Belated Tribute to Pharm. Abubakar Sadik Umar (PASU)

Pharm. Abubakar Sadik Umar (PASU)

I should have done this for a very long time. But it's better late than never, right? I sincerely believe that it is time to pay tribute to something you did for me seven years ago. Because I have not been able to express the proper "thank you" from the bottom of my heart. Admittedly, I have been waiting for this day to say "thank you so much" aloud. But, first of all, I will remind you of the journey and the incredible gestures that warmly greeted it. I may not be able to capture every moment, but I want you to know that I am grateful for every bit of it. I will always cherish those moments with gratitude that I was not allowed to helplessly wallow in the labyrinth of Samaru Campus. You were there for me at the two most crucial moments when I needed guidance. This is how events played out.

Before I arrived to write Post-UTME at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 2014, I had no idea who to stay with on campus when I arrived — I did not know anyone at the time. But before I made the trip, I contacted Abba Diamond who gave me your phone number. I phoned and informed you that I had no place to stay on campus when I arrived for the examination. Without thinking twice, you told me that when I arrived in Zaria, I should take a bus from Kwangila to ABU Northgate. I was overjoyed after I heard this response. I told myself, "Adamu, you are in safe hands." 

I am not sure what day it was, but I can vividly remember that there was an intermittent shower from the early afternoon that lasted into the night. I reached Kwangila very late in the evening, and as a result of the cloud, the night was so dark that you may not be able to see objects in front. However, I made my way down the Kwangila bridge and confidently hopped onto a bus that carried passengers beyond its carrying capacity. I managed to perch my butt on the edge of the fully filled-up middle seat. At the same time, as I sat precariously, I paid close attention to the two passengers on the left and right sides of my pockets…. The car was excessively noisy, and the road was wildly congested with different cars trying to overtake one another — it was, certainly, an evening rush hour. 

But what astonished me was the proximity from Kwangila to ABU Northgate. I never thought it could be too far to the extent that I started pondering, "did I board the wrong bus?" Because I thought it would not take us this long to reach the Northgate. But I later found out that the bus had stopped over 10 times before we reached my destination. I arrived at ABU Northgate a few minutes before 8 p.m., amid thunderclaps and lightning, and the sky was still dripping light showers. Northgate was particularly frenzied that night; students and cars leaving the campus, and the cars heading to Funtua, Shika,  etc, caused a deadlock on the freeway. I phoned Sadik and informed him that I arrived at the gate. But before he came out, I sought shelter (at the Danraka intersection) under an umbrella of a banana vendor, bought a half bunch, and ate it right away since I was starving.

Lo and behold, you emerged from the light shower holding an umbrella. We exchanged normal pleasantries, and you gently led the way into the campus. I can remember the sidewalk from Northgate to Suleiman Hall was very busy with students and staff trying to avoid the imminent downpour. After we trudged for like 5 minutes, we found ourselves in Suleiman Hall, Block F4. I can recall that you were late to a tutorial class because of me. However, you were so kind that you provided dinner for me before you hurriedly went out. You let me sleep on your mattress while you managed a space between your mattress and the other one. In the morning, you provided me with breakfast and later accompanied me to where the Post-UTME processes began. After all, I was not admitted into ABU in 2014.

When I was eventually accepted in 2016, I phoned and informed you that I was coming for my registration. You gave me the green light that I should not bother to come. I was very pleased by your comments. When I arrived, you fed me with the same kindness as you did on my initial visit in 2014. Although I arrived this time as a new student. Nevertheless, you equipped me with all of the information I needed to register as an Abusite, which I successfully did. After my registration, I went back home to prepare for the new session. I entrusted my "portal" logins to you to reserve a bed space for me. Interestingly, you reserved a space in a room conveniently located directly next to yours which offered a lot of advantages to a "Jambito." I can recall that when I eventually resumed, I first stayed in your room for like a week before moving to my legal room. 

Most notably, I remember you occasionally knocking on our door to inquire whether I might attend class at night. You were the first person who taught me how to go to class at night in ABU Zaria. You were the first person who took me to the Faculty of Education, Social Studies Workshop Room. Since then I  fell in love with the class. It became the best place I like reading at night. Furthermore, you deserve full credit for assisting me in my first year of Chemistry Practicals. I will be frank with you, many students relied on my readings and conclusions which gained me the sobriquet "mai kokari." Although they were unaware that you were the man behind the excellence in all the practicals. You, undoubtedly, devoted time to teaching me how to carry out the practicals before their scheduled dates. Some of the book's pages that we utilized during the period were still in my possession.

You are, without a doubt, selfless, kind, compassionate, and empathetic.  You put the needs of others before yours and showed concern for the well-being of others. You are decent, responsible, reliable, trustworthy, respectful, and always with a positive attitude and a willingness to help others. I do not doubt that with people like you we can make the world a better place through good actions and manners. 

Brother, I have nothing but love and respect for you. You helped me when I needed it. Thank you so much for your kindness. I will take this with me forever. I pray that Allah will continue to guide you, and increase your wisdom to make good decisions to navigate through life. May He also give you the strength and courage to overcome obstacles. May he also fulfill all your needs and bless you with abundance in all areas of your life. I pray that you find inner peace, good health, and joy in life. Most importantly, may He reward you with the best of rewards: Jannatul Firdaus. Amin. 

Sincerely, 

ADAMU (a brother, student, and friend).