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The BUK Media, Bayero University Kano, Gwarzo Road, Kano (2026)

07/08/2026

For decades, the voice of Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Ibrahim Bamba, popularly known as Dr. Ahmad BUK or “Kala Haddasana,” echoed through lecture halls, mosques, and gatherings of Islamic knowledge, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire Muslims across Northern Nigeria and beyond.

Born around 1940, Sheikh Ahmad Bamba rose to become a respected scholar of Hadith and Islamic studies. His lifelong dedication to studying, teaching, and explaining the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) earned him admiration among scholars, students, and ordinary Muslims.

His name became closely associated with Bayero University, Kano (BUK), where he served as a lecturer and contributed to the education of generations of students.

But his influence extended far beyond the university classroom.

Dr. Ahmad BUK became particularly renowned for teaching classical Hadith collections, including Sahih al-Bukhari, carefully explaining narrations and their lessons to his students and followers.

His distinctive style of narrating Hadith also gave rise to the affectionate nickname “Kala Haddasana,” derived from the Arabic expression “Qāla ḥaddathanā” frequently heard during Hadith narration.

Following his years in academia, Sheikh Ahmad continued spreading Islamic knowledge through lessons and gatherings, including at Darul Hadith Mosque in Tudun Yola, Kano, attracting people eager to learn from his decades of scholarship.

Known for his humility, discipline, and devotion to knowledge, he dedicated much of his life to preserving and passing Islamic teachings from one generation to another.

HIS FINAL JOURNEY

On Friday, 7 January 2022, Northern Nigeria lost one of its respected Islamic scholars.

Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Ibrahim Bamba passed away at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano State, aged 82.

News of his death brought grief to students, scholars, followers, and countless people who had benefited from his teachings over the decades.

Yet, while the scholar departed, the knowledge he spent his lifetime spreading remained.

Today, his lectures continue to be studied, his students continue to teach, and the institutions he established continue to benefit the Ummah.

His life remains a testament to the power of knowledge, sincerity, and unwavering service to Islam.

May Allah (SWT) forgive Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Ibrahim Bamba, accept his lifelong service to Islam, expand his grave, admit him into Jannatul Firdaus, and continue to reward him for every soul that benefits from the knowledge he left behind. Ameen.

07/08/2026

PART TWO: BUILDING THE RESEARCH LIBRARY — HOW BUK EXPANDED ITS COLLECTIONS, SERVICES AND FUTURE PLANS

The transformation of Bayero University, Kano’s Library did not stop with its expansion in the Old Campus. As the University grew, new specialised units and research facilities were established.

📚 THE BIRTH OF SPECIALIZED LIBRARY UNITS

During this period, important sections including the Bindery Unit and Documents Section were created.

The Bindery Unit became operational in 1976, following the purchase of binding machines and a printing press. It handled the binding of books and journals, production of catalogue cards, borrowers’ tickets, book accessories and other essential records.

The unit also bound students’ projects, dissertations and postgraduate theses at reasonable charges, provided services to outside organisations and generated revenue for the University.

🗂️ BUILDING A RESEARCH AND ARCHIVAL COLLECTION

The Graduate Research Unit, established in early 1975, was created to build an extensive research collection for University staff and graduate students.

The Ahmadu Bello University Board of Research provided a take-off grant of ₦112,660 to the late Professor M. A. Al-Hajj, then Head of the History Department, to establish the unit.

Among its early activities was reproducing the works of major founders of the Sokoto Caliphate, including Shehu Uthman dan Fodio, Muhammad Bello and Abdullahi dan Fodio.

Plans were also made to acquire manuscripts, theses and articles relating to the Western Sudan and Sahara regions.

By the end of 1975, additional funding allowed the unit to acquire a microfilm reader/printer, vehicle and microfilming equipment, while a darkroom was established to support the work.

One notable collection reproduced was the manuscript collection of the Emir of Kano, Abdullahi Bayero, which had been bequeathed to the Shauchi School Library.

In 1979, the unit underwent several administrative changes. It became the Graduate Data Centre, was later renamed the Archival Unit, and was eventually integrated into the University Library as the Documents Section, forming an important part of the University’s research collection.

🏗️ PLANNING A NEW LIBRARY

As the University expanded to four faculties, it became clear that the existing Library building would no longer be sufficient.

Plans were therefore initiated for a new Library building capable of supporting the University’s future growth.

A Library Building Planning Committee was established, bringing together University administrators, campus planners, library professionals and consultants, including Professor David Kaser of Indiana University, USA, who served as Library Building Consultant.

The proposed Library was designed to accommodate an impressive 500,000 volumes and 2,000 readers.

Although the building was yet to be completed within the period covered by the historical account, it had already been identified as one of the University’s priority development projects.

🏛️ FROM A HUMBLE BEGINNING TO A CITADEL OF KNOWLEDGE

What began on 3 February 1964 as a one-room Library with just 1,135 books, 65 journal titles and 18 reading seats had evolved into a much larger academic and research institution.

The growth of the Library reflected the remarkable transformation of Abdullahi Bayero College itself—from a small college at the Old Kano Airport Hotel into Bayero University, Kano, a full-fledged centre of teaching, research and scholarship.

📖 From one room to a growing citadel of knowledge, the foundation had been laid.

BUILDING THE CITADEL: THIRTY YEARS OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN KANO, 1964–1994

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗨𝗞 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔™

07/08/2026

MEET PROF. M.A. SALIM: THE BUK PROFESSOR WHO HAS SPENT DECADES SHAPING HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY AND MEDICAL EDUCATION

Professor Zafar Salim, popularly known as Prof. M.A. Salim, is a distinguished Nigerian academic and Professor of Human Physiology at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), with decades of experience in teaching, research, academic leadership and medical education.

His academic journey began at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained his B.Sc. in Human Physiology. He proceeded to the University of Jos, where he earned his Master’s degree in Human Physiology, before returning to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, for his PhD in Human Physiology.

At Bayero University Kano, Prof. Salim has played significant roles in the development of medical education and institutional leadership. He served as Head of the Department of Human Physiology from 2012 to 2016, contributing to the growth and development of the department. He later served as the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, where he provided leadership in one of the university’s key academic faculties.

Following years of teaching, research and academic service, he rose through the ranks to become a Full Professor of Human Physiology.

Prof. Salim’s academic interests encompass clinical, systemic and environmental physiology, and he has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects, including MSc and PhD students within the College of Health Sciences.

Beyond teaching and research, he has also contributed to the modernization of medical education. Under his institutional leadership, efforts have been made toward integrating technology-driven approaches, including Virtual Reality (VR), into physiological training, helping students better understand complex physiological concepts.

With a career built on scholarship, research, mentorship and academic leadership, Prof. M.A. Salim remains one of the notable figures who have contributed to the advancement of Human Physiology and medical education at Bayero University Kano and in Northern Nigeria.

07/08/2026

FROM JUST 1,135 BOOKS TO A UNIVERSITY LIBRARY: THE UNTOLD STORY OF HOW BUK’S LIBRARY BEGAN IN A ONE-ROOM APARTMENT

PART ONE: BUILDING THE CITADEL — THIRTY YEARS OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN KANO, 1964–1994

The story of Bayero University, Kano’s Library began long before the institution became a full-fledged university.

On 3 February 1964, shortly after Abdullahi Bayero College of Ahmadu Bello University moved to its temporary location at the Old Kano Airport Hotel, the nucleus of the Library was established.

It started in a one-room apartment before being moved into a wing of the Hotel’s main block. At the time, the Library had just 1,135 books, covering Arabic, Islamic Studies, History and English, together with about 65 journal titles.

Its main purpose was to support the College’s academic programmes by providing materials for undergraduate and preliminary studies, as well as research resources for teaching staff.

With only 37 students, the Library had seating capacity for 18 readers. Its first College Librarian was Mr. Gerald Tibbets, who was also an Arabist.

🏛️ THE LIBRARY MOVES TO THE OLD CAMPUS

By March 1968, the main Library building at the present-day Old Campus was ready for occupation as the College moved from the Airport Hotel.

The building was constructed from a £225,000 grant from the British Government to the defunct Northern Nigerian Government. Initially, it served as a multipurpose complex housing the Library, teaching departments, lecture halls and College Administration.

At its official opening in April 1969, the then Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University made a remarkable prediction:

“A University for Kano State is therefore only a matter of time.”

He further suggested that Abdullahi Bayero College could become the nucleus of a future university in Kano.

That prediction became reality much sooner than anticipated.

🎓 FROM COLLEGE TO UNIVERSITY

Between 1975 and 1977, major changes took place as Nigeria experienced rapid expansion in higher education.

In October 1975, Abdullahi Bayero College was upgraded to a University College. Two years later, in 1977, it became a full-fledged university, and the Library equally became the University Library.

With the creation of new faculties came increased demand for books, journals, space and professional staff. The Library therefore began developing short- and long-term plans to meet the needs of the expanding university.

📖 THE LIBRARY EXPANDS

To create more space, teaching departments and the Administration moved into new buildings, allowing the Library to take over larger portions of the original multipurpose building.

Because the building was modular and could be internally modified, extensive alterations were carried out.

Five reading halls were created and furnished with steel shelves and study carrels, providing capacity for about 70,000 volumes and 300 readers.

Eventually, after the Administration moved to its new building, the Library took over the entire building.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗨𝗞 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔™

📌 TO BE CONTINUED IN PART TWO…

06/08/2026

Meet Dr. Balarabe Umar Muhammad: CMD, Abubakar Imam Urology Centre and the Kano Urologist Transforming Specialized Healthcare

Success is often built on determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Dr. Balarabe Umar Muhammad exemplifies these qualities through an inspiring journey that has taken him from Bayero University Kano’s remedial programme to becoming one of Northern Nigeria’s respected consultant urologists and healthcare administrators.

His academic journey began with a remedial science programme at Bayero University Kano (BUK) before he travelled to the former USSR, where he studied at Donetsk National Medical University, Ukraine, graduating in 1999 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD).

He began his medical practice at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, where he served as a Medical Officer from 2002 to 2007, gaining valuable clinical and surgical experience. Between 2007 and 2011, he served as the Personal Physician to the then Executive Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, a position that reflected the confidence placed in his professionalism and medical expertise.

Committed to continuous professional development, Dr. Balarabe obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Urology from University College London, United Kingdom, between 2011 and 2012.

Since 2012, he has been serving at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, Kano, where he started as a Medical Officer. Through dedication and hard work, he advanced in his career, completing a PhD in Urology at Kharkiv National Medical University, Ukraine, and in 2021 earned the Fellowship of the European Association of Urology (EAU), further strengthening his expertise in specialized urological care.

Today, Dr. Balarabe Umar Muhammad serves as a Consultant Urologist and the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, Kano. Under his leadership, the centre has continued to promote quality healthcare delivery, professional excellence, and improved specialized urological services.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership and commitment to healthcare, he was honoured with the Best Chief Medical Director of the Year award by local media observers.

06/08/2026

MEET DR. SHAMSUDDEEN RABIU MUHAMMAD

Many spend years struggling to complete a PhD, but Dr. Shamsuddeen Rabiu Muhammad achieved the remarkable feat in just three years, despite the rigorous academic demands and high standards of the Department of Arabic at Bayero University, Kano.

Meet Dr. Shamsuddeen Rabiu Muhammad, a lecturer in the Department of Arts and Humanities, School of Continuing Education (SCE), Bayero University, Kano, whose inspiring academic journey is a testament to dedication, discipline, and excellence.

His academic milestones include:

🎓 Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Arabic – Bayero University, Kano (2014)
🎓 Master of Arts (M.A.) in Arabic – Bayero University, Kano (2019)
🎓 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Arabic – Bayero University, Kano (2024)

Today, Dr. Shamsuddeen continues to contribute to academia as a lecturer at the School of Continuing Education (SCE), inspiring students through both his teaching and his remarkable educational journey.

Congratulations to Dr. Shamsuddeen Rabiu Muhammad Assiqah on this exceptional milestone. We wish him greater success and impactful contributions to the advancement of Arabic studies and higher education.

06/08/2026

Meet Dr. Rahila Mukhtar: The BUK Graduate, Medical Doctor, DG of KCHMA, and Kano’s Healthcare Champion

Healthcare is a cornerstone of sustainable development, and behind every successful health system is dedicated and visionary leadership. One such leader is Dr. Rahila Mukhtar, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KCHMA), whose commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare continues to transform lives across Kano State.

A proud graduate of the prestigious Bayero University Kano (BUK) and a medical doctor by profession, Dr. Rahila Mukhtar exemplifies the excellence, integrity, and public service values for which the university is renowned. Her journey from the halls of BUK to leading one of Nigeria's most important health insurance agencies is a source of pride for the entire BUK family.

As Executive Secretary of KCHMA, Dr. Rahila Mukhtar has been at the forefront of implementing the healthcare vision of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, in line with the Kano First Agenda. Through strategic leadership, sound policy implementation, and strong stakeholder engagement, she has played a crucial role in expanding health insurance coverage and advancing the goal of Universal Health Coverage in Kano State.

One of her most significant accomplishments has been leading the enrollment drive for the ABBA CARE programme. Under her coordination and supervision, Kano State surpassed the Federal Government's health insurance enrollment targets and has remained among the leading states in Nigeria in enrolling vulnerable populations into health insurance schemes. Her efforts have enabled thousands of women, children, the elderly, persons living with disabilities, and other vulnerable citizens to access quality healthcare without the burden of catastrophic medical expenses.

Dr. Rahila Mukhtar's leadership is defined by professionalism, accountability, innovation, and compassion. She has strengthened partnerships with government institutions, healthcare providers, development partners, traditional rulers, and community leaders to ensure that health insurance reaches those who need it most. Her unwavering dedication has strengthened confidence in KCHMA and reinforced Kano State's position as a leader in healthcare financing.

Beyond the impressive statistics, her greatest achievement lies in restoring hope to vulnerable families by ensuring that quality healthcare is within their reach. Her work demonstrates that effective leadership, strategic planning, and commitment to public service can significantly improve health outcomes and promote social equity.

Today, Dr. Rahila Mukhtar stands as an outstanding ambassador of the Bayero University Kano family, an accomplished public health leader, and a shining example of what visionary leadership can achieve. Her contributions continue to shape the future of healthcare in Kano State and inspire a new generation of professionals committed to serving humanity with excellence.

Indeed, Dr. Rahila Mukhtar's achievements are not only a source of pride to KCHMA and Kano State but also a remarkable accomplishment for the entire BUK family.

by Abubakar UMAR MUHD
Can be reach via [email protected]
Phone number 08069781041

06/08/2026

Retired Army Colonel, Professor, WACS President, Vice-Chancellor: The Untold Story Behind Prof. Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai’s Remarkable Rise

Many people see the titles and admire the success, but very few know the story behind them.

Retired Nigerian Army Colonel. Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. President of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS). Former Provost, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano,and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe.

These achievements were not handed to Professor Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai, mni. They were earned through resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to service.

At one point in his life, he experienced painful setbacks that could have ended his dreams. Instead of giving up, he chose to rise again. He rebuilt his life, pursued excellence with renewed determination, and went on to become one of Nigeria’s most respected surgeons, medical educators, and academic leaders.

A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Yakasai further trained in the United Kingdom and the United States, earning prestigious professional qualifications in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Throughout his career, he has served the Nigerian Army with distinction, transformed healthcare administration, contributed immensely to medical education, and mentored generations of doctors.

His exceptional leadership has now earned him two of the highest honours in medical academia: President of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Prof. Yakasai’s journey reminds us that setbacks do not define our future. With courage, perseverance, and a clear sense of purpose, today’s struggles can become tomorrow’s greatest success story.

Congratulations to Professor Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai, mni, on these well-deserved achievements. Your remarkable journey continues to inspire countless young Nigerians to dream bigger, work harder, and never give up.

06/08/2026

The Late Professor Dahiru Yahaya: The Enduring Legacy of One of Bayero University Kano’s Greatest Scholars

The late Professor Dahiru Yahaya (30 June 1947 – 2021) was one of Nigeria’s most distinguished historians, intellectuals, and authors whose remarkable contributions left an indelible mark on Bayero University, Kano (BUK) and the study of history in Africa.

Born in Kano, Professor Yahaya obtained his Bachelor of Arts (Special Honours) in History from Abdullahi Bayero College, Ahmadu Bello University, in 1970. He later earned a PhD in Diplomatic History from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, a rare achievement that reflected his exceptional academic brilliance.

For decades, he served at Bayero University, Kano, where he became a leading authority on intellectual history, diplomatic history, and the history of ideas in Northern Nigeria. His passion for knowledge was extraordinary—he learned several foreign languages, including German, French, Spanish, Turkish, and Arabic, to study historical sources in their original form.

Professor Yahaya authored the acclaimed book Morocco in the 16th Century: Problems and Patterns in African Foreign Policy, making him one of Nigeria’s pioneering scholars in diplomatic history. In recognition of his immense scholarly contributions, he became the first academic to be honoured with a Festschrift at Bayero University, Kano.

Professor Dahiru Yahaya passed away in 2021 at the age of 74, leaving behind a rich legacy of scholarship, mentorship, and academic excellence. His life remains an inspiration to generations of students, researchers, and scholars across Nigeria and beyond.

May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and continue to bless his enduring legacy. Ameen.

06/08/2026

Meet Professor Zubairu Iliyasu: The BUK Professor Who Helped Make Nigeria Polio-Free and Became One of Africa’s Leading Public Health Experts

Professor Zubairu Iliyasu is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished public health physicians and academics. A Professor of Public Health, Community Medicine, and Medical Statistics at Bayero University Kano (BUK), he also serves as a Consultant Public Health Physician at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and is a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences.

Born in Adamawa State, Professor Iliyasu graduated with an MBBS from the University of Maiduguri in 1990, finishing as the overall best medical graduate and winning several prestigious academic awards. His passion for improving healthcare has defined his remarkable career.

During his early medical service, he trained as a fistula surgeon and participated in life-changing humanitarian work, performing more than 1,000 surgeries for women living with vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). As the National Coordinator and Volunteer Fistula Surgeon for UNFPA’s Fistula Fortnight, he helped provide over 500 free surgeries across Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kebbi States.

Determined to strengthen Nigeria’s public health system, he earned a Master’s degree in Public Health at the University of Glasgow on the prestigious British Chevening Scholarship, later completing a PhD in Public Health through the Bayero University–University of Sheffield collaboration.

Professor Iliyasu has held several key leadership positions, including Director of the Centre for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR) at Bayero University, Chairman of Nigeria’s National Health Research Ethics Committee, and Chairman of the National Certification Committee for Polio-Free Status. His leadership played a vital role in Nigeria’s successful certification as a polio-free country in 2020.

Throughout his career, he has contributed to national and international health initiatives, served on expert committees, supervised numerous postgraduate researchers, and mentored the next generation of healthcare professionals. His outstanding contributions have earned him recognition as one of Africa’s foremost public health experts.

Professor Zubairu Iliyasu’s journey is a powerful example of excellence, compassion, and dedicated service to humanity. His impact continues to inspire students, researchers, healthcare professionals, and aspiring leaders across Nigeria and beyond.

The BUK Media

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