Prof. Pate celebrates Mahadi’s legacy, lauds GSU for sustaining annual memorial lecture

By Muhammad Sani Uba

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere (FUK), Professor Umaru Pate, has commended Gombe State University (GSU) for its commitment to sustaining the Abdullahi Mahadi Annual Memorial Lecture, describing it as a worthy tribute to the late pioneer Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Abdullahi Mahadi.

SolaceBase reports that delivering his remarks as Chairman of the occasion at the 3rd Abdullahi Mahadi Annual Memorial Lecture held on Thursday at GSU, Professor Pate expressed deep appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Aliyu Yauta, and the university management for inviting him to chair the event.

He recalled his previous experience at the university, having chaired a lecture delivered by Professor Toyin Falola, and praised GSU for maintaining the quality and spirit of such intellectual engagements.

He noted that sustaining good initiatives in Nigerian universities is often challenging, commending GSU for continuing the tradition established under former Vice Chancellor, Professor Aliyu Usman El-Nafaty.

“I urge the university to maintain its quality and commitment to this worthy endeavour. The legacy of Professor Mahadi deserves no less,” he said.

Professor Pate warmly welcomed the Guest Lecturer, Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, who had recently been appointed Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development, describing him as “eminently qualified” to speak on the theme of challenges and prospects for improving university governance in Nigeria. He highlighted the personal and professional ties between Jega and the late Mahadi, noting that both were unionists and activists committed to strengthening Nigeria’s educational system.

“Professor Jega is a working encyclopedia of higher education in Nigeria,” Pate remarked, adding that Mahadi lived and died in the educational system and that few people could speak more authoritatively on such a topic than Jega.

Reflecting on the life of the late Professor Mahadi, Professor Pate described him as a dedicated scholar whose “spirit will never die,” emphasizing his lasting legacy in Gombe State and across Nigerian academia. He recalled Mahadi’s impactful service at institutions such as Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and his pioneering role at Gombe State University.

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“He left an account of goodwill, a legacy, and an imprint on this environment that will remain for generations,” Pate said.

The event also drew dignitaries from across Nigeria, including academics, government officials, and former associates of the late Mahadi. The presence of notable figures such as Dr Jeji Williams, the Chief of Staff to the Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, was described as evidence of Mahadi’s far-reaching influence and the high regard in which he is held.

Professor Pate expressed hope that policymakers in attendance, such as the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau and other senior officials would benefit from Professor Jega’s insights into the challenges confronting Nigerian universities.

He encouraged the wider audience to tap into Jega’s wealth of experience for the advancement of the nation’s higher education system.

The Annual Memorial Lecture continues to serve as a platform for reflection, intellectual exchange, and the celebration of the enduring legacy of the late Professor Abdullahi Mahadi.