Academic Community Mourns as Professor Umma Abdulwahid, Pioneer Scholar, Passes Away at 70

The Nigerian academic community is in mourning following the tragic passing of Professor Umma Abdulwahid, a distinguished Professor of Educational Psychology and a foundational pillar of Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa (SLUK).

Fondly known as “Mama” by colleagues and students alike, Professor Abdulwahid lost her life on Wednesday, 18th February 2026, following a motor accident along the Kano–Zaria Road. She was 70 years old.

Born in Dabi, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Professor Abdulwahid’s academic trajectory was marked by excellence. An alumna of Federal Government College Maiduguri and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, she earned her PhD in Educational Psychology and later represented Nigeria as a Fulbright Scholar at Yale University, USA.

Her career, which spanned over four decades, was defined by pioneering leadership. She served as the Pioneer Provost of the FCT College of Education, Zuba, and played a critical role as a member of the Technical Committee for the establishment of what is now Sule Lamido University.

Until her passing, Professor Abdulwahid served as the Director of the Counselling and Human Development Centre at SLUK. Throughout her tenure, she held several high-ranking positions, including:

Pioneer Director, School of General and Preliminary Studies

Dean, Faculty of Education

Dean, Student Affairs

The "Mama" of Many: A Humanitarian Impact

Beyond her administrative titles, Professor Abdulwahid was revered for her extraordinary philanthropy. Records of her impact include the personal sponsorship of over 85 students through their academic journeys and the facilitation of employment for more than 350 individuals.

"She didn’t just work in education; she built people," noted a representative from the university community. "The loss of 'Mama' is not just a loss for SLUK or Jigawa State, but for the entire Nigerian education sector."

Funeral arrangements and a formal commendation service by the University Senate are expected to be announced shortly.