Kannywood

By Shamwil Ibrahim (Justice)

Dauda Kahutu Rarara, I have a question for you: after all your years in Kannywood, is Triple R really the best name you could come up with?

Creativity should mean more than having a popular name, a large following, or the ability to attract attention. It should also mean having the imagination to create something distinctive, something people can associate with your vision without immediately conjuring an established historical legacy.

The name Triple R Kannywood for Renewed Hope Initiative merits more than a passing glance. For anyone familiar with Nigeria’s history, the name immediately evokes the Three Rs introduced under General Yakubu Gowon’s government after the Nigerian Civil War: Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.

Rarara, did no one on your team pause to consider the historical association before settling on this name? Was there no alternative that could give the initiative a more distinctive identity? Or has the standard for creativity in our entertainment industry fallen so low that a name only needs to sound appealing to be accepted?

That is what troubles me.

Kannywood is built on storytelling, music, imagination and expression. Its artists understand the power of words and the importance of creating work that captures people’s attention. Yet the name of this association has left the public asking why a concept so closely associated with an important chapter in Nigeria’s history has resurfaced in this form.

If you want people to take your initiative seriously, give them a reason to see it as something genuinely distinctive. Do not expect applause simply because your name is attached to it.

You have spent years building your reputation, Rarara. One would expect that experience to be reflected in the ideas associated with your name. Instead, the choice of Triple R raises an obvious question: why this name, when so many possibilities are available?

I am not claiming that the resemblance proves deliberate copying. I am questioning why a public figure with your experience would choose a name that immediately invites comparison with an established historical policy. That is a legitimate question, and it deserves a serious answer.

Unfortunately, public discussions in Nigeria sometimes confuse criticism with hatred. When a popular figure is questioned, some supporters rush to defend them without addressing the issue itself. That attitude does little to encourage accountability or improve the quality of ideas in our creative industry.

Popularity is not a substitute for originality. Influence is not proof of creativity. And fame should never put anyone beyond public scrutiny.

Kannywood needs people who can think beyond the familiar. It needs fresh identities, bold ideas, and individuals who understand that influence comes with responsibility. We should challenge our creative people to raise their standards rather than lower our expectations because they have become popular.

So, Rarara, what informed this choice? Was the historical connection considered? What makes Triple R the right identity for your association? And what distinguishes it from the concept Nigerians have known for decades?

These are fair questions. You may disagree with my criticism, but that does not make the questions themselves unreasonable.

My concern is not that you have established an association. My concern is that an opportunity to demonstrate originality has produced a name that invites an immediate comparison with history.

If we cannot question the choices of influential figures in our entertainment industry, then what exactly are we allowed to question?

Kannywood deserves creativity. The public deserves explanations. And those who occupy influential positions should be prepared to defend their decisions.

TRIPLE R. WHY THIS NAME? WHY NOT SOMETHING DISTINCTIVELY YOUR OWN?

Shamwil Ibrahim (Justice) can be reached via Ibrahimshamawilu@gmail.com.

Directors: Ahmad A. Bifa & Auwal D. Yakasai 

‎Producer: Yakubu M. Yakub

‎Language: Hausa

‎Company: Tumbin Giwa TV

‎Premiere: 8/6/2026

‎Cast: Adam Garba, Isah Adam (Feroz Khan), Fatima Ibrahim, Maryam Booth, Maryam Yahaya, Ummusalama Inuwa, Radiya Jibril, Shatou Abdul, etc. Zarge is a Hausa word for ‘noose’, which refers to a loop of rope with a slipknot that tightens when pulled. Figuratively, the word denotes confusion or a difficult situation. The series Zarge lives up to its title, being a harrowing drama of compounding crises. 

The story revolves around Fatima (Fatima Ibrahim), a young village girl whose fate takes her away from her own family, only for her to become the saviour of another.

The series opens with Hajiya (Ummusalama Inuwa) plotting to abduct her pregnant in-law, Nafisa (Radiya Jibril), and have her unborn child killed. Meanwhile, Fatima and her friends return to their village after finishing boarding school, but their bus breaks down. As they wait for the driver to fix the vehicle, Fatima slips away and takes a forest shortcut, hoping to reach home sooner. 

Deep in the forest, Fatima finds Nafisa held captive by Hajiya’s henchmen. Nafisa attempts to escape, but her abductors chase her down. As she flees, she runs into Fatima, who has been hiding and watching. The ensuing struggle triggers Nafisa’s labour. Fatima helps her deliver the baby, and Nafisa, with her final breath, entrusts the newborn to her.

After an arduous journey, Fatima finally takes the infant home, only to face her parents’ disappointment. Assuming that Fatima has had the baby out of wedlock, they refuse to accept the situation. She therefore leaves home for the city, where she finds work as a housemaid. Ironically, she ends up in the very home of Nafisa’s in-laws, the people who wanted the baby dead. The drama continues…

Zarge is a gripping series that holds the audience in suspense, anticipating danger in almost every scene. Each episode ends with a perfect noose that you fear might tighten, especially as Fatima works in Hajiya’s house. What if she comes across Nafisa’s picture and reveals that the baby is her son? What if Hajiya discovers the truth and kills him?

However, Fatima appears to be a godsend to Nafisa’s family. Not only is she raising the surviving newborn, but she is also unknowingly saving his father, Umar (Adam Garba), without knowing who he is or his connection to the child. For instance, when Hajiya and her children plot to poison Umar, Fatima saves him by secretly replacing his poisoned food with another meal. 

The screenplay is tightly structured, with well-written character motivations that drive the plot. This makes the conflicts feel connected and engaging. The screenwriters and directors deserve commendation for bringing these elements together cohesively.

The series is also technically solid. The cinematography beautifully captures the natural forest landscapes, authentic village settings, and atmospheric night scenes. The sound design is carefully balanced, with Nazifi Asnanic’s evocative soundtrack heightening the emotional intensity.

The actors all deliver wonderful performances. Ummusalama Inuwa is effective as Hajiya, and the debutante Fatima Ibrahim is perfectly cast as the young village girl. She portrays her character’s innocence and inquisitiveness so convincingly that it is hard to imagine anyone else in the role. However, while Maryam Booth and Maryam Yahaya don’t get much scope, Adam Garba, Isah Adam (Feroz Khan), and Shatou Abdul deserve special mention.

In conclusion, Zarge is definitely one of the best series of the year. Its intriguing drama makes for an enjoyable watch. I highly recommend it.

Rating: 4/5

Reviewed by Habibu Maaruf Abdu.

‎The Shareef brothers, Abdul and Umar M. Shareef, seem to have a strong fondness for playing romantic heroes. This likely inspired them to produce an emotional love story in which they take on their favourite leading roles. The production, entitled ‘Soyayyata’ (Translated as ‘My Love’), also appears to be their first series under the ‘Shareef Studio’ banner.

‎Soyayyata (though they mistakenly wrote the name as “Soyayya ta”) is a romantic drama exploring unrequited love, mistaken assumptions, and the complexities of family ties. The series primarily follows a love triangle involving Abbas (Abdul M. Shareef), Zuhra (Maryam Booth), and Haneef (Umar M. Shareef).

‎Abbas and Zuhra are cousins raised together within a shared family compound. Since childhood, his mother had betrothed Zuhra to him, as is customary in Hausa tradition. Abbas grows up to love Zuhra, but she sees him as nothing more than a brother. Meanwhile, she meets Haneef at a wedding, where he falls in love with her at first sight – an affection she fortunately reciprocates even more deeply.

‎Noticing something unusual in Zuhra’s behaviour, Abbas’s younger sister, Suhaima (Madina Abdul), persuades their parents to formally approach Zuhra’s family about the intended marriage. However, while Zuhra’s father, who is Abbas’s uncle, approves, her mother rejects the proposal. Abbas also learns the painful truth that Zuhra does not love him romantically, igniting emotional turbulence and family conflict.

‎Meanwhile, Haneef’s mother opposes his choice of Zuhra because of her humble background but later concedes because of his persistence. However, his father falls ill and dies suddenly on the day of his wedding to Zuhra, setting off a chain of dramatic twists that reshape the course of the story.

‎Despite its compact premise, the series sustains engagement through the gradual introduction of new narrative layers and characters. For instance, Ilham (Asmeey Wakili), introduced in a pivotal role towards the end of Season 1, breathes new life into the story. Despite its rather slow pace, the series keeps audiences engaged with steadily mounting tension.

‎Soyayyata is indeed worth watching for its relatable theme, which resonates strongly with young audiences. It dramatises the familiar scenario of a childhood-betrothed ‘cousin’ losing out to a ‘newcomer’. Young women with early betrothal experiences will identify with Zuhra’s predicament, while those nursing a secret crush will empathise with Abbas, who suffers in silence, enduring the pain of unrequited affection.

‎Additionally, beyond its central love story, Soyayyata explores themes of class discrimination, parental materialism in marriage arrangements, and the far-reaching consequences of such decisions. It also highlights how a lack of open communication can make arranged marriages fragile enough to break even the strongest familial bonds.

‎The series, however, scores little in terms of production quality. Continuity lapses are evident, and the editing lacks finesse. Also, while the interconnection across episodes is reasonably sustained, Episode 4 largely recycles scenes from Episodes 1 and 3. Nevertheless, these shortcomings are pardonable, given the competent direction and commendable performances that make the series ultimately captivating.

‎Finally, if you are struggling to keep pace with the endless YouTube series being released every day, Soyayyata is one you shouldn’t overlook. It is well worth your time.

‎Rating: 3/5

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Zainab Zee Diamond, a beloved figure in Nigeria’s Hausa film industry (Kannywood), has passed away. The actress died in the early hours of today, shortly after the Fajr (dawn) prayer, following a prolonged battle with an illness.

Her family confirmed the death in an official statement, offering condolences to fans and colleagues with the heartfelt words: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” (To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return). The statement noted that she had endured a long period of medical treatment.

Tributes have begun pouring in from fellow actors, filmmakers, and fans across Nigeria, mourning the loss of the veteran star. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced shortly by her immediate family.

By Khalid Imam

On Tuesday, 2nd September 2026, Triple R Kannywood Renewed Hope, led by Alhaji Dauda Adamu Abdullahi Kahutu Rarara, organised a grand Maulidin Nabiyi (SAW) at the Aminu Dantata Trade Fair Complex, Kano.

The event was chaired by Alhaji Aminu Alfandaj, Head of the LOC, and commenced with a recitation of the Glorious Qur’an, followed by a welcome address by Tijjani Asase, the PRO of Triple R Kannywood Renewed Hope.

The gathering featured inspiring religious lectures, devotional songs and poetic praises celebrating the noble life, virtues and exemplary character of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The atmosphere was set by a fascinating and thrilling succession of cantatas, devotional songs and poetic praises celebrating the extraordinary and stellar personality of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The performances, delivered by some of the finest Islamic song-artists, beautifully captured their profound love, reverence and admiration for the Messenger of Allah (SAW).

Malam Nafi’u Adam Sha’iri set the floor ablaze at exactly 11:58 a.m., opening what became a deeply moving and spiritually uplifting session of devotional songs. He was followed by Sayyada Faiza Amatullah, Sayyadi Sojan Ma’aiki, Sayyadi Malam Kabiru Kiya Ambato, Malam Mustapha Zakariya and Malam Ahmad Gwangwazo, among many others.

The likes of popular composers of Soul-Stirring Cantata in Praise of the Prophet (SAW), led by Sheikh Hafiz Abdalla and Malam Bashir Ɗandago, added their melodious voices with heartfelt verses and evocative performances; the artists celebrated the noble character, unparalleled virtues, mercy, compassion and exemplary life of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Their renditions created a unique atmosphere of spiritual reflection and renewed love for the Messenger of Allah (SAW).

At exactly 12:27 p.m., Malam Bazallahi Sheikh Nasiru Kabara was invited to speak on Mu’amalatu Maʿaiki wa Ṣaḥabatihi—the uncommon relationship and interactions of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) with his reverential Companions. 

He described the bond between the Noble Prophet (SAW) and his Companions as one founded upon profound love, mutual respect, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion. Their relationship was not merely that of a leader and his followers; it was a remarkable bond built on faith, loyalty, compassion, trust and a shared commitment to the cause of Islam.

He also stressed that the Companions loved the Prophet (SAW) deeply, honoured his guidance, stood by him through hardship and were prepared to make tremendous sacrifices for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, citing the Battle of Uhud as one of the true tests of sacrifice that the Prophet and the Sahaba went through together. In turn, the Prophet (SAW) treated them with exceptional kindness, dignity, compassion and understanding, nurturing them into a community bound together by faith and brotherhood.

He further highlighted that the Prophet’s interactions with them therefore provided a timeless model of leadership characterised by compassion, dignified fellowship, and loyalty founded on faith. The relationship between the Prophet (SAW) and his Companions remains an enduring example of how love, respect, sacrifice and devotion can transform individuals into a united and purposeful community.

As the special Maulidin Nabiyyi session drew to a delightful close in the evening hours, several scholars took to the podium to deliver educational admonishments to members of Triple R Kannywood Renewed Hope and dozens of enthusiastic guests in attendance, urging them to emulate the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and to use their influence in Kannywood to promote unity, discipline, and moral values in society, while prayers and commendations marked the end of the spiritually uplifting gathering.

By Ibrahim Aliyu Gurin 

The Kannywood film industry is more than an entertainment industry. It has become one of the most powerful cultural influences in Northern Nigeria. The stories it tells shape how people think, speak, and sometimes even behave. Characters become role models, and the habits they display often find their way into everyday life.

That is why this is a respectful appeal to directors, producers, and scriptwriters: as you entertain millions, also seize the opportunity to promote simple habits that make our society safer, healthier, and more compassionate.

One of the simplest ways to save lives is also one of the most overlooked. Wearing a seat belt should not depend on the distance being travelled. Whether someone is driving to the market, taking children to school, or travelling across states, everyone in the vehicle, including those in the back seat, should buckle up before the journey begins.

Unfortunately, films often show characters jumping into cars and driving away without fastening their seat belts. This unintentionally sends the message that seat belts are optional. Imagine the opposite: respected characters calmly fastening their seat belts before starting the engine, reminding passengers to do the same. Such scenes require only a few seconds but can influence millions of viewers.

Also, modern driving is increasingly threatened by distracted driving. Many people believe it is harmless to answer a quick call, read a message, or reply to a text while driving. Others assume it is safe to use their phones while waiting at a traffic light.

In reality, distraction can be deadly. Safe driving means the phone stays out of the driver’s hands until the vehicle has been parked safely. Showing heroes who ignore incoming calls while driving or politely tell callers, “I’ll call you back when I’ve stopped,” promotes a powerful message without interrupting the story.

Additionally, food is central to many Kannywood stories. Family meals, celebrations, and traditional gatherings are common scenes. Yet one simple habit is often overlooked: washing hands properly before eating or preparing food.

Handwashing properly remains one of the most effective ways to prevent many infectious diseases. A brief scene showing a family washing their hands before sharing a meal can quietly reinforce a healthy practice that protects entire households.

Mental health is another area where Kannywood can make a real difference. Too often, emotional struggles are portrayed only as spiritual attacks. Faith is important, but so are counselling, medical care, and family support. Showing them together would reflect real life and encourage more understanding.

Furthermore, people living with disabilities deserve to be represented with dignity and authenticity. Too often, disability is used merely as comic relief, a symbol of helplessness, or a tool to evoke pity.

Real life tells a different story. Across Nigeria, people with disabilities are teachers, entrepreneurs, professionals, artists, students, parents, and community leaders. They contribute meaningfully to society and deserve to see themselves represented fairly on screen.

Inclusive storytelling means giving characters with disabilities meaningful roles, realistic ambitions, and complete personalities—not defining them solely by their disabilities.

Social change does not always begin with government policies or public campaigns. Sometimes it begins with everyday habits becoming normal. This is why I hope Kannywood filmmakers become more intentional about the habits they put on screen. The greatest impact may not come from dramatic speeches or moral lectures, but from ordinary characters consistently doing the right thing.

After all, audiences often imitate what they repeatedly see. Sometimes, the lessons we never intended to teach become the ones the world remembers the most.

Ibrahim Aliyu Gurin is a graduate of mass communication from Bayero University, Kano, and can be reached at ibrahimaliyu5023@gmail.com.

By Prince Daniel Aboki

Every Nigerian has the constitutional right to support any political party or candidate of their choice. That right is guaranteed by the Constitution and should always be respected.

However, an industry cannot thrive when, every election cycle, a few individuals position themselves as speaking on behalf of everyone, mobilising groups to endorse politicians and, in the process, reducing the industry’s engagement with government to the pursuit of personal benefits.

When this becomes the dominant culture, the industry risks not being taken seriously. Government and development partners are beginning to see the industry not as a strategic economic sector but as a collection of individuals seeking patronage every four years. More often than not, the distribution of cash gifts, vehicles, and other favours also creates avoidable divisions within the industry, as practitioners become aligned with competing political interests. Instead of fostering unity around the collective growth of Kannywood, election seasons too often leave the industry fragmented long after the campaigns have ended.

Politicians understand the influence that Kannywood celebrities command, particularly in Kano and across Northern Nigeria. They know these personalities can shape public opinion, mobilise supporters, and amplify campaign messages during elections. That influence is valuable, but it should be used as a bargaining tool to secure lasting benefits for the entire industry—not for personal aggrandisement. Our collective influence should translate into meaningful negotiations for better policies, sustainable funding, stronger institutions, improved infrastructure, and greater opportunities for everyone in Kannywood, rather than short-term personal gains for a few individuals.

Kannywood is far bigger than election campaigns. It is one of Northern Nigeria’s greatest cultural and economic assets. It has the capacity to create thousands of jobs, preserve and promote our culture, strengthen social values, attract tourism, earn foreign exchange, stimulate investment, and project Northern Nigeria to the world.

What makes this even more compelling is that Kannywood has already demonstrated its commercial strength. Some of its producers operate some of the biggest and most successful YouTube channels in Nigeria, attracting millions of views and building significant audiences worldwide. That success should not remain the achievement of a few individuals. It should be consolidated into an industry-wide strategy that creates opportunities for younger filmmakers, actors, writers, directors, editors, cinematographers, musicians, and other creative professionals.

This is the conversation we should be having with those in office and those seeking public office.

Rather than seeking cash gifts, vehicles, or personal favours, we should be demanding policies that strengthen the entire industry: film villages, production funds, affordable financing, stronger copyright protection, modern cinema infrastructure, professional training, international partnerships, tax incentives, and support for participation in global film markets and festivals. That is how enduring creative industries are built.

Over the years, Nollywood has increasingly engaged government and development partners on issues that strengthen the industry’s ecosystem. The conversation has largely centred on policy, investment, institutional support, skills development, financing, and international collaboration. Individual practitioners may support political candidates—as they are entitled to—but the industry’s long-term development has remained a central focus.

This does not mean Nollywood is a perfect congregation. There have also been individuals within Nollywood who have pursued personal interests above the collective interest of the industry. However, when the two industries are compared, Nollywood has, on balance, positioned itself more effectively as a strategic partner in industry development, policy engagement, and institutional growth. Kannywood can do the same.

We must stop approaching politicians with a cap in hand every election season. An industry with this much talent, influence, and economic potential should not present itself as a sector waiting for handouts. It should present itself as a partner in development—one capable of creating jobs, generating revenue, attracting investment, promoting tourism, preserving culture, and contributing meaningfully to the economy of Northern Nigeria.

Politicians will respect Kannywood when Kannywood first respects its own value. This is not a criticism of anyone’s constitutional right to participate in politics or support a candidate. Rather, it is a call for Kannywood to recognise its collective economic power and organise itself as an industry worthy of sustained investment, strategic partnerships, and long-term development.

The question should no longer be, “Who is giving us what?” The question should be, “What policies, investments, and partnerships will transform Kannywood into one of Africa’s most competitive creative industries?”

The future of Kannywood will not be determined by what a handful of individuals receive during an election season. It will be determined by what the entire industry builds together for generations to come.

The choice before us is simple: we can continue chasing political patronage every four years, or we can build an industry that creates wealth, creates jobs, attracts investment, shapes culture, and becomes impossible for governments and the rest of the world to ignore.

Prince Daniel is “A Concerned Citizen” and a filmmaker. He can be reached via blackvillemedia@gmail.com.

By Mubarak Umar

There are television series you watch for entertainment, and there are those that remind you what storytelling is truly capable of.

Matan Gida, created by Abubakar Bashir Maishadda, is one of those rare productions.

For years, Hausa television has largely remained within the familiar territory of domestic disputes, predictable romances, and neatly resolved family conflicts. Audiences have become accustomed to stories that rarely challenge expectations. Matan Gida breaks away from that tradition with remarkable confidence.

The series is driven by a screenplay that feels fearless. I can sense that when Ibrahim Birniwa opened his PC to draft Matan Gidan, he wasn’t writing to satisfy convention; he was writing to provoke thought. The script explores uncomfortable realities, moral ambiguities, power dynamics, and the hidden complexities in our everyday lives, subjects that many filmmakers have hesitated to approach. Every episode feels intentional, with dialogue that carries weight and scenes that linger long after the credits roll.

The entire cast truly deserves equal praise. The ensemble is balanced, with each actor bringing a distinct personality and energy to the screen. There is no sense of characters competing for attention; instead, every performance contributes meaningfully to the larger narrative. It is this diversity of characterisation that gives Matan Gida its emotional richness and realism.

Abubakar Maishadda deserves credit for trusting a script that challenges Kannywood’s conventional cinema. Because producing a series like Matan Gida is a creative statement. It proves that audiences are ready for mature, thought-provoking stories.

And now comes the real test.

With Season Two premiering today, expectations are high. The first season didn’t just tell a complex story—it raised the standard in Kannywood. Audiences will be expecting deeper conflicts, higher emotional stakes, more character arcs, and answers to the questions deliberately left hanging. More importantly, viewers will expect the series to preserve the boldness that made the first season stand out rather than retreat into familiar territory.

If Ibrahim Birniwa’s pen remains as fearless as it was in Season One, and if the series continues on the pedestal that challenges both the industry and its audience, Matan Gida has every chance of becoming one of the defining works of modern Hausa television.

By Khalid Imam 

The Triple R Kannywood Renewed Hope Initiative, the highest body of elite Kannywood actors and other influential Arewa creatives, led by Alhaji Dauda Adamu Abdullahi Kahutu Rarara, organised a special prayer session to pray for peace, unity, and security in Nigeria on 22nd June 2026 at the Aminu Dantata Trade Fair Complex in Kano City.

Conceived by a high-powered 5-Man Committee of Special Prayer chaired by Nura Hussaini, a famous Hausa film actor, the session drew a massive turnout of notable Hausa film actors, directors, singers, scriptwriters, authors, and other creatives in the arts industry. TikTok influencers and dozens of group members were also in attendance, and all were united by their concern over Nigeria’s security situation.

The special prayers attracted enthusiastic attendees from the film and arts industry in Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, Niger, Sokoto, Borno, and other Northern regions. Starting around 11 am, members recited the Holy Qur’an. A big cow and a large ram were slaughtered, and the meat was shared among the public. The act sought Allah’s intervention for lasting peace and security, especially in troubled areas. 

Prayers were also faithfully offered for Almighty Allah to completely crush all those directly or indirectly profiting from the killing of innocent lives, especially bandits and other troublemakers. Members also prayed, asking God to bring a permanent end to terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and every form of insecurity plaguing Nigeria, particularly the North.

To ensure a well-coordinated and sustained approach, the initiative is committed to establishing the said powerful standing committee under the chairmanship of Nura Hussaini, with Sharu Nagudu serving as Vice Chairman. All members of the Triple R Kannywood for Renewed Hope Initiative are automatic and committed members, working collectively to hold continuous prayers for peace, unity, security, and Nigeria’s overall development.

At the heart of the prayers was a collective plea for Allah’s immediate intervention in ending the violence still disrupting communities across Nigeria. The group also prayed for lasting peace, security, and stability across Nigeria, for unity, love, and mutual understanding among all citizens, and for wisdom and sound guidance for the country’s political leadership at the national and state levels as they strive harder to steer the nation toward achieving peace and socioeconomic transformation.

Speaking to journalists at the venue of the special prayers and sacrifices, Rarara, a preeminent Hausa song artist and leader of the converged creative minds under the Triple R Kannywood Renewed Hope Initiative, said, “The initiative recognises the daunting challenges security agents face daily in tackling insecurity across the country. This prayer session was organised to complement their efforts by seeking Allah’s intervention and urging the general public to join in praying for the success of the government and security personnel in combating this persistent menace.”

Khalid Imam, a multiple award-winning bilingual author based in Kano, attended the special prayer session and crafted this report.

By Prof. Ibrahim Bello-Kano

Writing any kind of text, narrative, or account of the career or the personal and professional achievements of Prof. Abdallah Uba Adamu is, and always will be, daunting for a number of reasons. One of them is the sheer intellectual energy of the man, his passion for the intellect, which would be hard to describe in a short account. Second, Prof Abdallah has the unusual distinction of being officially bestowed with the title of the “Double Professor”, which means that he has contributed to scholarship in two or more academic fields, namely science education, communication studies, and cultural studies— all three fields have a vast set of scholarly literature and other empirical studies that many may fear to attempt to master in a lifetime.

Thus, it is fair to call Abdallah Uba Adamu a polymath because his scholarly interests and publications have given a new twist to the term “intertextuality”; an academic polyglot because he is versed in the languages of science, education, communication studies, and cultural studies, perhaps even of Administration (since he served as the Vice Chancellor of the Nigerian Open University, where he has left behind the enduring legacy of tertiary education reform, syllabus engineering, and the astute management of money, men, and materials.

The preceding discussion should justify my calling him with the plural “Professors” AU Adamu. My pluralisation of his official, well-earned, and widely recognised by students, peers, and colleagues title of Professor needs to be elevated to a higher order of accolade and meritorious distinction by superlativising it with a transcendental “S”. 

Thus, he alone, at least for the moment, deserves to be described as the “Super Professor” among the professors. 

Adding another “s” to his academic designation is a gesture towards his current status as not just a BUK, University, or National Professor but also as an International Professor par excellence, a Professor with scholarly and academic range worthy of being, and comparable to, the most distinguished professors in the academic world. 

Adamu’s teaching outings in the media or at public lectures are supremely well attended; he’s probably the most-quoted source on media studies, Hausa-Fulani-Muslim cultural film and media studies, and a worthy creator and domesticator of the word/adjective (the) “Islamicate”. 

There is yet another side of this gifted Professor that should be mentioned: he is unusually generous, incredibly empathetic, and a walking example of humility. One cannot see or sense or detect the simplest, the faintest, or the most unconscious sign of academic or cultural arrogance in him. What is more, he is an avid reader, a book enthusiast, and a digital wizard, if not a positively maniacal digitaliser of knowledge production itself. 

Little surprise, then, that Professors AU Adamu has got a magnetic personality: everyone, even the other Professors, want to be “caught” in his passionate discussion of academic and mundane topics. 

In a sense, then, Profs Abdallah has paid his dues to the university system. In his early career, he was the envy of his senior colleagues, who did not help his career advancement; he was the object of many a colleague’s malice. He was also badly misunderstood by his peers, who mistook his enthusiasm or passion for academic excellence for personal arrogance. But, over time, his younger colleagues began to see his merits as a scholar, a compassionate person, as a model for younger colleagues across the university. 

His rising profile as an internationally sought-after scholar and researcher began to take hold in his colleagues’ imaginations. At one time, he offered to present a paper on a cultural studies topic at my department. Some colleagues felt that it was not his “field”, so to speak. I, as the HOD, then was not convinced of the argument. When the paper was presented, everyone could see that the presenter was not of the common mill of people but a deeply learned and imaginative scholar. 

Profossors Adamu is and would always be a worthy presence in any undergraduate or postgraduate teaching circuit. His inaugural lecture drew the largest crowd ever. This walking symbol of hardworking, scholarly acumen, and academic energy is a gift to Kano, his hometown, to BUK, and to the world academic community. 

I wish him continuing good health, more research energy, more scholarly output, and more academic-intellectual sparks.

Ibrahim Bello-Kano can be reached via ibrahimbellokano@gmail.com.