MALLAM ALI KALLAMU

MALLAM ALI MUHAMMAD YAKASAI;

 MAN WITH MANY FLYING COLOURS.

BY:

MUDASSIR ALIYU SUMAILA

NTA ZARIA

mudassiray@gmail.com

       Mallam Ali Muhammad Yakasai is many things to different people, as he curves a role for himself in various field of endeavor; he was an administrator of international repute, an educationist to the core, and a comedian par excellence. The man has made an indelible mark in the sand of history in Kano State and also remained a reference point in the society particularly on his great concern to people and his respect to elders. Though very unassuming personality Ali Muhammad is popularly known in the ancient city of Kano as ‘KALLAMU’ contributed positively to the growth and development of Kano State educational sector in particular and civil service in general. Likewise in the field of entertainment where he gained the name KALLAMU in a popular interesting Hausa drama ‘Bakangizo’,  where he was a chief actor among his contemporaries like a popular hausa film actors Ibrahim M. Mandawari, Alh Kabiru MaiKaba, late Mallam Mamman Danhaki of blessed memory and host of others. Prior to my contact with Ali Muhammad Yakasai I always remained glued to my television set, though it was during my childhood age I cannot recollect the date CTV 67 Kano usually aired the Bakangizo which was Hausa based comedy and also  Hausa Quiz competition named Kacici-kacici but these two programmes had imprint in me and always remember them with desire in those good old days of Kallamu where he featured as a chief actor and a presenter in two programmes respectively.

     As Allah destined, I met Ali Muhammad Yakasai at Rumfa College staff residential quarters eventhough I did not meet him as a teacher of English Language when I was enrolled into the College but my first encounter with him created nervous and anxiety because the man that I watched through the tube and considered him as role model became my mentor. Unknown to him he was my role model because of his distinct attributes especially in molding the societal behaviours per excellence. Before I was looking at him as a comedian but he betrayed my emotions by actually proven that he was a man of letters as he flows in teaching and bureaucratic system of administration, to me it was an amazing encounter for a man I looked at as a clown only but proved me wrong.

      I learnt so much from him particularly his art of imparting knowledge because the man has different methodology in stimulating good qualities and characters to the people especially his students and any body who makes  contact with him. Another interesting aspect of my encounter with Kallamu was his constant visit to my area and on several occasions we use to observe prayers with him and behold, he developed the habit of reminding worshippers on the need to adhere strictly to the tenant of Islam. And as time went on, he became a very close and loyal to my father and other elders in my locality and this close ties continued up to this moment. To me Alhaji Ali Yakasai is more than an ordinary man but a mirror and a light to my future career, because I learnt so much from him and I m really indebted to the man of many colours.

    Alhaji Ali Muhammad is highly respectful and dutiful in his responsibilities; very simple and level headed man with distinct qualities, an exemplary leader who uphold a philosophy of honesty accountability, transparency, dedication, sympathy and fear of Allah in the course of discharging his responsibilities. His stewardship as a University Registrar was monumental considering the unprecedented achievements he recorded. He started his career as grade II teacher in primary school in the Ministry of Education and retired successfully from public service as University Registrar. He held the office of headmaster in Saint Thomas and Goron Dutse primary schools, he then move to Rumfa College Kano as a teacher/ Counselor, he served as a facilitator in NCE/Distance learning Programme in Rumfa College. He was promoted to the rank of public Relation Office (PRO) in the Ministry of Education and later transferred to Kano State Scholarship Board.

     He was also appointed as Staff Secretary in the proposed Bagauda University of Science and Technology, Kano in 1993 but the University came into being in 2000 with the name Kano University of Technology (KUT), and Alhaji Ali Muhammad became the first Senior Assistant Registrar Council Affairs. In 2001 he held the position of Academic Secretary of the university for 5 years, he became acting Registrar in May 2005 and became a substantive Registrar of the university in September, 2006 and retired voluntarily on 12^th December, 2011.   

     Considering his past performance in the state civil service, Ali Muhammad made enormous contributions toward the development of the State University, his firm ideal and principle of equity, justice and fairness are among the qualities that made him to stand out as a leader and a record breaker in the area of education, administration and public enlightenment. He equally denounces corruption in what ever form, it was against his strong convictions.

     During his service, he actively served in many national and international committees in different capacity. He was a member, Committee of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (CORNU), Nigerian national Committee West African Examination Council (WAEC) and he was a Council member West African Examination Council (WAEC) to mention a few.

     His extra curriculum activities were enormous especially in radio and television. He was a script writer/presenter of ‘World Scene’, ‘Sauran Mayan Jiya’ transmitted by Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria  (FRCN) Kano(1983), script writer/presenter ‘Kacici-Kacici’, CTV 67 (1984 – 1994), Chief Actor ‘Bakangizo’, Actor ‘Mugunta Fitsarin Fako’, Actor ‘Alfijir’ all aired by CTV 67 Kano.  He also acted in ‘Gyatta Kayanka’ aired by CTV 67 and NTA Kano, initial Script Writer, ‘Hadarin Kasa ’, CTV 67, Presenter ‘Lafiya Zaki ’, CTV 67, presenter ‘Wasa Kwakwalwa ’, Radio Kano and he was a presenter of ‘Kacici Kacici ‘ transmitted by Freedom Radio, kano (2004).   

      I write this piece as valedictory to this gentleman as he bade fair well to the civil service as he retired from Kano State civil service as a Registrar Kano University of Science and technology Wudil, I have no doubt in my mind that Mallam Ali Muhammad Yakasai contributed positively to the growth of the university and he has left an indelible mark, he also left the stage when ovation was aloud. And for Kano University the onerous task to sustain his perfect legacies rest squarely on their shoulders. Once again I salute you Sir for the courage and determinations you applied in serving your home state and your nation at various capacities, as you retire peacefully and successfully May Allah continues to guide you, protect you, give you good health and additional wisdom to continue enriching the society.

                                                MUDASSIR write from NTA Zaria Channel 32.