021 to 2026.
The review, delivered by Professor Muhammad Umar Buratai, was both analytical and reflective, tracing Pate’s leadership philosophy to the enduring values of Fulani cultural ethos — patience, discipline, humility, courage, and wisdom. It was a reminder that leadership, at its core, is often a reflection of one’s formative environment.
The ceremony itself was chaired by Danjuma Goje, with Orji Uzor Kalu serving as chief launcher — two political figures whose presence and representation underscored the intersection between academia and governance.
Yet, beyond speeches and accolades, what truly captured the essence of the event was a documentary titled “Putting FUK on the Pedestal of Development.”
In a matter of minutes, the film did what pages of reports often struggle to achieve — it told a story of transformation with clarity and evidence. From newly constructed male and female hostels to modern lecture theatres, road networks, laboratories, and administrative blocks, the documentary showcased a university in motion. It highlighted the establishment of a campus radio station broadcasting in multiple languages, the expansion of solar and internet infrastructure, the acquisition of vehicles and guest houses — even beyond the immediate campus environment. Perhaps most striking was the pursuit of a Medical College — an ambitious project that required not just vision, but relentless advocacy.
What made these achievements even more remarkable was that they were funded through budgetary allocations and special grants secured through Professor Pate’s personal efforts — much like the international support he attracted for the transformative upgrade of BUK’s Faculty of Communication. The documentary concluded with scenes from his peaceful handover in February, a transition many have described as a model for Nigerian universities.
Senator Goje, who described himself as a consistent supporter of the university, recounted how Professor Pate repeatedly engaged him to secure the critical infrastructure needed for accreditation, including ambulances and transportation facilities. He equally commended the seamless transition of leadership at the university. In a system where vice-chancellorship successions are often fraught with tension, the peaceful and transparent handover in February stood out as a model of institutional maturity.
Reflecting on his tenure, Professor Pate spoke with characteristic humility, attributing his achievements to collective efforts and divine grace. His counsel to future leaders was simple yet profound: leadership must be anchored on humility, gratitude, transparency, and credibility.
What struck me most was his initial reluctance to have the book published in his honour. He had suggested postponement, noting that many senior colleagues deserved similar recognition. But as he recalled with a smile, Professor Adelumo insisted otherwise. And rightly so.
As I reflected on the journey from Kaduna to Abuja, a clear pattern emerged. Although I missed the Kano event, the resource persons at the capacity building programme — including publishers Jaafar Jaafar of Daily Nigeria and Abdullateef Jos of Solacebase, as well as Kano Police Spokesperson CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa and Dahiru Lawal, an award winning fact checker with PRNigeria — were all students, mentees, or beneficiaries of Professors Adamu and Pate.
This tribute is therefore not merely about honouring individuals; it is about preserving lessons, reinforcing values, and recognising that true leadership is measured not by position, but by impact.
Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of “Award Winning Crisis Communication Strategies” and can be reached via [email protected].
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