Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof Adamu Ahmed, has described the late Prof Adamu Baikie as a widely respected educationist with a detribalised outlook and an inclusive leadership style that earned him admiration across Nigeria and beyond.
Prof Ahmed stated this on Monday, December 22, 2025, when he led members of the university’s management on a condolence visit to the residence of the deceased at the Government Reserved Area (GRA), Zaria.
Presenting a condolence letter to the eldest son of the deceased, Mohammed Adamu, the Vice-Chancellor said Prof Baikie was a proud alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University and a towering figure whose contributions laid a solid foundation for the development of education in Northern Nigeria.
He noted that Prof Baikie holds the historic distinction of being the first Professor of Education in Northern Nigeria and had served as Director of the Institute of Education, ABU, where he played a pivotal role in shaping teacher education and educational policy.
According to Prof Ahmed, the late educationist served the university, the nation and the international community in several high-level capacities, including as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin and the National University of Lesotho.
He also served as the pioneer and two-term Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
“In all the positions he held, Prof Baikie was known for diligence, fairness, vision and an unwavering commitment to educational advancement,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
He added that beyond his distinguished academic and administrative career, Prof Baikie was a firm believer in unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, consistently promoting harmony across ethnic and religious divides.
Prof Ahmed described Baikie’s life as a reflection of the core values cherished by Ahmadu Bello University, noting that his scholarship, service and leadership would continue to inspire generations of students, scholars and leaders.
He prayed that Almighty God grants the deceased eternal rest and comforts his family, adding that while ABU mourns his passing, it also celebrates a life well lived and a legacy that will endure.
