Features

The Falling Iroko Tree: A Tribute to Professor Ibrahim Baba Yakubu (1965–2023)

Published

2 years ago

November 21, 2023

Late Prof Ibrahim Baba Yakubu

By
Murtala Uba Mohammed (PhD)

My selection of the metaphor of iroko tree, a giant and strong to characterize Professor Ibrahim Baba Yakubu was not by accident. The decision was influenced by the fact that Professor Yakubu who is affectionately referred to by his acronym IBY, by students and colleagues, is an environment professor, an expert in plant geography and biogeography, and a passionate lover of trees and anything green. It takes little time to become enamored with Professor Yakubu’s unreserved and unparalleled passion for plants. It is not hyperbolic to say that IBY rarely speaks at any academic events without advocating for going green. These guided the selection of the tree for the commemoration of this gentle, beautiful soul who answered the call of His Lord on 11th November, 2023.

A graduate of geography and forestry, Professor Ibrahim Baba Yakubu taught in the Geography Department and later in the Environmental Management Department, all at Bayero University, Kano. He was the head of the research and technical department of Nigeria’s World Bank-Assisted Afforestation Program Coordinating Unit (APCU) when he joined his alma mater as an academic in 2004, after completing his PhD in geography with specialization in environmental management in 2003. Although his first degree was in geography, which he had obtained from Bayero University in 1988, IBY saw himself more as an environmental and plant scientist in a more passionate way above what a graduate or teacher of geography does. This may not be unconnected to the unique engagement with environment, having obtained his Masters degree in Forestry, which he bagged from the University of Ibadan, and his earlier training and experience in the agroforestry project. It is obvious that his relation with trees had made him developed features comparable to them. He stood firm and shade those around him.

The Writer Dr Murtala Uba Muhammad

I first noticed him when we went to Plateau State for the compulsory three-credit unit course titled Fieldwork (GEO 3301) in 2004. It is easier to notice him for three reasons. Firstly, apart from him and the other new lecturer, Dr. A.O. Adekia, all others were known to us as they taught us some courses in either the first semester or at the lower levels. The second is his usual dress, most especially the type of cap and shoe he wore, which were quite unique and fashionable. The third reason why IBY would hardly be unnoticeable was his eloquence and unique oration, excellent accent and effortless command of the English language.

My close association with him began when I joined the department in 2012. IBY was then the department’s coordinator for the newly introduced MSc. Geography.

Although the Bayero University Geography Department ran postgraduate programs, it was not until 2012 that the department introduced MSc. Geography under the headship of Professor A.I. Tanko. For more than thirty years, the department’s MSc programs were mainly in Land Resources, with two specialization: Development and Administration. With new MSc in Geography one can specialize in human geography, physical geography, environmental management, or population and development.

In 2014, Bayero University created the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES). The Geography Department relocated from the Faculty of Social and Management Science (FSMS) to the new faculty; and five additional departments were created: Architecture, Estate Management, Quantity Surveying, Urban and Regional Planning (URP), and Environmental Management (EVM). URP and EVM were created with personnel from Geography Department. Only two of the old Geography Department staff, Dr. M.A. Liman and Late Mal. A.D. Maiwada, moved to the URP, while eight academic staff, including IBY and his two teachers, Dr. L.F. Buba and Late Professor Kabir Ahmed, joined the EVM. Thanks to this newly created faculty, it gave the apolitical scholar, IBY, the opportunity to serve as its sub-dean, deputy dean and immediate past dean of the faculty.
In connection with the creation of the FEES, I can vividly recall an incidence that happened during our maiden meeting cum retreat at Mumbaya House, which took place on the very day terrorists attacked Federal College of Education Kano. We were debating on who will remain in geography or move to another department. In his usual zeal to lure some of us to the EVM department, IBY made a statement that I still recall: that the future is in the new field of environmental management, which is an applied aspect of geography, and that “geography is losing its relevance and therefore is collapsing.” A response then came from Professor J.Afolabi Falola who responded to him saying that, let’s wait for the geography to collapse first; “we will all
move to the environmental management.” While IBY may be right that the new has a promising future considering the current global mantra, the older one is still relevant, with new fields such as GIS and Remote Sensing emerging out of it. I thought these differing opinions were caused by perspective. Despite being a geographer by trade, IBY’s education and early years had given him the greatest foundation in environmental management. Given the idea behind regional studies and the burgeoning science of GIS, geography will continue to play a significant role in regional planning and development, particularly in addressing challenges related to environment.
Despite that Professor Yakubu moved to the Department of Environmental Management, he never relinquished teaching and supervising researches in the Department of Geography. While still in the EVM, he supervised many MScs and PhDs in geography, such as that of my good friend, who incidentally bears his highest footprint, Dr. Muhammad Nurudeen Danjuma, and the most recent, which is that of Isa Adamu of the Federal Researcher Institute of Nigeria (FRIN).
Professor Ibrahim Yakubu was not only an academic person of repute, as testified by all those who write briefs for him; he was also a person of high principles and dedication to duty. Punctuality is one excellent trait that one would hardly have take away from him. To IBY, you never agreed on time and broke the agreement. His colleagues and students know this. I recall my time with Professor A.I. Tanko when it became obvious that we could not meet the deadline. Professor Tanko was so worried that he told me, “Murtala, I am afraid if one breaks IBY’s promises, he will only look at you and say not a word, but the look speaks more than what the mouth says.” This tree man, as Professor Yusuf Adamu once called him, was so rooted in his principles.
IBY was a man of integrity whose level of principle paradoxically endeared and infuriated many people. He kept time, which was very rare these days. Whoever IBY happened to be his supervisor, we used to joke, must be ready to bring his academic work in good time and keep to the agreed-upon timetable. I personally know one of the student he supervised that trembled whenever he missed the professor’s deadline!
In one of the elegy he composed for one of his patrons, Malam Habibu Fari, the Hausa master panegyric, Late Mamman Shata, describes the deceased with phrase fari yake mai farar aniya, which means that as his complexion is fair, so is his mind. Even though IBY may not have a fair complexion, at least half of his outfit is white, and the style is overwhelmingly straightforward. His habit and the style of his clothing were highly positively correlated. He rarely disagreed or engaged in argumentation, except when he observed a complete deviation from the truth. Accepting the truth from any party was his usual trait, even if that person is lower in rank. Although my teacher and by far my senior, on many occasions he asked for my opinion on statistics and GIS, and whatever I say, he insisted the student has to follow. This is quite uncommon in Nigeria’s academy, where ego and superiority are becoming the order of the day. IBY believed in specialization and accorded every person respect in his chosen field.
I may go on exploring many attributes that earned respect for Professor Yakubu among his student and colleagues, but for the space and the fact that this piece is not a biography of his. However, it is important to reiterate here that three qualities stand out in him that one combines. They are: the depth of his knowledge in his chosen field, which is unmatched by any of his contemporary; his simplicity in dress and habit; and finally, his principle of keeping to time and promise, which puts him far above many of us.
While acknowledging the fact that whatever Almighty does wisdom is enshrined in it, it is obvious that Malam IBY left at a time we needed him most. He died when the Nigerian academic community was battling with principles and in need of dedication and sacrifice of his kind. His good deeds will always be remembered, including his deep affection for his four children and his dearest wife, whom he lost just two months before his death. I sincerely pray for the Almighty to forgive his shortcomings and reward him with his beloved green, for Janna is glaringly the most evergreen of all spaces where iroko live.

Murtala teaches geography at Bayero University, Kano

Features

Why I want To Rewrite Kannywood’s Playbook – Dan Hausa

Published

3 months ago

August 28, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

Kamilu Danhausa

By Saif Ibrahim, Kano

Who is Dan Hausa?

I am Kamilu Ibrahim born 31 years ago, but most people know me as Dan Hausa. I was born in Fagge, Kano State, and from the very beginning I knew I wanted to tell stories that reflect the realities of my people. I trained at the High Definition Film Academy in Abuja, SAE Institute, and also took part in the U.S. Embassy’s Filmmaking for Impact program. I join the fikm making industry and started directing in 2017 because I wanted full control over how my stories are told.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into film directing?

My journey began with a love for storytelling—I started as a scriptwriter, then worked closely with experienced filmmakers before directing my first film. Over the years, I’ve learned that directing isn’t just about cameras and lights, but about understanding people, culture, and the power of narrative.

Growing up, I saw how films could educate and inspire people. In Arewa, cinema is more than entertainment—it’s a mirror of society. I wanted to use that mirror to reflect our values, challenges, and hopes. That desire to make meaningful films pushed me into directing.

What sets your work apart in today’s Kannywood?

For me, it’s about merging modern cinematic techniques with our Hausa cultural identity. I love bold visuals and tight storytelling, but I never want to lose that traditional heartbeat of my origin. My goal has always been to raise our production quality to international standards while staying true to our roots”, proof of that is clear in my current and biggest project, “Wata Shida.

How would you describe your directing style?

I like to call my style “realism with purpose.” I focus on authenticity—every scene, every performance, every frame must feel true to life. But I also ensure that there’s always a message, something the audience can take home and reflect on.

Can you highlight some of your notable works?

Sure, there is Wata Shida which is currently airing and has an overwhelming response from the public and the likes of Lulu Da Andalu a myth-inspired adventure series showing on AREWA24 and YouTube. YouTube pushed us to think bigger in terms of story and production. Mijin Hajiya earned me Best Director at the 2024 Kano Entertainment Awards, while Tataburza made waves at film festivals. Earlier films like Bakon Yanayi (2019) and my debut Kulba Na Barna (2017) helped me define my style. My latest project, Amaryar Lalle, starring Rahama Sadau, premieres August 2025 on Sadau Pictures TV. Each project is a step forward in showing what Kannywood can achieve.

What awards and recognitions have you earned?

I have also been recognized by the Arewa5050 Awards and Kaduna International Film Festival (KIFF) for Lulu Da Andalu, which even won Best Indigenous Hausa Film. There’s also an AMVCA nomination for best Africanindigenous language , which is exciting because it means Hausa stories are getting wider attention.”

Who are your key collaborators?

Filmmaking is teamwork; TY Shaba has been a creative partner on several projects, especially on Lulu Da Andalu. I have WORKED with Rahama Sadau on Amaryar Lalle has been fantastic; she brings so much energy to the screen.”

What themes do you explore in your films?

I like telling stories where modern life clashes with traditional values—family conflict, cultural identity, gender roles. These are real issues in our society, and I try to explore them honestly but cinematically. I believe film should make people feel and also think.”

What is your next project?

I am working on Wata Shida Season 2, a story about a woman who enters a six-month sham marriage to protect her inheritance. It’s socially meaningful but also very entertaining. I will also continue with season 2 of “Amaryar Lalle.”

Can you tell us a little about your latest project?

This project is very close to my heart. It follows a young girl fighting to get an education in a society full of obstacles. Through her eyes, we see how family, tradition, and resilience collide, and how hope can survive even in the harshest situations.”

What inspired you to make this story?

Growing up, I saw so many bright young girls whose dreams were cut short just because they were girls. I felt a responsibility to tell this story—not as fiction, but as a mirror of what is happening around us.

How do you balance tradition and modernity in your work?

A: It’s about respect. I respect our traditions, but I also embrace new technology and ideas. In my films, I make sure traditional values are represented truthfully, while using modern techniques to improve production quality.

What challenges do you face as a director in Kannywood?

Budgets are often limited, and resources can be scarce. But the biggest challenge is sometimes societal misunderstanding of what we do as filmmakers. People forget that film is also an art form and a tool for change, not just entertainment.

Can you tell us your favourite project

Every project has its own special memory, but I’m proudest when a film sparks conversation or impacts people’s lives. For example, one of my recent films about youth unemployment led to community discussions and even small initiatives to help young people. That’s when I feel film is doing its job.

What advice would you give to aspiring directors?

Learn the craft—don’t rush. Watch films, study scripts, spend time on set even if it’s just to observe. Most importantly, stay humble and focused. Filmmaking is about patience, teamwork, and vision.

What should audiences expect from your upcoming projects?

Expect more powerful stories rooted in our culture, with better technical quality. I’m working on projects that tackle real societal issues, and I believe they’ll resonate with audiences not just in Arewa, but globally.

Features

Antenatal Care: Why some women misses several sessions

Published

4 months ago

August 18, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

By Aisha Muhammad Rabiu

In many parts of Northern Nigeria, antenatal care is a vital step in ensuring the health of both mother and the unborn child. Yet, an increasing number of women are neglecting this crucial stage of pregnancy, putting themselves and their babies at serious risk, hence the high infant, mother mortality rate.

Health experts have been warning that antenatal visits help detect pregnancy complications at its early stage, provide essential supplements for healthy mother/child development, and educate mothers on safe delivery practices. But for some women, they find antenatal care as a burden either due to poverty or lack of awareness based on cultural practices and beliefs. As such antenatal remains a neglected priority.

In Kadawa, Fatima Sani, a 28-year-old expectant mother, admits she has not attended a single session of antenatal since the start of her pregnancy. she said “It’s not that I don’t want to go, but the clinic is far from my house, and my husband says we should save the transport money for delivery day. I just pray Allah protects me and my baby.”

From Dan Bare, Shago Tara precisely, Khairat a mother of 4 shares her reasons for not attending antenatal session even though she is fully aware that the session is very important to pregnant women. She said “I feel healthy, so I don’t see the need to go for antenatal. My mother gave birth to all her children at home without any clinic visits, and they all survived.”

In Rijiyar Zaki, Hadiza Mukhtar recalls her previous pregnancy, where she skipped antenatal visits entirely. “The nurses were rude to me when I first went. I decided I would not return. This pregnancy, I haven’t gone at all,” she confesses.

For Usaina Muhammad of Kurna, the problem is financial. “I can’t afford the registration fee, and I also have other children to feed. I know antenatal is important, but survival comes first.”

Meanwhile, Maryam Lawan of Layi Kaji reveals that misinformation has influenced her decision. “Someone told me that the iron tablets they give at the clinic make the babies grow too big, making delivery harder. So, I decided to avoid it altogether.”

Medical professionals emphasize that skipping antenatal care increases the risk of complications such as anemia, high blood pressure, infections, and even maternal or infant death. Dr. Ibrahim Musa, a gynecologist in Kano, warns: “We see many emergencies that could have been avoided if the mother had attended antenatal. Most of these cases arrive late, making it harder for the doctors to save lives.”

Experts and community leaders agree that raising awareness is key in addressing the matter. Antenatal care should be made more affordable, accessible, and culturally acceptable for all women. Religious leaders, health workers, and family members all have a role to play in encouraging expectant mothers to attend regular check-ups.

Neglecting antenatal care is not just a personal choice; it’s a public health concern that affects families, communities, and the future of the nation. Ensuring that every mother has the knowledge, resources, and support to seek antenatal care is a step toward a healthier society.

Aisha Muhammad Rabiu writes from Bayero University Kano (BUK) and she can be reached at Email: aishatama2020@gmail.com

Phone no.08084273341

Features

Rano’s Peaceful Legacy: More Than a Slogan, One Tragedy Won’t Define Us

Published

6 months ago

May 29, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

For decades, Rano Garin Autan Bawo has proudly stood as a symbol of peace and harmony in Kano State. It is a place where neighbors look out for one another, where disputes are settled through dialogue, and where diversity is met with respect—not resentment. In Rano, peace is not just a slogan—it is a way of life passed down through generations.

The tragic incident that recently occurred at the Divisional Police Station in Rano Local Government has deeply shaken our community. Known for generations as one of the most peaceful and united areas in Nigeria, Rano now faces the painful reality of an attack that led to the death of a Divisional Police Officer and the destruction of police property. This senseless act of violence goes against everything our community stands for and must not be seen as a reflection of who we are.

Rano has long been recognized for its peaceful spirit, tolerance, and respect for all. People from different backgrounds, religions, and cultures have lived side by side here in harmony. This didn’t happen by chance—it is the result of years of effort by our leaders, religious figures, and ordinary citizens who believe that our strength lies in our unity and diversity.

Our respect for law and order is deep-rooted. We understand the crucial role that security personnel play in keeping our community safe. The people of Rano have always appreciated the risks and sacrifices made by the police, military, and other agencies to protect lives and property.

Respect for the law here is not just about obeying rules—it’s about a shared belief in justice, fairness, and solving problems peacefully and legally. This belief has helped build a respectful and cooperative relationship between the police and the people.

What happened at the police station is completely out of character for our community. The individuals who carried out this attack do not represent us. Their actions go against the values that have shaped Rano. We strongly condemn what they did and make it clear that their behavior does not reflect who we are.

The loss of the Divisional Police Officer is not just a blow to the Nigeria Police Force or the Kano State Police Command—it is a loss for all of us. He wasn’t just doing his job; he was part of our extended family. His death is an attack on the peace and security that we all hold dear.

We send our deepest condolences to his family. No words can ease the pain of losing a loved one in such a brutal way. Our thoughts are also with his colleagues in the police force, who have lost a brother and a friend.

We also stand with the Kano State Police Command and the Nigeria Police Force as they face this heartbreaking loss. We understand how much this affects their morale, especially at a time when their work is more important than ever.

Destroying police buildings and equipment is not just an attack on law enforcement—it’s an attack on the very system that helps keep us safe. These facilities belong to the people and serve the entire community. Damaging them harms everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us.

We urge the government and relevant authorities to investigate this incident fully and fairly. Those responsible must be held accountable. Justice must be swift and uncompromised. Our community deserves to see the law upheld and the wrongdoers brought to book.

To our young people—the future of Rano—we ask for calm and reflection. We know that you may be frustrated or angry about many issues. But violence is never the answer. Taking the law into your own hands only brings more pain and setbacks for everyone.

Instead, we encourage our youth to focus on positive, constructive paths. There are peaceful, legal ways to raise your voices and push for change. Use those channels. Help move our community forward.

Rano must now focus on healing, rebuilding trust, and recommitting to the peaceful values that have always defined us. We must come together—young and old, leaders and citizens—to ensure that such violence never happens again.

We call on traditional leaders, religious figures, community elders, youth leaders, and all residents to stand united in promoting peace and respect for the law. Let’s strengthen our partnership with security agencies and support their efforts to keep us safe, while also holding them accountable to serve with respect and dignity.

How we respond to this tragedy will shape our future. Let us choose unity over division, peace over violence, and hope over despair. The actions of a few will not define us. We will protect the legacy of peace that Rano is known for and continue working together for a better tomorrow.

Buhari Abba wrote this piece from Unguwar Liman Rano.