Remembering late Bala Usman

There are lessons for Nigerians, Africans and even humanity around the world in the life of late Bala Usman. He was totally different from many people. His love for knowledge was extraordinary. He died with the thirst and hunger of knowledge. Bala wrote many books like ‘Religious Manipulation in Nigeria’, ‘Misrepresentation of Nigeria’, ‘Corruption in […]

There are lessons for Nigerians, Africans and even humanity around the world in the life of late Bala Usman.

He was totally different from many people. His love for knowledge was extraordinary. He died with the thirst and hunger of knowledge.

Bala wrote many books like ‘Religious Manipulation in Nigeria’, ‘Misrepresentation of Nigeria’, ‘Corruption in Nigeria’ and ‘For the Liberation of Nigeria’, in addition to so many research papers and articles. He also edited many great works, supervised doctoral thesis among others. But he never considered himself an all knowing philosopher.

This was testified by many people both students and academics Bala taught or had the privilege of an encounter with. He was a patient and humble listener. No matter your status, Bala would listen to your views.

However, a scholar of his status would have short-comings that partially arise because of different perceptions of people. Even Socrates and Plato had their own short-comings. This was the reason he was often mistaken as intolerant and domineering in an academic debate.

Bala died but he remained alive through his good works. He led a life that benefitted a lot.

Many people may tend to ask questions like: What legacies Bala left? Was he different from arm chair critics? How moral and practical was he? Etc.

To answer these questions we have to look at the concrete instances and practical actions Bala left. The best and lasting legacy Bala left was knowledge. His life shows that knowledge is everything. He did not only end up as a teacher, teaching and researching all his life but also he encouraged young people to cultivate the culture of seeking for knowledge. In Africa today, there are tens of thousands of people who benefited from his life.

To the second question: The answer is YES. Bala could never be called an armchair critic. In 1975-76 he participated in the constitution drafting committee. He did not merely serve as a member, but he was the brain behind what became known as minority report. He and Segun Osoba criticized the CDC’s majority report. They campaigned and enlightened the public how absurd the majority’s report was.

Bala was also a trustee of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). He also served ASUU etc. He became a member of People’s Redemption Party (PRP) that had leftist ideology and in all these endeavours he was found efficient and lived up to the expectations.

Lastlt, Bala was a genuine activist, a liberator. He never compromised or found wanting throughout his life. He lived an exemplary life. He fought against many tyrant regimes not only in his home country Nigeria but in Africa at large.

As I said earlier, young people of Africa have a lot to learn from the life of this icon: perseverance, patience, integrity, hard work, courage, fearlessness, boldness, truthfulness.

Even our political leaders can find many practical solutions of our woes in most of Bala’s academic works. May the Almighty Allah forgive all his short-comings and inadequacies and reward his good deeds Amin.

Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar Unguwa Katsina  [email protected]