Tributes Flow for Prof. David Adamu Baike from Danjuma, Yayale Ahmed, Sanusi, and Others

Former Defence Minister, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd.), alongside former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, were among notable Nigerians who paid heartfelt respects to the late Professor David Adamu Baike, heralded as the first Professor of Education from Northern Nigeria.

The tributes were delivered during an Evening of Tributes, Orations, Music, and Performances held in Abuja on Thursday in honor of the distinguished educator.

Addressing the audience on behalf of the Board of Trustees and management of the proposed Walter Miller University, General Danjuma highlighted Professor Baike’s significant impact on education in Nigeria and characterized him as a man deeply committed to his faith.

He noted that the revered educationist passed away on December 12, 2025, at the age of 94, and was interred in Wusasa, Zaria, Kaduna State, on December 23, 2025. Baike devoted over sixty years of his life to promoting education both within Nigeria and beyond.

Danjuma remarked that Baike started his professional journey as a pupil teacher in 1952 and progressed to the pinnacle of academic leadership, asserting that he was a faithful Anglican who remained unwavering in his beliefs.

Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, the former SGF, referred to Professor Baike as an extraordinary academic whose scholarly achievements and contributions were remarkably significant.

He conveyed that the late professor dedicated approximately 60 years to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, where he was instrumental in shaping generations of competent teachers, emphasizing that the institution owes him a perpetual debt of gratitude for his professionalism, discipline, and dedication to national growth.

In a recorded message, Sanusi reminisced about his close friendship with Professor Baike, sharing personal anecdotes from their relationship.

The event was attended by other distinguished guests, including former Senate President David Mark, Senator Jonathan Ogbeha, and Professor Jerry Gana, along with various academics, political figures, and admirers, all of whom regarded the late educationist as a trailblazer whose influence in education, mentorship, and nation-building will be remembered for years to come.