21/07/2026
TRIBUTE TO A TEACHER, MENTOR AND A FATHER FIGURE, MALAM SANI RABE IYATAWA
The news of the passing of Malam Sani Rabe, fondly known by many as Malam Sani Rabson, came as a profound shock and a painful loss to all who had the privilege of knowing him. While his family has lost a beloved husband and father, and his close friends a loyal companion, the entire Iyatawa community has lost one of its finest educator, mentor and role model.
For over thirty-five years, Malam Sani devoted himself to the noble profession of teaching. To many, he was far more than a classroom teacher; he was a mentor, counselor, and father figure whose influence extended well beyond the school walls. He believed that education was the key to transforming lives, and he dedicated his life to ensuring that no child with the potential to learn was denied that opportunity.
In the late 90s and early 2000s, when Iyatawa had no secondary school, Malam Sani took it upon himself to ensure that every pupil who completed primary education progressed to the next stage. As the Head Teacher of Iyatawa PS, at the end of each academic session, he would personally deliver pupils' certificates to their homes, meet with their parents, and passionately encourage them to allow their sons and daughters to continue their education. His determination, patience, and persuasive approach inspired countless families to invest in their children's futures. As a result, hundreds of young men and women from Iyatawa went on to attend secondary schools, colleges, polytechnics, and universities, many of whom are today making meaningful contributions to society.
Although he was known for his kindness, humility, and compassion, Malam Sani was equally respected for his discipline and professionalism. He was always present at school, never compromised on standards, respected intellectual ability, rewarded diligence, and corrected indiscipline without fear or favour. His classroom was a place where character was built alongside academic knowledge.
I count myself fortunate to have been one of his students. He taught us Science, English, and Mathematics, but more importantly, he taught us how to learn, how to think, and how to strive for excellence. One memory that remains deeply engraved in my heart is when he visited my father and advised him to buy me Hausa literary classics, including Iliya Dan Maiƙarfi, Ruwan Bagaja, and Magana Jari Ce. My father honoured his advice and took me to the Charanchi Weekly Market, where he bought all the books for me. That simple act became the foundation of my lifelong love for reading and learning.
Malam Sani's impact cannot be measured merely by the number of years he taught, but by the countless lives he transformed, the dreams he nurtured, and the values he instilled in generations of students. His legacy will continue to inspire us to value education, serve humanity with sincerity, and invest in the future of others just as he invested in ours.
Today, our beloved teacher has returned to his Creator after a prolonged illness. Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall all return (Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un). His passing is not only a loss to his immediate family or his former students, but to the entire Iyatawa community and everyone whose life he touched. May Allah illuminate his grave, forgive his shortcomings, and grant him highest place in paradise.
Farewell, our beloved teacher, mentor, and father figure. Your lessons will remain in our hearts, your legacy will continue through your students, and your memory will never be forgotten.
🖋️Isma'il Bala Iyatawa
