Danjuma, Yayale Ahmed, Sanusi, others pay tribute to late education icon, Prof. Baike

Former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd.), former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, were among prominent Nigerians who paid glowing tributes to the late Professor David Adamu Baike, the first Professor of Education from Northern Nigeria. The tributes were […]

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

The tributes were paid on Thursday in Abuja during an Evening of Tributes, Orations, Music and Performances held in his honour.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees and management of the proposed Walter Miller University, General Danjuma described Professor Baike as a towering figure in Nigerian education and a man of deep faith.

He said the late educationist, who died on December 12, 2025, at the age of 94 and was buried on December 23, 2025, in Wusasa, Zaria, Kaduna State, dedicated over six decades to advancing education in Nigeria and beyond.

Danjuma noted that Baike began his career as a pupil teacher in 1952 and rose to the highest levels of academic leadership, describing him as a devout Anglican who remained steadfast in his faith.

Former SGF, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, described Professor Baike as an exceptional scholar whose academic records and contributions were almost unparalleled.

He said the late professor spent about 60 years in active service at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he played a central role in training generations of professional teachers, adding that the institution owed him a lasting debt of gratitude for his professionalism, discipline and commitment to national development.

In a pre-recorded message, Sanusi recalled Professor Baike as a close friend of his late father, sharing fond personal memories of their relationship.

Other dignitaries at the event included former Senate President David Mark, Senator Jonathan Ogbeha and Professor Jerry Gana, alongside academics, political leaders and admirers, who unanimously described the late educationist as a trailblazer whose legacy in education, mentorship and nation-building would endure.