ABU Community Celebrates Prof. Musa Balarabe’s Legacy as He Retires After 44 Years of Distinguished Service
Zakiyya Hamisu,Zaria
It was a day of pride, nostalgia, and celebration at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, as colleagues, students, and dignitaries gathered to honour Professor Musa Balarabe, a renowned scholar and mentor, who retired after an illustrious 44-year career at the institution.
The colourful event, jointly organised by the Zaria Psychological Society and the Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, featured a conference and book launch with the theme “Educational Psychology and Artificial Intelligence.” It was held on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Postgraduate College Auditorium.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Bello Sabo, described Professor Balarabe as “a scholar of international repute who has produced over 60 PhD graduates and nurtured the department into a centre of excellence.”
The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Abdullahi Dalhatu, in a message delivered by Professor A. Dada, extolled the retiring don for leaving “an indelible mark on generations of scholars within and beyond ABU.”
The Madakin Zazzau, Alhaji Munnir Jafaru, who chaired the occasion, praised Professor Balarabe’s humility, dedication, and academic excellence. Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr Abbas Tajuddeen, represented by Dr AbdulJalal Danbaba, commended him for “serving humanity with diligence and integrity.”
Other tributes came from Professor Umma Abdulwahid, former Provost of FCE Zuba, who described Balarabe as “a focused and committed academic who elevated educational standards,” and Dr Habiba Isah of Gombe State University, who hailed him as “a living legend whose mentorship produced Vice-Chancellors and Professors across Nigeria.”
The Assistant Dean (Undergraduate), Dr G. L. Likko, lamented the vacuum created by the retirement of senior scholars like Professor Balarabe, urging the university to consider contract re-engagements to bridge experience gaps in academia.
In his heartfelt remarks, Professor Balarabe expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for a fulfilling academic journey, appreciating ABU for the opportunity to serve from Assistant Lecturer in 1981 to Professor. He thanked his mentors, colleagues, and students for their unwavering support throughout his career.
The event also featured award presentations to distinguished personalities, including the Vice-Chancellor, and drew participants from academic institutions across the country.
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