By Idris Umar, Zaria Two decades after the passing of Dr. Yusuf Bala Usman, renowned historian and public intellectual, the Yusu...
By Idris Umar, Zaria
Two decades after the passing of Dr. Yusuf Bala Usman, renowned historian and public intellectual, the Yusuf Bala Usman Centre in GRA, Zaria, Kaduna State, has organised a memorial symposium in his honour.
The symposium drew scholars from across Nigeria and beyond, with about a dozen presenters delivering academic papers on history, politics, and social development—areas where Yusuf Bala made his mark during his lifetime.
One of the keynote speakers, Professor Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), delivered a paper on elections and the state of Nigerian politics. He praised Yusuf Bala’s lifelong struggle against injustice and his efforts at raising public consciousness, while offering prayers for God’s mercy upon the late scholar and blessings for his family.
Veteran journalist Malam Sani Zarro, in his remarks, urged contemporary scholars to emulate Yusuf Bala’s courage and commitment to truth. He described the late historian as a man who consistently stood against oppression and worked tirelessly for positive change. Zarro further encouraged the Centre to sustain its outreach, particularly through media platforms, to spread the values Yusuf Bala championed.
The event was chaired by Malam Ibrahim Mu’azzam of the Centre for Research and Documentation, Kano.
Other notable attendees who shared personal recollections of Yusuf Bala included Ambassador Abdu A. Zango, Professor Watsi O. Alli, Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, Dr. Auwalu Anwar, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, Oluwatosin Orimolade, and Dr. Sama’ila Ibrahim. They highlighted his immense contributions to scholarship, education, and youth development.
The symposium concluded in a solemn and reflective atmosphere, marking the enduring legacy of Dr. Yusuf Bala Usman—scholar, teacher, and advocate for justice.
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