Imagine saying goodbye to a towering figure in education who not only shattered barriers but also left an indelible mark on generations of students and leaders across Africa—now, that's the story of Professor Adamu Baikie. In this heartfelt tribute, we'll explore how this remarkable scholar, administrator, and servant of the public broke through prejudices and inspired countless lives. But here's where it gets intriguing: amidst Nigeria's regional divides and gender challenges, Baikie's journey reveals lessons that still resonate today. And this is the part most people miss—he navigated a path that many thought impossible, proving that integrity and dedication can triumph over adversity. Let's dive in and uncover the legacy of a man who truly embodied resilience and unity.
A distinguished University of Benin (Uniben) graduate from Benin City, Nigeria, shared a vivid memory on his Facebook page that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Professor Adamu Baikie. He recalled chanting defiantly: 'We nor go gree o / We nor go gree / Adamu Baike / We nor go gree!' This energetic outburst happened back in 1984 on the Ekenwan Campus, where students of Nigeria's premier institution were passionately protesting something—though the details have faded with time. In those days, no formal decree from a leader like Akpabio was needed to ignite the spirit of 'Aluta' (our struggle), complete with spontaneous songs and dances that kicked up dust like a whirlwind in the forest. Word spread quickly that Professor Baikie was approaching the campus by car. A shout went up: 'Lock the gate, lock the gate!' But in a moment of wisdom, someone questioned, 'For what? Is he a prisoner?' Divisions erupted among the students. Yet, whether the gate stayed open or closed, the campus was undeniably Baikie's domain. By evening, the mood had shifted to enthusiasm as he addressed the gathered crowd from a raised platform, speaking warmly to the agitated young people. If I were the renowned public servant Leo Oronsaye, I'd have captured that image of Baikie, my first vice chancellor, engaging empathetically with the crowd. Now, with his passing, I picture him more clearly standing tall and elevated. Courageous. Empathetic. Charming. Disarming—these words capture his spirit.
My own undergraduate years at Uniben in the 1980s coincided with the leadership of two exceptional vice chancellors: Baikie first, followed by Professor Grace Alele Williams. Penning this tribute to Baikie on what would have been the 93rd birthday of Professor Williams stirs up waves of nostalgia for me. Williams, who weathered numerous storms during her tenure, still left behind a trail of significant accomplishments. Meanwhile, Baikie—better known as northern Nigeria's pioneering professor of education—demonstrated unwavering excellence despite formidable challenges.
These two trailblazers were quintessential boundary-breakers. Hailing from the north at a time when that region boasted few academics at such high levels, Baikie understood that his impressive resume alone wouldn't persuade southern communities of his suitability for the role. Similarly, Professor Williams recognized that deeply ingrained gender biases—which had long hindered women from reaching such positions not just in Africa but globally—weren't superficial issues. She faced a university community struggling to adapt to the novelty of female leadership in what felt like uncharted territory for many.
Part of Williams' early hurdles stemmed from inevitable comparisons to Baikie's style, who had earned admiration for overcoming initial obstacles and proving himself as a capable and respected leader. Moreover, her challenges were amplified by the sheer novelty of a woman directing operations in this male-dominated arena. But here's where it gets controversial: were these comparisons fair, or did they stem from outdated societal norms that undervalued women's leadership? Despite this, both educators, with their backgrounds in education, became legends at Uniben. They conquered the demons of their era—prejudices rooted in region and gender—and elevated Nigeria's last first-generation university to new heights.
Baikie's life story is a quintessential rags-to-riches tale. Born in Zaria in 1931, his father worked briefly with Christian missionaries before becoming a storekeeper for the Nigerian Railway Corporation. Young Adamu progressed through primary and middle schools, then a teacher training college in Zaria. He ventured to Gusau to teach after earning his Grade III certificate, returned to Zaria in 1953 for his Grade II, and ultimately became a headmaster. By 1962, he completed his initial university studies and was recruited by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria as a graduate trainee. With funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), he pursued postgraduate work in America. Upon returning, he taught at ABU before heading back to the US once more.
By December 1969, he had obtained his PhD and returned home to lead ABU's Department of Education in 1970. He was appointed professor at the young age of 40 in 1971. At the time, ABU was the sole university in the north, and Baikie was surrounded by senior colleagues from the region like Ishaya Audu, Iya Abubakar, and Umaru Shehu. His move to Uniben in 1978 was unexpected, and accepting it wasn't straightforward. Yet, he possessed an inner strength to combat negativity and defeatism—this mindset fueled his success in subsequent vice chancellorships at the National University of Lesotho (1988-1996) and Nasarawa State University in Keffi (2001-2009), along with various other roles throughout his career. Baikie epitomized a life of selfless dedication and service.
In a 2017 interview with Daily Trust, published on February 19, Baikie shared insights into his disciplined character: 'You must work very hard to prove yourself. My first test was to go to Benin, a place I had never been to. In all the places I served as vice chancellor, I put three things into my head, namely God, the North, and my family. These were my guiding principles. I worked to make sure I did not disappoint the people who sent me there and the people I represented. How would I face my people, particularly my family, if they heard that I stole money somewhere? So, I went all out to give my best.'
Another anecdote from his college days offers a glimpse into his remarkable past: 'There was absolutely no issue of religion, tribe or any other sentiment. I was responsible for ensuring that the allowances were paid. I was the one who checked the list, and if I certified the list, the payment would be made. There was no discrimination at all. I can remember that when there was a strike at the College, Sardauna (Ahmadu Bello) came down to Zaria with his top ministers and asked for the leader of the northern students. And I was the one.' As a Christian from northeastern Nigeria, whose father had settled in Zaria and Kano, Baikie proudly represented the then-educationally underserved northern region.
Tragically, the northern Nigeria that Baikie spoke of with such fondness seems to have deteriorated. The unified north that Sardauna Ahmadu Bello so skillfully built has been fragmented, largely by the regional leaders who succeeded him. And this is the part most people miss—the stark contrast between Baikie's era of unity and today's divisions raises a provocative question: can Nigeria's regions ever truly heal, or are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past? It's comforting, however, that true to his steadfast nature, Baikie's belief in his region and nation remained unshakable until his final breath.
As Obaigbo aptly noted, even in death, the recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) stands elevated and undefeated against the myriad challenges threatening to cripple our nation.
In reflecting on Baikie's life, it's hard not to wonder: what if more leaders followed his example of integrity and inclusivity? Do you believe regional and gender barriers can be fully dismantled in modern Nigeria, or are they too deeply entrenched? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree that figures like Baikie are the key to national revival, or is there a counterpoint I'm missing? Let's discuss!
