By Abdulrasaq Kamaldeen
“Before I was gifted a bike, I used to trek from my village, Gidan Ruwa, to the school’s various hostels from Monday to Sunday and after the long trek, I did feel pain in my heels,” recounted Mallam Nasiru Muhammad
Mallam Nasiru Muhammad, a dedicated hostel electrician at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, has shared the arduous journey that preceded the generous gift of a motorcycle—a symbol of his relentless hard work and dedication.
For him, his story is a testament to the power of perseverance in overcoming life’s challenges.
Living in Gidan Ruwa, also known as Gidan Safey, a village within the school premises, Mallam Nasiru has been a steadfast presence in the university since 2010. His commitment to his job distinguishes him among his peers.
While some colleagues dismissed his dedication as a waste of time, Mallam Nasiru’s actions have spoken louder than words.
A married man with six children, Mallam Nasiru never let his family responsibilities hinder his professional obligations. Even after official work hours, he would return to the hostels to address students’ complaints and fix faulty lights.
Recalling, on the 3rd of July, 2024, the Students Union Caretaker Committee at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, led by Comrade Abdullahi Sanusi, gifted a motorcycle to Mal. Nasir Muhammad, a hostel electrician, in recognition of his efforts.
While presenting the gift, the Dean of Student AffairsProf, Umar Aliyu
and his deputy Dr. Tukur M. Mukhtar praised Mallam Nasir’s dedication by supplementing the motorcycle gift with an additional ₦10,000 for fuel.
“Indeed, your efforts are worthy of emulation,” the Dean remarked.
Speaking with The News Digest Press, Mallam Nasir stressed that he faced a lot of challenges before getting the motorcycle.
He said, “I used to overwork to the extent that my colleagues thought I was just wasting my time. But even after closing hours, I would come to the hostel to fix things due to calls from students about electrical issues.”
Students React
Mallam Nasiru’s dedication has not only been acknowledged by the university administration but also by the students he serves.
Mustapha Aliyu, a 400-level Biological Science student, vividly remembers Mallam Nasiru’s unwavering commitment.
His words: “Nasiru is a hardworking electrician who has dedicated himself to his service. I vividly remember an incident when I was at level 200. Our room’s electricity developed issues, and despite reporting it multiple times to the school maintenance, nothing was done.
“A friend then directed me to Mallam Nasiru. I approached him, and he restored our light on the same day I complained to him. His dedication to his job is remarkable; even if you complain to him at night, he will listen and possibly repair the light immediately.”
Also, Owoicho Helen, a 400-level Zoology student and current hall governor of Kano hostel block A, commended Mallam Nasiru’s integrity and dedication.
“I know the maintenance workers and the most dedicated one among them. Whenever there are light issues, I quickly report it to their office, and he always comes to fix it. He is a man who works with integrity. There is no day you will call him to fix any electrical issues that he won’t come. He is so dedicated to his work; I can attest to that,” Owoicho praised.
Fatima Abdulaziz Abdullahi, a Forestry graduate and former 2022/2023 SU CTC Vice-Chairperson, said, ” This is a well-deserving gift. Mal. Nasiru is the most hardworking maintenance worker I know in Udus.”
Recognizing Dedication: The Gift of a Motorcycle
Comrade Abdullahi Sanusi, a 500-level law student and Caretaker Committee Chairman (CTC), explained the rationale behind awarding Mallam Nasiru the motorcycle.
“The students’ Union Caretaker Committee, in its efforts to promote the social welfare of the students and protect their interests, decided to give out one Daylong dark-blue motorcycle to Malam Nasiru in recognition of his hard work, dedication, and commitment to the welfare and well-being of the students living in the hostel,” said Comrade Sanusi.
“His dedication and quick response to the students’ calls made a significant impact on their well-being. He sacrifices his time and energy in maintaining and regulating electricity in the hostel,” he added.
Comrade Sanusi noted Mallam Nasiru’s consistent and quick response to electrical issues, noting that many students could attest to his reliability.
“I noticed that whenever there is a light issue in the morning, afternoon, or evening, on working days or weekends, if I call Malam Nasiru, he will respond quickly and give a reason if he cannot make it. I interviewed him and understood that mobility was his major problem, from home to hostel, from Jibril Aminu to Bakasi hostel.”
“I brought this issue of giving him one Motorcycle to EXCO and they all agreed. And approved by the Dean of Student Affairs. While handing over the document and key, Dean and his Deputy gave Mallam Nasiru 5000 each to buy fuel.”