25/04/2026
Professor Abdulla Uba Adamu has formally retired from Bayero University Kano at the age of seventy, bringing to an end his long life serving and extraordinary academic journey that spanned nearly forty-six years.
"The journey was tough, yet deeply enjoyable—a paradox I have come to accept," he said.
"Bayero University has been my home for almost forty-six uninterrupted years. I joined the system on 24 July 1980 as a wide-eyed Graduate Assistant in the Department of Education," he added.
He also rose through different ranks to become one of the most respected scholars, eventually helping in conceptualizing the Department of Information and Media Studies in 2014.
"I faced challenges, stumbled a few times, but always found my footing and moved forward," Mr Uba said.
Professor Adamu has distinguished himself as a passionate researcher, mentor, and intellectual voice. His works bridged education, media studies, and digital culture, earning him recognition both within Nigeria and internationally.
He is known for his deep curiosity and forward-thinking approach.
The professor contributed significantly to the development of media and communication studies in Northern Nigeria, inspiring generations of students and academics.
"I have no regrets about the path I chose; it made me a better human being," he said.
Despite early expectations to study medicine, Mr Uba remained committed to his true passion.
He wrote: "I thought I might become a researcher in what is now called medical laboratory science, but even that did not materialize. And yet, as retirement approached, I realized something profound: I had been doing exactly what I had always wanted to do—research."
"I often return to a conversation with my father in 1972," he said, reflecting on his earlier life experience. "He wanted me to study medicine. I did not—not because I dismissed the idea lightly, but because I knew my path lay elsewhere."
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, colleagues, and wider community for their support over the decades.
He notably acknowledged his wife "who endured, with grace, my lifelong obsession with computers, the internet, and research."
However, the university don expressed determination to continue with his scholarly works, citing how his publisher, Bloomsbury, has expressed interest in some of his books.
"The urge to research remains as strong as ever. I already have several book projects underway, and my publisher, Bloomsbury, has expressed interest in some of them," he said.
"I have retired—but I am far from tired," he added.
About professor Abdulla Uba Adamu:
Abdulla Uba Adamu, who is a professor, is a distinguished Nigerian professor, public intellectual, and media scholar known for his extensive contributions to communication studies, particularly in the areas of African media, popular culture, and the Hausa film industry (Kannywood).
Born in Kano State on 25th September, 1954, he had built a long and impactful academic career at Bayero University Kano, where he served in various capacities, including as a lecturer, researcher, and later as Vice-Chancellor.
He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) from 2016 to 2021.
Beyond academia, he has been actively involved in public discourse, offering insights on education, information technology, and creative industries.
After nearly 46 years of uninterrupted service at Bayero University Kano, he retired upon reaching the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship, mentorship, and institutional development that continues to influence students, academics, and media practitioners across Nigeria and beyond.
