Former Minister of Defense, Lt. Gen Theophilus Danjuja, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana and former Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF), Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, were among dignitaries who pay tributes to foremost educationist, Prof. David Adamu Baikie.
At an evening of tributes organised by Board of Trustees and Management of Walter Miller University (proposed), General Danjuma who served as Chairman of the occasion, described Prof. Baikie was as a source of inspiration to Nigerians, especially the youths.
He stated that Prof. Baikie who is regarded as “serial Vice Chancellor,” contributed tremendously to the development of education in Nigeria and across Africa.
“His remarkable career trajectory span more than six decades, beginning as a pupil teacher in Wusasa in 1952 and ascending to the highest levels of academic leadership,” he added.
Ahmed in his tribute, called on Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Northern leaders, to create a special scholarship scheme to train teachers, as a way of immortalising Prof. Baikie.
The former SGF stated that the deceased records in the field of education could hardly be surpassed.
“Professor David Adamu Baikie remained a pillar of Nigeria’s education. He was a professional teacher who professionally produced professional teachers,” he added.
Prof. Gana credited the creation of the first Faculty of Education of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), to Prof. Baikie.
Gana added that Baikie was full of ideas, and had contributed immensely to the growth and development of University of Benin where he served as Vice Chancellor.
“They remember him very, very well. For them, we are delighted that Prof. Baikie proved to be a first class manager of academic excellence. He believed in academic excellence,” he said.
Chairman of Walter Miller University (proposed), Diko, Niger State, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, said they used Prof. Baikie’s name to promote the university, a faith-based university established by Northern Christians of Anglican Communion.
Prof. Baikie was the first professor of Education in Northern Nigeria.
He served as Vice Chancellor of three universities, the University of Benin, the National University of Lesotho and pioneer Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and acted as Vice Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria five times.
Tributes were also paid by the management of the University of Benin, ABU, Nasarawa State University among others.
Prof. Baikie died on December 12, 2025 and was buried on 23 of that same year.
