Akau: The Unchanging Icon of Devotion @78
BY SIMON REEF MUSA
The child that would be christened Ishaya was born on 29th September, 1946 to the family of Late Samuel Akau and Kabenyan Masara in Kafanchan, a town that would later become the headquarters of the present day Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. He attended the Sudan Interior Mission Primary School Kafanchan between 1953 and 1956 for his primary IV Certificate, and proceeded to the Native Authority Senior Primary School Wamba in 1957 where he bagged his Primary VII Certificate in 1959. Between 1960 and 1967, he was at the Government College, Keffi for his West African School Certificate Grade 1 and Higher School Certificate
In 1967, he got his first job as a classroom teacher at the Provincial Secondary, now Alhudahuda College, Zaria. After completing his BA English Language at the Ahmadu Bello University in 1970, he got appointed as an Assistant Lecturer, a position that took him to become Lecturer 1 at the Advanced Teacher College, now Federal College of Education), Kano, till 1979. At the relatively young age of 33 years, he was appointed Chief Lecturer at the Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya, where he served as the Dean of Languages.
Before the inauguration of the Second Republic, Akau was appointed member of The Constituent Assembly to represent the Old Jema’a Local Government, comprising the Present Jema’a, Kaura, Jaba and Sanga Local Government areas between October 1977 and September 1978. He was appointed commissioner in the following ministries: Education, Economic Planning and Agriculture from November 1981 to September 1983.
In 1988 he was appointed to a federal position as the Director of Administration & Finance at the Directorate for Social Mobilisation (MAMSER) in Abuja. In 1992, he was moved to the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) as the Director of Administration & Finance. In 2000 he was appointed a Director in the Office of the Head of Service (PSO) and retired in June 2001.
After his retirement from the public service, he continued with his position as the Chairman of the Kaduna State Scholarship Board from January 2000–May, 2003. He was appointed as the pioneer Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) from June 2001- June 2006; Chairman, Hospital Management Committee, General Hospital Kafanchan, Kaduna State (2003 – 2007).
Thereafter, he was appointed the Sole Administrator of the Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya, Kaduna State (May 2007–2009); Provost, Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan-Waya, Kaduna State (May 2009–Dec 2011) and the Executive Chairman, Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) between December 2011 and 2015. Apart from the aforementioned state and federal appointments, he was a member of some ad-hoc committees that included Management Board of the Agricultural Production Development Company, Kaduna (1979–1981); Committee on the Re-Organisation of The Post Primary Schools In Kaduna State (1999 -2000); Committee For The Verification Of Certificates Of Teachers In Primary And Post Primary Schools In Kaduna State (2000– 2011) and the Policy Committee To Produce A Blueprint For The Patrick Yakowa Government (2011).
At 78, Akau has been honoured with numerous awards that include the Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) in 2006 by President Olusegun Obasanjo; Award of Excellence in Education By The Association Of Primary School Head Teacher Of Nigeria (2014); Award Of Excellence By The Re-Branding Nigeria Initiative (June 2014) and an Award By Teachers Without Borders And International Organisation For Contributions To The Development Of Education (2008).
Testimonies from the children
Married to Aishatu, who is fondly called Shatu, for 53 years, the marriage has brought together a couple enthusiastic of the common good, and providing inspiration to married people seeking long-lasting marital union. The Akaus are also blessed with four children, Safiya, Talatu Olugbemi, Kazah and Assat-Adejo-Ogiri, including six grandchildren.
Akau’s daughter, Safiya, recalls the privilege of being the first child of the family, “It’s an amazing privilege because I’ve learned so much about legacy and what it means to be a person of integrity. His wisdom, intelligence, and knowledge are truly unmatched—sometimes I wish I had even half of it. I thank God for his 78 years, and I pray for 30 more. His grandfather lived to be over 110, possibly 114, when he passed.
“From my dad, I’ve learned the value of keeping friends close and reaching out to others, regardless of their status. There’s so much more I could say, but in short, my dad is one great Nigerian you really should get to know. Baba, today I salute you at 78 and wish you renewed strength and peace in the years ahead”.
Talatu Olugbemi, another daughter describes her father as “the perfect example of love, strength, and wisdom. Your constant support, guidance, and endless sacrifices have shaped who we are today. You lead by example, always putting family first, and showing us what it truly means to be selfless and compassionate. Thank you for being our rock, our teacher, and our hero. We are beyond grateful for every moment shared with you”.
The last born of the family, Nana Asat Adejo-Ogiri pens a tribute for her father, “I thank God for making our paths cross in this life. I will forever be grateful for the lessons you’ve taught me in life. 78 is good, but I pray for at least another 20 in good health”.
His son, Kazah Bill, who is a Public Relations professional working in one of the government’s agencies, defines his father as an indomitable force and “my first hero, my protector—has always been there, unwavering, unflinching, standing between me and the harshest blows life could throw. His strength has been my shield, and through every trial, his courage lit the path ahead. He went beyond just putting food on the table—he forged a future for us, with his bare hands, fueled by grit and sacrifice. He taught me what it means to fight for what you believe in, to dig deep, and to never back down when life demands more than you think you can give.
“His loyalty to the truth is something that I’ve watched and learned from. My dad is battle-tested in the trenches of everyday life. My father’s word is his bond and has never swayed or compromised his integrity. In doing so, he has shown me that a man’s honor is everything. Whether with family members, friends, or even strangers, he has been a beacon—lifting people up, fighting their battles with them, showing that strength is not just for self, but for those who need a helping hand”.
A time with the icon
Some months ago, I visited him in Kafanchan. I spent quite some time with the knowledgeable consummate whose indelible footprints in public service has set him apart as an irreplaceable symbol of excellence. Seated comfortably throughout the duration of his past, he regaled me with stories of the past and the many ailments unleashed on a nation constantly enmeshed in its myriads of troubles. Our interaction reminded me of the undeniable fact that a nation that is constantly in battle for its safety and corporate existence cannot be a nation, but a geographical entity where both centripetal and centrifugal forces are at war for dominance.
Less than 48 hours to Nigeria’s 64th independence, Akau’s profound insight recalls the urgency of addressing some of the challenges confronting Nigeria. Of course, the nation may have achieved much in terms of development and battling insecurity, Akau asserts, but more efforts need to be deployed to return the county to the path of irreversible growth.
My interest in Akau was sparked by his protégé and my personal friend, Timothy Marcus, who shares the same birthday with the former provost. Marcus, who is retiring today from service on account of attaining 60 years, completed his tenure as the Registrar of the Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya, early this year. Throughout the period Akau served as sole administrator and provost from 2007 to 2011, Marcus was more like his Chief of Staff. When last week I asked my friend to share with me the real birth date of the man whom he has always respected and admired, he told me they share the same birthday.
“Is he up to 70?”, I asked.
“No, he is over 70”.
I was shocked at his response. There was no sign that Akau was up to 70-year-old.
Two weeks ago, I got across to Akau’s daughter, Safiya, now a communication specialist, to ascertain the true age of her father, she confirmed that Baba’s 78th birthday is today, September 29, 2024. I was astonished at the youthful gait of an old man whose strength and state of mind remains undiminished.
In an interview with me recently, Prof Jerry Gana described Akau as a great resource person of a high intellectual status whose devotion for genuine causes is irrefutable. The former minister recalled his participation in the 1978 Constituent Assembly and MAMSER and described his performance in public service as dignifying and patriotic.
Deconstructing Akau’s insight
Big things come in small packs, and that is true of Elder Akau. His sterling footprints in public service was made possible in the discipline he has acquired for himself in the past. At 78, there’s no doubt that the man who left genuine tracks in various fields may have reached his limit, but his experiences are in great demand in guiding upcoming generations. When he got appointed first as sole administrator of COE Kafanchan, he embarked on cleansing the college through ridding it of a forgery cabal that was undermining the integrity of its certificates. With the cabal behind forging of certificates hauled out of the system, the then sole administration went about transforming the Agric Department into a money-spinning unit. Palm trees, poultry, among other innovations, were established, with cattle and sheep rearing opening new frontiers for revenue generation. Classes and offices were equipped with good furniture and a conducive learning environment created for staff and students.
After his four years sojourn at the COE Gidan Waya, he was transferred to the Kaduna SUBEB as chairman. Not willing to waste time on examining the past, once Akau was appointed, he drew the lines and ensured whoever crossed the line was guilty as charged. Those close to him reveal that he is a system man who evolved templates for guidance. His notoriety for rules precedes him. He enjoys immunity from the political class and bureaucrats because he never begs for appointments
More than any top technocrat from Kaduna State, he cultivates relationships across various parts of the state and Nigeria. His appointments were recommendation-based, and the bigger picture dominates his relationship with people who crossed his path. Akau once shared a double-bunk with the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who was his junior in Keffi. Throughout the short period the Katsina-born politician ruled as president, Akau was a personal presidential adviser.
The man celebrating 78th birthday today is more of a strategist than a politician. In identifying with politicians, he devoted his time for the overall good, rather than for personal interest. He read beyond his field and suddenly turned into an expert in many fields of human endeavours. His expertise in agriculture was further broadened when he worked with NALDA. His interest in education as the fulcrum of development saw him engaged in activities that salvaged the rot in the sector. Foreign bodies outside the country acknowledged his zeal in transforming the prospects of education for citizens.
Arising from his high standards he set for himself; Akau is not popular as he ought to be. He does not crave for friendship, but he delights in people of great quality and does not suffer fools. He is not bothered by those who choose to misunderstand him. For those who are close to Akau; they have a different view of him, same with those who chose to be far away from him. As someone rightly said, “The best way to keep disliking Akau is to maintain your distance from him. Once you come close to him; you will be swept by his deep fountain of knowledge and be turned into his ardent admirer”.
Ploughing in silence
At 78, the educationist and quiet reformer is yet to give up. Though absent from the platform of public service, the quintessential public servant has found fulfilment in attending to fewer persons. A professor of Strategic Management and Human Capital Development, Okey Ikechukwu, recently told us in a meeting that the greatest obstacles visionaries must avoid is not to relegate their impacts to the number of their audiences, but to seize every opportunity to impart their vision, even if the audiences is a single individual. Attending to a smaller audience, the scholar added, does not in any way diminish the relevance of the vision.
In the stillness of the present, the old teacher, who acquired a law degree from the University of Abuja in 2000, is not letting go of vulnerable youths and members of society. Akau gives listening ears to community members seeking help by deploying his vast network of political associates across the country for intervention. As he tries to expand new frontiers in advancing his dreams salvaging trapped and vulnerable persons, he is content with tackling these challenges away from the floodlights. Considering the deep hole of uncertainty trailing the affairs of his people, his state and country, the Akau signature will still be in great need in the decades to come.
Happy birthday to the Exemplary Elder who has refused to remove the ancient landmarks of honesty passed through the founding fathers. Elder Akau, even in retirement, may you never be weary of well-doing. Under your watch, may your dream for your people, Kaduna State and Nigeria be realised in your lifetime.
