Gov Mutfwang, Emir Sanusi, Ty Danjuma, Others Pay Tribute To Late Educationist, Baikie

Tributes continued to pour in for the late Professor David Adamu Baikie as governors, former federal officials, traditional rulers and senior academics described him as one of the architects of Nigeria’s modern education system and a key figure in the expansion of higher education in Northern Nigeria and beyond.

The commendations were made at an evening of remembrance organised by the management of Walter Miller University (proposed), during which speakers highlighted Baikie’s contributions to education policy, institutional building, teacher training, and academic leadership.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees and management of Walter Miller University, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd) said the gathering was convened to honour the life and legacy of Prof. Baikie, who died on December 12, 2025, at the age of 94.

He was laid to rest on December 23, 2025, in Wusasa, Zaria, Kaduna State.

Danjuma described the late scholar as a giant of Nigerian education and disclosed that Baikie served as the pioneer chairman of the university’s implementation committee, laying the academic and administrative foundation for the faith-based institution being established in Depot, Niger State, along the Budia–Faduna Highway.

He expressed optimism that the university would admit its first set of students this year, describing itas a fulfilment of Baikie’s vision and commitment to expanding access to quality education in Northern Nigeria.

Plateau State governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, said Baikie’s life represented courage, character and sacrifice in the face of the complex political and structural challenges that confronted the development of Nigeria’s education sector.

Mutfwang said that although he did not attend Ahmadu Bello University, he gained deep insight into Baikie’s struggles and achievements after reading parts of the late professor’s autobiography, which documented the challenges, politics and incremental gains involved in building Nigeria’s education system.

He stressed that Baikie and other pioneers of Nigerian education must not be forgotten, calling on institutions and leaders to preserve their memories and ideals.

“We must do everything possible to ensure that the labours of our heroes past are not in vain,” the governor said, while commending the organisers of the event for honouring Baikie’s legacy.

Chairman of the occasion, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, described Prof. Baikie as the driving force behind the establishment of Walter Miller University, saying he was the face, vision and moral backbone of the project.

Ogbeha said Baikie personally convinced the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Gen. Danjuma, of the need to establish a faith-based university in Northern Nigeria, noting that similar institutions already existed in the western and eastern parts of the country.

He said Baikie subsequently mobilised and recruited professionals to actualise the project and chaired the implementation committee with uncommon discipline, punctuality and attention to detail.

“He was always at meetings at least 30 minutes ahead of time, waiting patiently for others, and he ensured that members were comfortable during our long strategy sessions across Kaduna, Zaria and other locations,” Ogbeha said.

He described Baikie as meticulous, astute and deeply devoted, noting that after playing a key role in the establishment of Nasarawa State University, Walter Miller University was another lifelong dream for him.

Ogbeha said Baikie personally oversaw planning, documentation, and engagements with the National Universities Commission (NUC) before handing over leadership due to failing health.

He disclosed that significant progress had been made on the project, including the construction of faculties and a senate building, adding that matriculating students this year would be a fitting tribute to Baikie’s passion and sacrifice.

“At a point, he said, even if we matriculate just five students, let us do it. That was how committed he was,” Ogbeha said.

Former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Prof. Jerry Gana, described Baikie as a man of honour and rare administrative capacity, recalling his role in transforming the Department of Education at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, into a full-fledged Faculty of Education.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, said Baikie spent nearly 60 years serving ABU and credited him with conceiving the School of Basic Studies and its accelerated A-Level programme, which expanded access to higher education in Northern Nigeria.

In a keynote address, the 14th Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Sanusi Mohammed III, described Baikie as a fulfilled patriot whose influence spanned Nigeria, Lesotho and Africa.

He noted that Baikie joined ABU in 1964 as one of its pioneer lecturers and, in 1971, became the first professor of education from Northern Nigeria, supervising hundreds of students who later became vice-chancellors, commissioners and senior public servants.

Sanusi said Baikie played a critical role in professionalising education planning in Nigeria, advocating evidence-based policy, equity and teacher quality as foundations for sustainable development.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mallam Garba Adamu described the late professor as a disciplinarian and mentor whose impact extended beyond academia.

Speakers also highlighted Baikie’s Christian faith and his respect for religious diversity, concluding that his legacy endures through the institutions he built, the policies he shaped, and the generations he mentored, and that his death was a national loss.