From Lecture Hall to Leadership: The Enduring Legacy of Dr. Mohammed Goje

Long before Dr. Mohammed Goje emerged into public prominence as the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and now the Secretary to the State Government of Yobe State, he had already distinguished himself through uncommon kindness, humility, and service to humanity. To many, he is a respected administrator and public servant. But […]

Long before Dr. Mohammed Goje emerged into public prominence as the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and now the Secretary to the State Government of Yobe State, he had already distinguished himself through uncommon kindness, humility, and service to humanity.

To many, he is a respected administrator and public servant. But to those of us who encountered him within the walls of the University of Maiduguri, he was far more than a lecturer — he was a mentor, a guardian, and a man whose generosity transformed lives quietly and sincerely.

As students under his tutelage at the University of Maiduguri, we experienced firsthand what it meant to be genuinely cared for by a teacher. Dr. Goje did not merely deliver lectures and leave the classroom; he invested personally in the success and wellbeing of his students. At a time when many students struggled financially, he took deliberate steps to ensure that no one was left behind academically.

I vividly remember how he would send his carefully prepared lecture notes directly to me as the class representative, together with some funds to photocopy them for free distribution to every student in the class. No student was excluded, irrespective of where he/she came from and without religious bias. He understood the challenges many of us faced and believed that access to knowledge should never be determined by financial limitations.

Years later, former classmates still recall those moments with deep gratitude. Even as I write this piece, many of them continue to call and reminisce about his exceptional generosity and unwavering support during our academic journey.

His compassion extended beyond academics. During lectures, he watched over the class with remarkable attentiveness, ensuring students remained comfortable and focused. Sometimes, without prior notice, he would hand out money for lunch, bottles of soft drinks, or fresh doughnuts — simple gestures that may have seemed small to others, but meant the world to students navigating the uncertainties of university life.

What stood out most was not necessarily the gifts themselves, but the sincerity behind them. He treated his students with dignity, respect, and genuine concern, constantly reminding us that we mattered and that our futures were important.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Goje carried within him a vision greater than academia. Even then, many people around him recognized his leadership qualities and political potential. It was no surprise that a prominent gubernatorial candidate in Yobe and individuals around him had already begun referring to him as a “young commissioner” long before he officially ventured into full time politics.

One moment remains permanently etched in my memory.

I remember standing in front of the Pathology Department at the University of Maiduguri when he looked at me and calmly said:

“Bros, (a name he constantly called me even during lectures) I’m resigning from the university.”

The statement left me shocked and speechless. At the time, securing a lecturing position at the university was considered a major achievement — a dream job many people desperately sought. Struggling to understand his decision, I quietly asked:

“Sir, is this truly the best decision right now?”

With calm confidence and remarkable clarity, he responded:

“Taking a risk is hard, but not taking one is even riskier. I have to move.”

Those words carried conviction, courage, and faith. I could see that he was prepared to leave behind comfort and certainty in pursuit of a greater destiny.

My eyes became heavy with emotion as other classmates gathered around, equally surprised by the news. Understanding our concerns, he reassured us that he would carry us in his mind where ever he goes and speak further on the matter later. Deep within me, I prayed fervently for his success.

From that moment, I followed his political journey passionately. While working on my university project research, I constantly monitored updates from the APC primaries. The atmosphere was tense and hopeful. The primary election was moved from Buni Yadi to Damaturu amid growing reports of his strong chances of emerging victorious.

I kept calling him, even when I was away from Damaturu. Though he often advised me to remain calm, his quiet confidence inspired belief in all of us who supported him.

Eventually, victory came.

Following the general elections, His Excellency appointed him as the Executive Secretary of SEMA — a moment that marked the beginning of an extraordinary public service journey.

I was attending a seminar in Abuja when news of his appointment broke. Overwhelmed with joy, I shouted loudly in excitement, drawing the attention of everyone in the room, knowing fully of his dedication, experience in humanitarian services and capability, I told to myself, this appointment was a “A round peg in a round hole”. The resource person paused the session and asked what had happened. Unable to contain my emotions, I simply handed him my phone.

After reading the announcement, he smiled warmly, handed the phone back to me, and offered congratulations — not only to Dr. Goje, but to me as someone privileged to have known and learned under such a man.

Today, as Dr. Mohammed Goje serves as the Secretary to the State Government of Yobe State, his story stands as powerful evidence that destiny often requires courage, sacrifice, and faith. Had he chosen to remain within the comfort of academic life, perhaps he would still be in lecture halls preparing notes and teaching students. Noble as that path remains, destiny clearly had a broader assignment for him.

Indeed, every individual has a path written by Almighty Allah, and success often begins the moment one finds the courage to pursue it.

What makes Dr. Goje exceptional is not merely the offices he has occupied, but the countless lives he has touched along the way. His generosity transcends family ties, professional obligations, and social status. Friends, students, colleagues, associates, and even strangers have all benefited from his kindness and open-heartedness.

His life reminds us that true leadership is not built solely through titles or power, but through compassion, sacrifice, courage, and a sincere commitment to uplifting others.

Many of us are better today because our paths crossed with his.

As one of his student and younger brother, I remain proud of his journey and inspired by his example.

May Almighty Allah continue to guide, protect, strengthen, and grant him wisdom as he serves the people of Yobe State and humanity at large.

To Be Continued another time!

— A heartfelt testimony by Dr. Bukar Tijjani, DVM, MSc (Fellow in View),
a proud student, mentee, and beneficiary of Sir, Dr. Mohammed Goje’s enduring legacy of humanity and selfless service.