Friendship

By Abdullahi Kabiru Muhammed

Life as a student is rarely easy, and for three close friends at Bayero University, Kano, the journey has been both tough and inspiring.

Their journey, which began in Level 100 and is now in Level 400, serves as a powerful testament to faith, friendship, sacrifice, and perseverance.

From the very start, the three friends knew the odds were stacked against them. Two of them were students of Mass Communications, while the third was studying Law, a five-year program. They began their academic journey with no sponsor, relying solely on faith in God and a strong will to succeed. 

Despite the uncertainties, their bond grew stronger. There was no conflict, no hatred, only unity. They shared everything and supported one another with love and understanding.

Their first year was marked by some struggles, but they managed to survive. The hardships were there, but not as overwhelming as what was to come. 

In their second year, things became even tougher. The school fees were increased from ₦37,000 to ₦100,000, causing panic and fear. They started Level 200 without paying their fees, holding on to hope as Bayero University, Kano,continued to extend the registration deadlines. They rarely ate more than once a day, dinner only. Many nights, they went to bed on empty stomachs, and in the morning, they would head to class without breakfast. But through it all, they never gave up. They could only afford ₦40,000 for a single bed space, yet all three of them managed to squeeze into the room.

Just when it seemed impossible, help came. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration intervened and covered the school fees for Kano State indigenes. It was a moment of relief and joy. May Allah (S.W.T) guide and protect him, and may He grant him his heart’s desires, amin.

Level 300 came with fewer school fee issues, as NELFUND covered their tuition. However, the cost of living increased, and they struggled to afford food. Two of the friends took on labour jobs, and the third, a tailor, tried to support himself with his handwork.

Among the labourers, one could travel out every weekend for work, while the other could only leave during holidays. The tailor worked under someone and had a few customers. Income was unstable. 

Even though they received a monthly ₦20,000 upkeep allowance from NELFUND, it was often delayed. They sometimes had to borrow money and were usually refused, as people doubted their ability to repay.

Their families supported them too, but the assistance barely covers 10% of their needs. They didn’t desire luxury, just enough to eat and survive.

Now in Level 400, nothing much has changed materially. The hunger, the hustle, the struggles—they remain. But the friends remain grateful, and more than ever, they are hopeful.

They continue to share, encourage, and support one another, believing that tough times don’t last forever. Their academic performance is commendable, and they are determined not to let poverty or hardship define their future.

Their story is a reminder that Allah is always in control. Through all the pain, hunger, and financial stress, they have continued to pray, to trust, and to push forward. Without divine intervention, they believe they would have dropped out, despite their passion to learn.

So, they say “Life is full of ups and downs, but we believe good things will surely come our way. Just be prayerful. Allah knows, and He will surely answer your prayers. All you have to do is believe in Him”

Abdullahi Kabiru Muhammed wrote via khaybhee006@gmail.com.

By Abdulrazak Abdulrauf Mudi

No words can truly capture the bond between brothers, but for me, my younger brother was more than just a family member; he was my closest companion, a light in our home, and someone who always had a smile for everyone. Full of life and optimism, he never failed to see the good in others, even when it wasn’t deserved.

Sadly, one of his closest friends since childhood, someone he grew up with and trusted, would eventually be the cause of an unimaginable tragedy – a grand betrayal. It was a life cut too short.

Aminu Abdulrauf was born in Rugu-Rugu in 1999, a small community in Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano state. He was a kind, hardworking, and respectful young man loved by everyone in our family and known for his joviality.

Aminu wasn’t just a brother to me; he was inspirational. He led a peaceful, trouble-free life and enjoyed spending time with his friends, who he considered family.

Aminu completed his education at Rugu-rugu Central Primary School and graduated from Government Senior Secondary School Faskar Ma’aaji in 2018. From all indications, Aminu’s future seemed bright. He had built a house and was preparing for his marriage. But everything changed all of a sudden. 

One fateful Monday afternoon in 2022, around 2:30 pm – a typical afternoon for Aminu, who was sitting with his friends, chatting and playing at their usual meeting point just opposite my house, he borrowed a knife from one of his friends who sold sugarcane, intending to fix a stick he was holding. As he worked on the stick, Mudassir Ashura, one of their childhood friends, had the other end. In a tragic accident, the knife Aminu was using slipped and cut Mudassir’s hand, leaving a minor injury.

Aminu was horrified at what had happened and immediately tried to help. He offered traditional medicine to stop the bleeding and even pulled out ampicillin from his pocket to provide some first aid. But Mudassir denied any help, instead muttering words of revenge.

Neither Aminu’s friends nor my brother himself took Mudassir’s threat seriously. They thought it was a passing comment born out of frustration.

But Mudassir’s anger wasn’t fleeting, so he rushed home, grabbed a sharp knife, and returned to confront Aminu. Without hesitation, he stabbed Aminu on the right side of his stomach. The air was filled with my brother’s cries for help as blood began to flow rapidly from the wound.

In the chaos, Mudassir fled the scene, leaving Aminu in the pool of his blood and gasping for breath.

We rushed Aminu to Tudun Wada General Hospital, where he was immediately admitted to the emergency ward. As soon as our father heard the news, he went straight to the Tudun Wada police station and filed a report. Inspector Aminu Shuaibu entertained the case, and an order was given for Mudassir’s immediate arrest.

For two agonising days, we stayed by Aminu’s side at the hospital, praying for his recovery. Despite the tests, treatment, and even the scan to assess the depth of the knife wound, his condition worsened. On Wednesday, he passed away, leaving us shattered and consumed with grief and anger.

The following day, Aminu was buried amidst hearts. We offered prayers in an attempt to find solace in our faith. Our father assigned me the responsibility of following up the case against Mudassir. The authorities charged him with murder,and we spent weeks going back and forth between the police station and state headquarters in Kano.

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this process was how the system treated us. The police demanded money from us to fuel their vehicle to transfer the case, a painful reminder that justice can be costly even in tragedy.

After a week of efforts, the case was finally filed at court number 7 at No Man’s Land, Kano. I met with the court registrar and was informed that we would bring three witnesses to the trial.

When I returned home to update my father and family members, he made a decision that took me by surprise. With a heavy heart, he told me it was enough that no amount of struggle or court proceedings would bring Aminu back to us. He believed we should leave the matter to Almighty Allah, the ultimate judge.

In the end, my brother’s death left a permanent scar, not just in the heart of our family but also in the hearts of all who knew him. Aminu’s passing taught us painful lessons about the fragility of life, the unpredictability of those we called friends, and the dark consequences of unchecked anger.

As much as we wanted justice, my father’s decision to leave everything in the hands of Allah reminded me of the importance of faith and trust in divine wisdom, even in the face of heart-wrenching tragedy.

Abdulrazak Abdulrauf Mudi wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano.