Nigeria’s academic community and its international partners are preparing to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the nation’s most influential educators, the late Professor Adamu David Baikie. A consortium of local and foreign universities has announced plans to hold a major tribute event in his honour, inviting participation from scholars, students and members of the public at home and abroad, according to Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service.
Professor Baikie’s passing on December 12, 2025, marked the end of a remarkable era in Nigerian education. Known widely as a towering figure in academic leadership and intellectual thought, his contributions spanned decades, enriching institutions and individuals across Africa and beyond. Organisers are now coming together to ensure his legacy is celebrated and preserved for future generations.
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A Tribute with Global Reach and Local Heart
The tribute event, titled a Global Day of Tributes and Orations, is scheduled to take place on January 15, 2026, at the Nigerian Air Force Event Centre in Abuja. The programme aims to bring together voices from different corners of the world who were touched by Professor Baikie’s work.
A statement issued by the Chairman of the Project Implementation Committee of the proposed Walter Miller University, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, outlined the vision behind the event. It is not just a memorial but a formal launch of initiatives that will keep Professor Baikie’s philosophies and achievements alive in academic discourse.
Partners in this tribute include Walter Miller Educational Resources Ltd and its proposed Walter Miller University, Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, the University of Benin in Edo State, the National University of Lesotho in Southern Africa, and the Nigerian Academy of Education. These collaborations underscore the depth of Professor Baikie’s influence and the respect he commanded across continents.
Organisers have also opened the door for the wider public to contribute tributes and scholarly orations. Submissions are invited by January 10, 2026, to allow time for compilation and inclusion in the programme. This inclusive approach reflects a shared desire to capture the full sweep of Professor Baikie’s impact through diverse voices and perspectives.
Remembering a Life of Distinguished Service
Professor Baikie’s career was defined by a series of high-profile academic and public service roles that positioned him as a bridge between Nigerian education and global scholarship. He was recognised as one of the foremost educationists in the country, with influence stretching across Africa’s academic landscape.
During his lifetime, Professor Baikie served as Vice-Chancellor of three universities, an achievement that set him apart as a leader capable of steering complex institutions toward excellence. He held the reins at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, where he also served as Dean of the Faculty of Education and Director of the Institute of Education, and stepped in as Acting Vice-Chancellor on five different occasions.
Beyond ABU, he led the University of Benin and Nasarawa State University, Keffi, shaping policies that enhanced academic standards and institutional growth. At the National University of Lesotho, he extended his influence beyond Nigeria, contributing to higher education development in Southern Africa.
His service extended into national governance and regulation. Professor Baikie held positions such as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Chief Commissioner of the Federal Public Complaints Commission, and Chairman of the Board of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). These roles highlighted his commitment to public accountability and education quality standards across the country.
Beyond his formal titles, friends and colleagues remember him as a mentor, community builder and diplomat who carried Nigerian scholarship onto the global stage with dignity and compassion. His passing was widely mourned, including official condolences from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described the loss as monumental for the education sector and the nation.
A Night of Reflection and Legacy
The tribute night will feature keynote addresses and personal orations that reflect on Professor Baikie’s extraordinary life and service. His memory is expected to be honoured not only through speeches but also artistic performances that capture the richness of his contributions.
His Royal Highness Sanusi Mohammed III has been confirmed to deliver the keynote address, titled “Professor David Adamu Baikie: A Trailblazer in Education,” offering a perspective on how his leadership transformed academic communities and set standards for aspiring educators.
Organisers are hopeful that the event will attract educators, policymakers, students, civil society representatives and members of the general public. By fostering a space where people from different walks of life can share their experiences and reflections, the tribute seeks to capture the full arc of Professor Baikie’s influence.
In announcing the event, Senator Ogbeha extended warm regards from General T. Y. Danjuma (rtd), Chairman of the Walter Miller University Board of Trustees, who held Professor Baikie in high esteem. This personal endorsement highlights the profound regard in which he was held by his peers.
As Nigeria prepares for this historic evening of reflection, it is clear that Professor Adamu David Baikie’s contributions will continue to resonate. His life story is a reminder of the power of education to shape nations and the enduring impact that one dedicated individual can have on generations of learners and leaders.
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