M. M Yusuf: A Legendary Teacher, Inspiring Mentor and Trailblazing Scholar |Tasiu Magaji
It is with great fondness and admiration that I write this tribute to my beloved teacher, M.M Yusuf. He is a truly remarkable individual, a prolific and dynamic scholar with a deep passion for Marxism and Political Economy. He has recently retired as a lecturer from Bayero University Kano, marking the end of a long and successful journey in the world of academia. As he retires from his position as a university lecturer, his legacy will continue to inspire students and academics for years to come. Certainly, he will always be remembered as an exceptional teacher, remarkable mentor, and trailblazing scholar who devoted his entire life to the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.
I first met M. M Yusuf during my second year of university, when I enrolled in his course, Foundation of Political Economy. From the very first lecture, I was captivated by his intellect and enthusiasm for the subject matter. He had a unique way of making complex ideas easy to understand. Over the next few years, I had the privilege of learning from him in other courses, including Politics of Development and Underdevelopment, and Military and politics. Each time, he amazed me with his wealth of knowledge, his ability to convey ideas with real-world relevance, and his inspiring teaching style. His lectures were always filled with insightful discussions, new ideas, and engaging activities, making me realize that learning could be fun too.
One of the most significant contributions of M.M Yusuf to his students was his ability to foster a love for learning and critical thinking. His lectures were never dull or uninspiring, but always infused with a passion for knowledge and new ideas. He encouraged his students to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore a range of perspectives, which is a skill that remains invaluable in today’s world. He is not only a great teacher but also an incredible mentor who provided guidance and support that went beyond the classroom. He inspired his students to take on challenges and pursue their dreams with passion and determination. M. M Yusuf was always available to listen, provide advice, and share his wealth of knowledge and experience. He was always generous with his time, willing to answer questions, provide guidance, and help us expand our knowledge even beyond the scope of his courses. His approachable and friendly demeanour made him a favourite among students, and his kindness, generosity, and compassion are lessons that will never be forgotten.
M.M Yusuf was also an incredibly indefatigable scholar who made significant contributions to the field of International Political Economy. He recognized the need to prepare students for the evolving global landscape, and in response, he initiated the WTO Mock Summit. This initiative brought students from different disciplines together to discuss and simulate global trade negotiations, increasing their understanding of global politics and preparing them for future leadership roles in the international arena. This event was a ground-breaking opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in global politics, learning about the complexities and challenges of international trade negotiations in a highly dynamic and engaging setting.
Another remarkable initiative of M.M Yusuf was his introduction of “eating and chatting” at the end of each class he took. It was a delightful event where students came together to share food, laughter, and conversation about their accomplishments, challenges, and plans for the future. It was a beautiful tradition, which not only increased social interaction, but also gave us an opportunity to strengthen our bond with him. But it is not just his teaching skills that set him apart. He was a true visionary, always pushing the boundaries of his field and leading the charge for change. Undoubtedly, M.M Yusuf has been a pillar of the academic community, bringing his expansive knowledge and unmatched passion for Marxism to countless students over the years. His tireless efforts have inspired generations of young people, fuelling their thirst for knowledge and sparking their curiosity about the world at large.
M. M Yusuf’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his impact on his students will continue to resonate for generations to come. His legacy as a passionate educator, inspiring mentor, and dynamic scholar will be felt far beyond the walls of the Bayero University, and his contributions to the understanding of global politics will continue to benefit the world. To have had him as a teacher is a true privilege, and I feel eternally grateful for the wealth of knowledge and inspiration that he has imparted to me and so many others. Thank you, M.M Yusuf, for everything that you have done for us. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.
By; Tasiu Magaji,
Political Science Department, BUK.
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