Synopsis
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| Prof. Dr. Sa'idu Muhammad Gusau |
Prof. Sa'idu Muhammad Gusau is an esteemed scholar, educator, and cultural advocate, specializing in Hausa Language, Literature, and Culture. With over four decades of academic and professional excellence, he has become a leading authority in his field, making significant contributions to the study and preservation of Hausa heritage.
Born on March 24, 1952, in Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria, Prof. Gusau began his educational journey at Nizamiyya Islamiyya Primary School, Gusau. He furthered his education at Sultan Abubakar College, Sokoto, where he obtained a Higher Islamic Studies Certificate in 1973. His passion for Hausa studies led him to Bayero University, Kano, where he earned a B.A. in Hausa Studies (Second Class Upper) in 1980, followed by an M.A. in 1983 and a Ph.D. in 1989, both in Hausa Studies.
Academic Career and Leadership
Prof. Gusau began his career as a teacher in various educational institutions before joining Bayero University, Kano, in 1990. His rise through the academic ranks was swift, culminating in his promotion to full Professor of Hausa Language, Literature, and Culture in 2000. During his tenure, he has served in numerous capacities, including:
- Head, Department of Nigerian Languages (2001–2003)
- Sub-Dean, Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies (1991–1996)
- Membership in several university committees, including the Faculty Admissions and Time-Table Committees.
Beyond his academic roles, Prof. Gusau has served as a member of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRID) and represented the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) for cross-border language initiatives.
Research and Publications
A prolific author, Prof. Gusau has made invaluable contributions to Hausa literature and culture. His extensive body of work includes over 20 books, numerous research papers, and articles. Notable publications include:
- Makaxa da Mawaqan Hausa
- Jagoran Nazarin Waqar Baka
- Waqoqin Baka a Qasar Hausa
- Fulanin Zamfara-Katsinar Laka da Tasirinsu a Daular Sakkwato
- Diwanin Waqoqin Baka (Volumes I-IV)
These works explore themes such as oral poetry, Hausa history, and socio-cultural identity, providing deep insights into Hausa traditions and enriching the academic discourse. Many of his books are used as references in schools, universities, and research institutions.
Contributions to Academia and Culture
Prof. Gusau's dedication to cultural preservation extends to his role as a mentor. He has supervised over 100 undergraduate projects, master’s theses, and doctoral dissertations, shaping the future of Hausa studies and fostering young scholars' development. His research focuses on oral traditions, cultural evolution, and the impact of modernity on Hausa society.
He has also served as an external examiner for universities across Nigeria and internationally, including Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of Warsaw in Poland.
International Engagements and Consultancy
Prof. Gusau’s influence extends beyond Nigeria through international collaborations and consultancy services. He was part of the team that translated the 1999 Nigerian Constitution into Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo, and he led the Hausa translation project. His expertise has been sought in international conferences and workshops, where he presented papers on Hausa oral poetry and cultural identity.
Notable engagements include his role as a member of the Hausa Vehicular Cross-Border Language Commission of the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) and his participation in the Volkswagen Foundation-sponsored research project Passages of Culture in collaboration with German and African universities.
Awards and Recognitions
Prof. Gusau’s exceptional contributions have earned him numerous awards, including:
- National Merit Award for Academic Excellence (1980)
- Sultan Abubakar College Merit Award (1997)
- Pillars of National Building Award, Strategic Institute for Natural Resources and Human Development (2012)
- Gwanin Adabin Hausa Award, Al-Qalam University Katsina (2019)
These accolades highlight his impact on academia, culture, and society.
Personal Life and Legacy
A devoted family man, Prof. Gusau balances his professional achievements with his role as a husband, father, and mentor. His dedication to fostering strong family values mirrors his commitment to nurturing young minds in academia.
Prof. Gusau’s legacy is defined by his tireless efforts to preserve and promote Hausa culture, his scholarly contributions to understanding Hausa literature and oral traditions, and his mentorship of countless students and colleagues.
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