Five years ago, on the first day of Ramadan, we lost a remarkable soul—Professor Aliyu Umar Dikko. Though time has passed, his legacy remains alive, woven into the lives of those he taught, mentored, and inspired.
A distinguished Professor of Human Psychology at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Professor Aliyu was a scholar of extraordinary brilliance. His academic journey was nothing short of exceptional, completing his PhD in just two years. His supervisor, Professor R.J. Walker of the University of Southampton, once wrote:
“Dr. Dikko has always impressed me as a scrupulously honest person, someone of the highest personal integrity. I have very much enjoyed talking with him and having him in the department at Southampton. Dr. Umar leaves behind a very favorable impression on all who know him. He is undoubtedly an excellent ambassador of his country.”
This sentiment was echoed by his colleagues, including Professor M. Akther and Dr. A.U. Tilde, who described him as a man of unwavering discipline, devotion, and integrity:
“Aliyu took his duties, religion, and worldly affairs seriously. He never missed his lessons as a student or his classes as a lecturer. He was socially disciplined. I cannot recall him ever having a girlfriend during university. No smoking, no drinking. I never heard him cheat anyone. He performed his five daily prayers and other religious obligations with commitment, a level of devotion I can never match. He is one of the finest ambassadors that contemporary Kano nobles have produced—Dan Babban Gida, truly. Those who lived with him in Kano will provide an even better account of his moral rectitude.”
Beyond his academic and moral excellence, Professor Aliyu was a man of unshakable principles. During Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s first tenure as Governor of Kano State, he demonstrated his integrity by returning millions—an act that spoke volumes about his honesty and ethical standards.
Professor Dikko’s contributions to academia were profound. As a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) of BUK, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of medical faculties at Bayero University Kano, Kaduna State University, and Yusuf Maitama Sule University. His leadership helped shape the future of medical education in Northern Nigeria.
His journey in education began at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he graduated from the Department of Biological Sciences in 1981. He went on to lecture at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, before joining BUK, where he rose through the ranks to become Deputy Vice-Chancellor in the year 2000.
Yet, beyond his academic accolades, Professor Aliyu was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a mentor to many. He lived a life of humility, never seeking recognition but always leaving an indelible mark on those around him. His generosity knew no bounds—he gave with his right hand without his left hand knowing.
Though he is no longer with us, his legacy endures in the knowledge he imparted, the values he upheld, and the lives he touched. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and continue to bless and guide those he left behind.
Forever remembered. Forever cherished.
