With deep sorrow and profound respect, we join Nigerians in remembering the passing of Dr. Yusufu Bala Usman, a towering figure in the realms of academia, political activism, and responsible citizenship. His death, which occurred on Saturday, September 24, 2005, in the ancient city of Zaria, marked the end of a life dedicated to the service of humanity, intellectual advancement, and the pursuit of justice.
Dr. Bala, born in Musawa, Katsina State, in 1945, lived a life that exemplified the highest standards of scholarship, political engagement, and activism. His birth coincided with the end of the Second World War, a historic moment in global history. Throughout his life, he similarly embodied transformative moments in Nigerian history, playing a critical role in shaping the intellectual and political landscape of the nation.
Dr. Bala’s intellectual legacy is vast and profound. He began his academic career in the early 1970s, a period marked by a shift in Nigerian academia. At a time when the nation’s institutions of higher learning were heavily influenced by neo-colonial and reactionary thinking, Dr. Usman, alongside contemporaries like Segun Osoba and Bode Onimode, spearheaded a new wave of progressive, nationalist scholarship. His work reoriented generations of Nigerian university graduates and transformed the very fabric of higher education in the country.
Dr. Bala’s scholarly output was both extensive and impactful. His Ph.D. thesis, The Transformation of Katsina, 1400-1883, remains a seminal work in Nigerian historiography. Other key works include For the Liberation of Nigeria, Nigerians Against the IMF, and The Misrepresentation of Nigeria. These publications showcased his rigorous approach to scholarship, where he diligently sought to uncover historical truths buried beneath layers of superficial narratives. His commitment to the application of knowledge was akin to Karl Marx’s belief that the role of intellectuals is not merely to interpret the world but to change it.
Dr. Bala’s academic excellence is further demonstrated by the numerous M.A. and Ph.D. theses he supervised and his leadership roles at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he served as Head of the History Department and a member of the university’s governing council. Despite his accomplishments, he consistently resisted the title of professor, preferring instead to focus on substantive research and teaching rather than what he saw as the ceremonial duties of a titled academic.
Dr. Bala Usman’s intellectual pursuits were inseparable from his political activism. His activism began in his youth and gained national prominence during his involvement in the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) of 1975-76. Alongside Segun Osoba, he co-authored the “Minority Report,” which challenged the right-wing majority and sparked a nationwide debate on the future of Nigeria.
As a founding member of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Dr. Usman played a vital role in the party’s leadership at both the state and national levels. He remained a committed member until his death in 2005, contributing to its ideological foundation and vision. His activism was not limited to partisan politics; he was also deeply involved in the labor movement, serving as a trustee of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and providing intellectual leadership to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Dr. Usman’s political philosophy was driven by a deep commitment to social justice. He believed in radical reforms aimed at addressing Nigeria’s structural problems, and he was known for his fearless stance against corruption. His anti-corruption crusades, often carried out through his involvement in various tribunals and panels, were a testament to his dedication to good governance and accountability.
Throughout his life, Dr. Bala sought to address the crises facing Nigeria and the broader African continent. He identified with progressive leaders like Mallam Aminu Kano and Balarabe Musa, advocating for the unity and development of Nigeria. His worldview was shaped by his belief in the collective struggle for a better future, a struggle that he believed lay in the hands of the Nigerian people themselves.
Dr. Bala’s contributions extended beyond Nigeria’s borders. He participated in several international peace missions and served as an advisor to Nigerian delegations at the United Nations. His commitment to global justice was as strong as his dedication to national progress.
Dr. Yusufu Bala Usman’s legacy is one of intellectual rigor, political courage, and commitment to the cause of justice. His works continue to inspire new generations of scholars and activists, both in Nigeria and beyond. Despite his passing, his ideas and contributions remain vital to the ongoing efforts to build a more just and equitable society.In life and in death, Dr. Bala Usman looms larger than life. He has left behind a rich legacy of scholarship and activism that will continue to guide and inspire future generations.
As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life well-lived, a life dedicated to the betterment of humanity. In the words of Almighty Allah, we say: Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return).Adieu, Comrade Yusufu Bala Usman. May your soul rest in eternal peace.
Buhari Abba wrote this piece from Kano
