Don’t rush to get to the next level – Prof Fatimah Ja’afar Tahir

Prof Fatimah Ja’afar Tahir, born to the family of Alhaji Ja’afar Tahir and Hajiya Maryam Almustapha was born on the 8th of February, 1966. She is the 4th child of 10 children and all the same mother, as it’s a normal trend their family to have one wife. Of the 10 children, 6 are females […]

Prof Fatimah Ja’afar Tahir, born to the family of Alhaji Ja’afar Tahir and Hajiya Maryam Almustapha was born on the 8th of February, 1966.

She is the 4th child of 10 children and all the same mother, as it’s a normal trend their family to have one wife.

Of the 10 children, 6 are females and have all undergone one form of formal education or the other at a higher level.

All, except one, are working either in state or federal employment.

Hajiya Fatimah has 4 children all of whom are graduates, 3 males, already employed and married.

She is a grandmother to a 6-year-old granddaughter.

She is an indigene of Bauchi State. She is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi.

Educational Background

I started primary school in 1973 in the then Shekal Primary School, Bauchi (Now Babban Mutum Primary School) and proceeded to Government Girls Secondary School, Bauchi (Now Govt Girls College) from 1979 to 1983.

On completion of my secondary education, I attended the Bauchi College of Arts and Science, 1983 to 1985 and then gained admission into Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi where, I obtained a Bachelor of Technology in Microbiology in 1990, an MSc in Microbiology (1994) and a PhD in Industrial Microbiology (2001).

Career background

I did my National Youth Service (1990-1991) and joined the services of ATBU, Bauchi in 1991 immediately after my youth service, as a Graduate Assistant in the Department I graduated from.

On obtaining my MSc, I was upgraded to an Assistant Lecturer (1994) and by subsequent promotions through the ranks of Lect II, Lect I, Senior Lect and Reader (from 1994-2006), I ultimately attained the rank of a Professor of Microbiology in 2009.

I have held several administrative positions from Head of Department (Gombe State University), Director and Dean of Postgraduate School (ATBU, Bauchi) to Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Acting Vice-Chancellor (Nigerian Army University Biu), aside from other small offices of Exam officer etc. in the Department

My growing up years

Growing up was really, really fun. We had a very large and extended family.

Though we were not leaving all in the same house or even the same town in some cases, but the family spirit was very strong.

Being a family that is holding the traditional title of “Talban” Bauchi, the holder of the title at any time is like the head of the family.

I have so far witnessed 4 Talbas, Talba Attahiru (our grandfather), Talba Mutari (Mukhtar Tahir), Talba Ibrahim (Dr Ibrahim Tahir) and the current Talba in the person of Tahir Ibrahim Tahir.

Our father being the eldest and staying in the family house was the uniting force of the family.

Sallah was the most favourite season in the family, as all family members endeavour not to miss it.

Life lessons over the years

That patience, pays.

Do not be in a rush to get to the next level, it will surely come at its appointed time and saves you all the anxiety.

Make the best use of any opportunity, you never know when it will be taken away

Aspirations growing up

My life aspirations have always been to be an upstanding member of my community and a role model in society.

Alhamdulillah, I think I am now in a position to be able to influence and champion movements that can move the society forward.

Fond childhood memories I miss

So many! From eating in group, as a policy of the house to how our parents organize us to wash our clothes every Sunday.

But most of all is going to islamiyya “makarantan Baba Garba” as we call it.

My passion for teaching

Without a doubt, teaching has been like the blood running in my veins.

Apart from community service, teaching is about the only thing I enjoy and find it applicable to every aspect of my life.

It keeps me grounded and accord me quite a lot of skills to handle situations.

My take on the Nigerian Education industry

The Nigerian education industry is perhaps the least practically oriented, as such its hardly complementing other sectors.

Pedagogy has dominated the system of education.

Funding of the sector is nothing to write home about and that leads to the proliferation of private schools at all levels.

Most of the public schools are just there, only the underprivileged take their children to such schools.

For any meaningful development in the education sector, the government need to improve funding.

In regards to gender, the average Nigerian woman is already disadvantaged by the nature the education system is designed.

A lot of her peculiarities were not taken into consideration, the school environment is not friendly for her.

Hardly do you see schools, except for tertiary institutions making provisions for a gender-friendly environment to accommodate women’s needs in terms of facilities especially toilet facilities.

The curricula and delivery of teaching is not in all cases convenient as such her performance is greatly affected.

Challenges and overcoming them

Alhamdulillah, I have been very lucky and blessed by the Almighty.

My only challenge was having to balance my career and family life at the initial stage, that was, however, overcome with experience, understanding and prayers, lots of prayers

Most cherished gift

A pendant that has a watch, given to me by one of my favourite uncles, Isa Tahir (May his soul rest in peace)

My motherhood joys

I could not ask Allah for better children than the ones I have, Alhamdulillah.

When you are blessed to have successfully trained your children to the level that mine are, there is no better joy.

Ahmad is 34, Abubakar is 32, Abduljalil is 28 and UmmSalma is 24.

Favourite kind of music

I like a wide variety of music. My favourite depends on my mood, as such I don’t have any always replay

The app I check first thing in the morning

My Email

Favourite fashion items

My Gyale (Veil)

What I wouldn’t be caught wearing

Make up, specifically the type I see people wear these days that you can’t even recognize them.

Best travel destination

The United States is my best travel destination. I find the environment friendly and very easy to navigate

How I relax

I relax by watching talk shows and comedy. It’s a great way to relax.

Best food

Dambu and Danwake

Definition of style

My definition of style is doing something according to my principles, ethics and values. If it conforms to all these, then I’m comfortable in them.

Favourite perfume, designer bag and shoes

I’m not a fashion-forward person, so have no favourites for any of these.

Mum’s advice that stuck with you

Never let other people’s opinion define you

Favourite sport, colour and weather

Swimming, for colour it’s cool ash and brown and for the weather, it’s definitely a cool and cloudy weather

Favourite day of the week

Wednesday. Being like the middle of the week, I find it more convenient

Looking back, what I would you tell a younger me

The road ahead has a lot of obstacles, persevere and make a success out of it.