Sadiq Mohammed Mubi
Prof. Iya Abubakar, is from Adamawa state of Northeastern Nigeria, the first-rated Mathematician Of Africa who became Professor Of Mathematics at the Age Of 28.
Iya Abubakar had his first class in mathematics at London University (University College Ibadan) in the ’50s, and completed a Doctorate Degree at Cambridge University, England in the 60s.
Professor Iya Abubakar was the only Nigerian appointed as a Professor in the Department of Mathematics, ABU Zaria, at the age of 28 in 1963.
A first class graduate of Mathematics at the University of Ibadan, he is the first Northerner to earn a PhD in any field when he earned it at the University of Cambridge.
He became Head of Department, Mathematics and Computer Science, ABU Zaria, at the age of 32 (a record in the Nigerian University system).
Lai Mohammed Lied Against Truth and Must Apologize to Nigerians-Atiku
Second indigenous Vice Chancellor of ABU Zaria, at the age of 40 and retired from academics at the age of 44.
His academic productivity suffered a lot when he became Vice Chancellor (President) of the University.
Biography and Academic Carrier
Iya Abubakar was born on 14 December 1934 at Boloko, Belel District, Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa state. He attended Barewa College Zaria, University College Ibadan (later became the University of Ibadan) and earned a PhD at the University of Cambridge in England.
He worked as a visiting Professor at the University of Michigan in 1965 – 1966, before being appointed as Professor of Mathematics at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria at the age of 28, in 1967.
He held this position until 1975, as well as a visiting professorship at the City University of New York from 1971-72. In 1975, he was appointed the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, a position he held until 1978.
Prof. Iya Abubakar is exceptionally gifted, genius, talented, an industry of knowledge, the best of the best and second to none.
Prof. Iya Abubakar is no doubt one of the finest brains to have come out of the North, whose legacies in academia are worth celebrating.
The people of “SABONDALE” comprised of Madagali, Michika, Mubi North/ South and Maiha Local Government Areas are indeed proud of their son ( Iya Abubakar) who is an elder statesman.
Youth of the 21st century may find it difficult to refill the vacuum created by GOD’s wishes, when death comes, only GOD knows. “Allah ya bashi lafiya da cikawa da imani”. “Esteemed is better than silver or gold”.
Prof. Iya Abubakar was a director of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 1972 to 1975.
Later career
After the regime of Lt-Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo handed power back to an elected Government in 1979, Iya Abubakar was appointed as the Federal Minister of Defence, holding this office until 1982. From 1993 – 2005, he was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the
University of Ibadan.
In the late 1990s, he served as the Director of National Mathematical Centre at Abuja, and chaired both the National Manpower Commission of Nigeria and the non-governmental Africa International Foundation for Science and Technology.
Iya Abubakar was elected Senator for the Adamawa North constituency of Adamawa State, Nigeria at the start of the Nigerian Fourth Republic, running on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform.
He took office on 29 May 1999.
He was re-elected in April 2003. After taking his seat in the Senate in June 1999 – 2007. He was appointed to committees on Public Accounts, Banking & Currency (chairman), Commerce and Finance & Appropriation.
Iya Abubakar has also chaired the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriation [6] and the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.
Prof. Iya Abubakar, holds a traditional title in Mubi Emirate Council, Adamawa state, as the Galadima of Mubi.
The great Professor, has since retired from active participation in public office and is now living a quiet private life
