By. Prof. Umar Pate
The death of Prof Mohammad Gujbawu is not only a personal and collective huge loss to his family and UNIMAID but to the Communication discipline in Nigeria. I first knew him in 1979 or thereabout when he was admitted in Govt College Maiduguri. He joined us in Galtimari House. I was in Form Three/Four.
Much later, he joined us again in Mass Communication Dept, UNIMAID as a student and later was recruited as a graduate assistant where he became a worthy colleague.
Few years after, we became neighbours in the SSTH quarters in UNIMAID. When he registered for the PhD, I worked with him as the supervisor and he worked hard to defend his thesis on time with Prof Lai Oso as his external examiner. He did that successfully and commendably.
Thereafter in 2013, when he was promoted a Senior Lecturer, I handed over the Department to him as the Head upon the endorsement of positive minded colleagues. In 2014, I left UNIMAID for BUK.
He did his best to improve on the fortunes of the Department despite stiff and difficult obstacles created to undermine his administration from within.
He served his terms meritoriously. Few years on, he was elevated to the rank of a professor. From then on, he served in the Deanery in UNIMAID and was later appointed a full Dean in BOSU.
While I served as the Editor of the MAJASS Journal in UNIMAID for many years, Gujbawu was my coordinating assistant editor who took charge of the publication process without failing. The journal did very well in Nigeria mainly due to the energy of Gujbawu. Personally, he was highly sociable, extroversive and humbly humorous.
He never bragged about his background or social status. He blended in all situations and respected all that he met. His students respected him; his colleagues appreciated him.
Gujbawu told the truth from his heart. He was truly gentle, genuine and kind. He has lived a fruitful life and achieved much within the short period he stayed.
We shall continue to pray for Allah to grant him eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the loss. Gujbawu and I were always available for each other in all circumstances from the Govt College days till the last day of his breaths. Allah Ya jikanshi da rahama. He was truly a good fellow.
Pate, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Kashere, in Gombe State
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