Honouring Legacy of Late Dr. Bukar Bashir : A Beacon of Academic Excellence, Crusader of Truth and Justice

It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we remember the late Dr. Bashir Bukar (Baba Bukar), who passed away on June 24, 2024.

The news of his passing spread like wildfire, and the entire Kaduna Polytechnic community was plunged into mourning. The institution was temporarily shut down as a mark of respect for the departed soul. It was evident from the outpouring of grief and tributes that Dr. Bashir Bukar was not just a colleague or a mentor, but a beacon of honesty and righteousness in a world filled with deceit.

Dr. Bashir Bukar was indeed a man of integrity, honesty and dedication. His sudden demise following an Auto accident at faraway Aba in Abia State, Southeast Nigeria, has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him and worked with him. As the Pioneer Dean of the College of Technical and Vocational Education at Kaduna Polytechnic, he played a pivotal role in shaping the future of technical education in Kaduna Polytechnic.

His life and career were testament to dedication, commitment, and excellence in the field of technical education and research. Dr. Bukar’s contributions to academia, particularly in the realm of vocational and technical education, have left an indelible mark on the educational landscape of Nigeria.

Personal Data and Early Life

Dr. Bashir Bukar was born on August 15, 1964, in Kukawa – in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria. He was a proud Nigerian whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of his community. His early education began at Gamboru Primary School Maiduguri, where he completed his primary education in 1976. He then attended Bama Teachers’ College, Bama where he graduated with a Teacher Grade II certificate in 1982. His formative years laid the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to education and technical advancement.

Dr. Bukar’s academic journey was marked by series of accomplishments and unwavering commitment to excellence. He pursued higher education at Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri where he earned NCE (Technical) in Electrical/Electronics with the class of Distinction, from 1984 to 1986. He was awarded the Overall Best NCE Technical Graduate, a testament to his dedication and academic prowess. His quest for knowledge continued where he obtained B.Ed (Tech.) Electrical/Electronics in 1989 from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in affiliation with the then Department of Education (Technical), Kaduna Polytechnic.

Not one to rest on his laurels, he furthered his education at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, where he obtained M.Ed and Ph.D in Industrial Technical Education (Electrical/Electronics) in 1995 and 2006 respectively.

As we pay tribute to Dr Bashir Bukar, we are reminded of the power of one individual’s dedication to make a difference. His legacy is one of courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the truth. He is cherished not only for what he has achieved but for the person he is: a true beacon of hope that can be equated to the likes of his Mentor, late Dr. Yusuf Bala Usman, Late Chief Gani Pawehinme and Late Prof. Awojobi (of blessed memories) and others who believe in the power of truth and social justice.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable and irreplaceable man, let us remember his legacy of integrity, honesty, and compassion. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, students as well as over a thousand of his mentees across the global academia.

May Allah Almighty grant him Aljannatu firdausi (Ameen!!!). May his legendary contributions to education continue to inspire generations to come as well benefit the society for many years to come, as I hope to See Dr BASHIR BUKAR RESEARCH FOUNDATION in the nearest future.

Let me end with his favourite quote “Never you have the course of taking what doesn’t belong to you”. Rest in peace, Dr Bashir Bukar.

Sharifudeen Ibrahim Muhammad (Dan Jarida) MICA ANIPR ANIM AIIPS wrote in this piece from Kaduna

Contributors

Engr. Abubakar Sani Kazaure, Dr. Habibu A. Sara and Orus Phillip Robinson Ebiotubo