Impossible as it seems, there were times when I was unaccustomed to writing tributes. But as nurses consistently forge a path, I yielded to the urge of penning a token to their achievements. This year, 2025, bears witness to my fervent admiration for nursing excellence, as I authored four stirring tributes to veteran nurses who forged their paths to greatness. Today marks the fifth time my pen has danced across the page, crafting an ode to another nurse, Amina Tajuddeen, as her 35-year service journey came full circle on September 1, 2025.
Amina is a nurse, midwife, and public health practitioner. She has practiced across various hospitals in her home state, Kano. Although I didn’t know her personally at first, a few of us had the privilege of working alongside her as students and staff. My first encounter with her was some time ago at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. She was managing a ward, and I was still a student nurse. Looking at her from the students’ perspective, I concluded that she was a “pedagogical despot” with an instinctive urge for criticism and nitpicking. She would assign us tasks that weren’t easy, demanding that we provide top-notch care in very challenging conditions. Little did I know that Amina was toughening us for tough times—equipping us for the demands of the profession. Thus, viewed from the staff perspective, I found Amina to be from a time that has passed. She is a meticulous, conscientious, and self-controlled nurse who takes pride in caring for the weak and vulnerable.
The impact of Amina on us transcended professional ties. She assumed the role of a mother to most of us, with our problems often landing squarely on her shoulders. My fate and hers intertwined in the twilight of her career. Personally, when I worked the night shift, despite being the one in charge, she would arrive earlier than everyone else for the morning handover, with rare exceptions. With maternal warmth that brooked no refusal, she would insist I have breakfast before heading home. I often lingered, savoring the moment, even borrowing her mug sometimes for a comforting cup of tea. I regretted not knowing her earlier.
As we bid farewell to our own Matron Amina at her send-off party, the tapestry of heartfelt tales unfolded, leaving us tearful and nostalgic. One touching story was told by her subordinate who was beset by a debilitating illness. In desperation, he reached out to her, and she answered the call with lightning speed. She arrived, her presence a balm to his soul. She devoted her time, energy, and resources, refusing to leave until he was stable.
Another subordinate narrated yet another poignant tale. Succumbing to the crushing weight of a crippling illness, and feeling the darkness closing in, Matron Amina’s presence shone like a beacon of hope. She provided him a shoulder to lean on, ensuring he received every ounce of care during and after his hospitalization. Her compassion extended beyond his bedside, as she reached out to support his family during those trying times.
Yes, power breeds paranoia. But Amina never gave in to it. Humility is her form of pride. Her generosity, compassion, and leadership accompanied her through her 35 years of service. She is a calm persona with a chivalrous attitude. Even in her late 50s, Amina has the stillness and composure of a young lady.
Amina exited as the officer in charge of the Government House Clinic, Kano State. As significant beneficiaries of her tutelage and mentorship, we owe it to her to sustain the momentum of excellence and rhythm of success by nurturing and providing effective and selfless leadership to those under us.
Dear Matron, your retirement cuts deep—a bittersweet wound that echoes with every thought of you. We pray for you to find peace and comfort in your retirement, yet we ache at the thought of your absence, for we still crave your presence, your love, and your light among us. May you live long to see us transformed into what you want us to be. Thank you.
Deedat, RN, wrote this piece from Government House Clinic, Kano. He can be reached at didatbabbangida@gmail.com
