Making a difference through law and psychology – Zainab Abdullahi Musa
Educational background I attended primary school in Sokoto from where I proceeded to FGGC Bakori in Katsina State where I obtained my WAEC certificate in the year 1990. After that, I had my first degree in Law from the Usman Danfodio University in Sokoto in 1997, after which I left Sokoto for my National Youth […]
Educational background
I attended primary school in Sokoto from where I proceeded to FGGC Bakori in Katsina State where I obtained my WAEC certificate in the year 1990. After that, I had my first degree in Law from the Usman Danfodio University in Sokoto in 1997, after which I left Sokoto for my National Youth Service in Abuja in the year 1998. While doing my youth service, I enrolled into the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) and obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in 1999.
Immediately after my graduation from IIJ and just before I passed out from the youth service, we were called to the Nigerian Law School to begin preparing for our bar exams. It was a bit hectic trying to juggle the procedures of my PGD graduation, tying the loose ends of my youth service and registering at the Nigerian Law School, all at the same time; but it was hectic fun at the same time.
In 2011, my whole family packed our bags and relocated to Dubai in the UAE to enable my husband and I pursue our two years Masters degrees. Unfortunately, my husband was recalled to his office and I suddenly found myself a single mother of four in a foreign land, pursuing a degree in a totally different environment from what I was used to. AlhamdulilLah: that experience made me a better person and I graduated with a Masters degree in Applied Psychology, with emphasis in Criminal Psychology, from the Middlesex University in 2013.
Career background
I am a lawyer by profession and although I love the prosecution part of my career (civil law bores me), my personal real interest is people and what makes them tick. I especially love looking into the minds of criminals and deciphering their motives and intentions. It was what motivated my choice of Psychology for a Masters degree.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was fun, fun, fun! My father was and still is the coolest father in the world. He loves his children to bits. He can sacrifice everything he has just to make us happy, and I honestly don’t know what life would have been like with a different father. My mother was and still is the disciplinarian in our family, and between the two of them; they have found the perfect synergy. My step mum, of blessed memory, was a cross between my mum and my dad. She could be very playful when the mood swung her that way and she could be strict too. All in all, we are a very close knit family.
Challenges (career/personal)
Hmmm! I think the one big challenge every person who works for the government has is the unending lack of appreciation that flows from everywhere. The government you work for underrates and underpays you and the people you provide these services to and for think you are not doing enough to deserve their appreciation. So it’s a thankless job really.
Personally, my biggest challenge in life is in keeping my oath to Allah to be the best mother, daughter, wife, sister and friend to the people in my life: regularly striking that balance between being selfishly human (and serving my own interest) and being the best of what I ought to be to those around me. I am constantly aware of people’s rights over me and I try not to trample on them.
Life lessons
That people never really change; at least not completely. We recently had our 25th high school reunion and I was pleasantly surprised to find that none of us had really changed. Sure, we have all grown up and become more mature in the way we handle things but the building blocks remain the same really.
Aspirations growing up
I have always wanted to be a lawyer and to write a book. I have done one, insha Allah, I will do the other soon.
What fond childhood memories do you miss?
My life as a child, visiting Pankshin in Plateau State and spending the whole day with my cousins and friends on the mountains picking all sorts of fruits. My grandparents all settled there and my best memories are of visiting them and being free in those mountains. I am sad that my own children can’t have that experience now being that all my family have left Plateau State following incessant religious clashes.
Joys of motherhood
My ultimate joy comes from watching my children grow into these amazing, responsible human beings who sometimes seem to have more sense than I did at their age.
Best gift you have received and who it was from
The best gift I ever recieved was a book on the life of the holy Prophet Muhammad. It was arranged like a dictionary with every aspect of his life spoken about chronologically. It was given to me by my I.R.S teacher at the time. Unfortunately, I gave it to our Islamiyyah teacher at the time to read and he never returned it. In fact, he can’t even remember the book now. It still makes me sad to remember. I have tried searching for the book online but can’t find it because I don’t think I remember the name correctly.
Favourite fashion accessories
One, earings, two, veil and three, my handbag
How you met your husband
We met during our study programme at the Nigerian Law School and we got married while still in school.
What attribute of his do you cherish and appreciate most?
His ability to make me laugh! I think he makes me laugh every single day. Just the way he describes things to me and his expressions. Then he is the most patient person I know in my life. He never ceases to amaze me on those two notes.
Best travel destination and why?
London. It just feels like a second home to me.
How do you relax?
With a cup of coffee
Last good book you read and how it impacted on you
Season of Crimson Blossoms by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim; it left me thinking that every woman needs at least one Reza in her life: man who would fight the world for her. And he doesn’t even have to be a lover. He could be her father, her husband, her son, her brother or her friend.
Favourite food and drink
Yam is my all time favourite food (although I haven’t had it in a while) and then Tuwo da Miyar Kuka or any good soup. I am a coke addict too but have been seriously trying to break the habit.
What type of style are you comfortable in?
Long dresses; I dislike wrappers of any kind so you won’t find any in my wardrobe.
Favorite fashion designer
I really don’t have any favourite. I just buy what I like.
Favourite perfume, designer bag and shoes
Again, I don’t have any. I buy whichever one I fancy.
Mum’s advice that stuck with you over the years
That there’s no place like home. She is always saying that to me and I completely believe her. It was one major reason why I didn’t stay back in Dubai after my studies. I just couldn’t wait to come back home.
What advice do you have for women who aspire to be like you?
Just believe in yourself and pray hard. Challenge the dominant narratives, build a reputation for yourself and guard it jealously.
Favourite sport, weather, car and colour
I am not really into sports. I like to see the sun shining in a clear sky. My favourite colour is pink, and I often have to force myself to buy things in other colours. I am a fan of big family cars because I like going places with my children.
Favorite day of the week and why
Saturday; because it is neither a work day nor a day before a work day; it is just on its own.
Beauty routine
I am not a girly, girly kind of person so I don’t really have any.
What is your secret to looking glam at your age?
Hmmmm!!! I am not sure about looking glam but I must say that I hardly lose sleep over anything. Once I hit my pillow, I sleep like a baby; AlhamdulilLah.
Role models
At the fear of sounding clichéic, I will have to say my parents for all the reasons I mentioned above. To be such a strong backbone for your children has got to count for something.
Looking back, what would you tell a younger you?
Take my studies much more seriously and that a first class isn’t so out of reach.
What fashion accessory do you cherish the most?
My veil, because it is now a part of my identity.
First and last apps you check every day?
My candy crush game. Hahaha!!! The addiction is real people!
Favourite music always on replay
NAS by Nura M. Inuwa; I often listen to it back to back.
What wouldn’t you be caught wearing?
I am not a celebrity but I won’t be caught without my earnings. I have spare pairs everywhere. In my car, in my handbag, and even in my office drawers.