Mohammed Kagu Alibe: The demise of a pillar and mentor
Story by Dr. Aminu Salihu Yakudima
The last tribute to Goni Danjuma Muhammad wasn’t an ordinary but out of enormous respect for my Qur’anic teacher. Similarly, this one is of equal value to another teacher of mine at secondary school. In fact, late Alhaji Mohammed Kagu Alabe, Mni, OON was not only a teacher but a principal at Government Secondary School, (GSS) Bama, Borno State, Nigeria in 1978. He officially joined the civil service in 1968.
He had been a principal of three other secondary schools in the state during his career. Late Kagu Alibe’s sojourn in the educational sector started early, just a year into the Nigerian civil war, as a science teacher with a portfolio of an assistant education officer at Government Secondary School, Yola between July, 1968 and October, 1969. By hard work, through training, acquiring knowledge, and gaining experience over the years, he became a consummate educationist, an astute administrator.
Kagu Alibe graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, from 1969-1973. He went to the University of London, Institute of Education from 1984-1985 and was at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru-Jos, Nigeria, in 1988. After being well equipped with academic qualifications, he demonstrated leadership qualities, hence awarded with Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2003. Between February and July 2005, he had been nominated to the National Political Reform Conference.
Dates back in his career, Kagu Alibe had been in education planning and administration for several years. He was a Permanent Secretary cum Director General of various Ministries in Borno State. The military government found him worthy and was appointed Secretary to State Government (SSG) and Head of Service in June 1990. On merit, he was appointed Executive Director of Newsprint Manufacturing Company Limited in 1992. Later, he became the MD/CEO of the company in June 2007. He also served as the Chairman of Borno State Civil Service Commission from 2007- 2012.
Alhaji Mohammed Kagu Alabe was born in Bama, Borno State on the 21st of March, 1946, and passed away in Maiduguri on the 5th of April, 2025.
During my last courtesy call at his residence in Gwarinpa, Abuja, I had the pleasure of meeting late Kagu Alibe in a cheerful mood. Our conversation was a walk down memory lane, reminiscing about his tenure as principal of our school and style of leadership. Over a warm cup of tea, we had a delightful session. As pointed out earlier, Kagu Alibe was an exceptional school administrator, balancing compassion for teachers and students with firm governance.
Under his leadership, GSS Bama flourished greatly. Notably, his tenure saw stability in many respects and ushered a conducive environment for both learning and peaceful growth, with minimal incidents of vandalism. It may be recalled in the 1970s and late 1980s that there were many reported cases of students vandalism in Nigerian schools, especially in secondaries and universities.
Apart from a peaceful atmosphere, academic performance soared in Kagu Alibe’s tenure, with students achieving excellent results in both internal and external exams. Many of his students from GSS Bama and other schools went on to excel in their chosen careers, rising to prominent positions in the civil service, journalism, academic, military, police, and politics. Some even became generals and top leaders, including former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.
Read also: Nigeria, elites & challenges of leadership, by Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, FNSE
Now, the collapse of mentorship in Borno State will become starkly evident following the passing of Kagu Alibe and a few other like-minded individuals whose names won’t be listed in this piece for obvious reasons. Observers and analysts laments on how some people in leadership are absolutely reluctant in tendering support in terms of welfare to the citizenry.
Also, giving material assistance and emotional support to the needy and poor and offering mentorship to the youths in Northern Nigeria are at lowest ebbs and gradually diminishing for selfish reasons.
Kagu Alibe’s achievements in mentorship, administration, and development of education will be well documented for the records. He supported numerous young people in pursuing their education and securing employment at both state and federal levels.
It’s important to note that former Governor Senator Ali Modu Sheriff benefited from Kagu Alibe’s compassion and encouragement, receiving extra attention to excel academically in school.
“I don’t want to conclude this tribute on a sad note, but it’s hard not to mention the questionable treatment of late Mohammed Kagu Alibe and others like my elder brother, Ja’afar Salihu Yakudima.” Said Dr. Aminu.
Despite their selfless service and mentorship, they were unfairly treated in their later years. Alibe was seemingly unappreciated after retirement towards his demise, while Ja’afar was denied promotion and sidelined despite his dedication and commitment to service.
Ja’afar Yakudima was appointed a director in the year 2000. On the last lap of his service in 2011, still as a director, he was blatantly denied promotion to a position of permanent secretary, inspite existing vacancy, and being qualified. He passed away in deep frustration in active service like a Boxer in the book Animal Farm by George Orwell.
The point here is to highlight the need for the government at all levels to prioritise the welfare of retired and retiring civil and public servants. By recognising their contributions, providing support, and tapping into their experience, we can improve their living standards and harness their expertise for national development.
A policy of inclusiveness would allow these individuals to remain active, engaged, and valued members of society. This would not only benefit them but also contribute to the growth and progress of the state and the country at large.
January 5th, 2025.
Dr. Aminu Salihu Yakudima is a columnist and journalist based in Abuja.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
