A coalition of friends, colleagues, and comrades will gather on April 29, 2026, to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of the late Comrade Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed, a titan of Nigerian progressive intellectualism and social justice.
Mohammed, who passed away on December 11, 2025, was widely regarded as an incorrigible patriot and a cornerstone of the socialist movement in Nigeria.
Throughout a distinguished career spanning Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), he remained a steadfast advocate for academic freedom, gender equality, and the transformation of Africa.
A press statement issued by the organisers of the event, signed by Y.Z. Ya’u, said the memorial event aims to honour Mohammed’s decades of struggle—from his pivotal role in the Movement for Progressive Nigeria (MPN) and the anti-apartheid movement to his contributions as a founding member of Women in Nigeria (WIN) and a staunch leader within the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Highlights of the event are:
- A symposium under the theme, “Scholars and the Social Question in Nigeria: Reflections on the Life of A.S. Mohammed,” which will be chaired by Senator Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi. Distinguished panelists for the session include Dr. Yusuf Bangura, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Prof. Aliyah Adamu Ahmad, and Dr. Julie Sanda.
- A book launch featuring the formal presentation of Comrade Mohammed’s major original work, The Satiru Revolt of Peasants and Slaves in Sokoto, 1906. The session will be chaired by a former Governor of Sokoto State, Malam Yahaya Abdulkarim, with a review by Prof. M.J. Kuna.
- Launch of an endowment fund: The proceeds from the book launch will benefit an Endowment Fund established to support the late Comrade’s family and the noble causes he championed.
- Biographical tribute to be presented by Dr. J. Maina detailing the life of the man many knew as a “crusader for the common good.”
The event will take place from 9 a.m. at BON Elvis Hotel, located at No. 2, Monrovia Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
The statement noted: “Comrade Sokoto, mni, lived a life that inspired, leaving a legacy worthy of preservation.
“By documenting his struggles and advancing the discourse on justice and development, we ensure that his rich engagements continue to inspire the hope of making Nigeria a better country.
“Members of the general public, the academic community, civil society, labour and the media are cordially invited to attend this day of reflection and celebration.
“The occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on a life devoted to justice and nation-building while contributing to a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.”
The Man of Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed, mni
Early Life and Background
Mallam Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed was born approximately 76 years ago in Enugu, Nigeria, while his father was serving in the Nigerian military. His early life reflected the mobility associated with military service, which exposed him to different parts of the country from a young age.
His father, Muhammad Riji, hailed from Raɓah Local Government Area of Sokoto State and was a respected soldier who served as a veteran of World War II. His military background greatly influenced the upbringing of his family, instilling in them discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of patriotism.
Early Education
Mallam Abubakar began his primary education in Enugu, where he spent part of his childhood. He later returned to Sokoto State, where he continued his education at RCM Primary School, now known as Marafa Danbaba Model Primary School, Sokoto, and successfully completed his primary education.
Following his return to Sokoto, he was also enrolled at Nizzamiya Islamiya School, located in the Yar Akija area of Sokoto State, for Islamic education. He excelled in his studies and passed with flying colours, thereby acquiring a strong foundation in both Western and Islamic education.
Secondary Education
Upon completing his primary education, he gained admission into the then Government College Sokoto, now known as Nagarta College. During his time at the college, he distinguished himself academically and demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, earning him the position of School Head Boy.
He graduated in 1968 with outstanding academic performance.
University Education and Academic Career
Mallam Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studied Sociology and excelled academically. In recognition of his exceptional performance and intellectual capability, he was retained as a member of the academic staff, marking the beginning of his career in teaching, research, and scholarship.
During his early academic career in the university, he got married to his first wife, Mama Ige. Their marriage was peaceful and enduring, and they lived happily together for many years, although the union was not blessed with children.
He later served at Usmanu Ɗanfodiyo University, Sokoto, where he lectured in Sociology and mentored many students. He was widely respected for his ability to simplify complex theoretical and policy issues.
Public Service and Media Leadership
Mallam Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed also distinguished himself in public service and media administration. In 1992, during the administration of Governor Yahaya Abdulkarim, he was appointed as the pioneer General Manager of the Sokoto Newspaper Company.
During his stay at the newspaper company, he married his second wife, Hajiya Laraba, and the union was blessed with six children. Sadly, Laraba later passed away in Jos, leaving behind the six children, who were subsequently cared for and raised under the guardianship and support of his first wife, Mama Ige.
Following the death of his first wife, he married his third wife, Hajiya Maimuna Magaji Sa’idu. However, the marriage did not last long, and the couple later separated.
He subsequently married his fourth and final wife, who survived him.
His leadership at the newspaper company contributed significantly to the establishment and growth of the organization, enhancing effective communication and the dissemination of government information in Sokoto State.
Intellectual Influence and Scholarship
Mallam Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed emerged as a prominent figure among the Zaria intellectual circle of the 1980s — a group of scholars committed to political economy, social justice, and progressive transformation in Nigeria. He was widely regarded as a radical scholar with strong Marxist-oriented perspectives on society and governance.
Role at NIPSS, Kuru
He served at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, near Jos, where he rose to the position of Head of the Publications Division.
At NIPSS, he made significant contributions to policy research and strategic studies, delivered lectures to participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC), and played an important role in shaping discussions on governance, development, and national policy formulation.
Activism and International Engagement
Beyond academia, Mallam Abubakar was a committed activist and public intellectual. He was a leading figure in Nigeria’s anti-apartheid movement and served as Chairman of Youth Solidarity on South Africa (YUSSAN), advocating for the end of apartheid in South Africa.
He was also a Fulbright Fellow, reflecting his international academic exposure and recognition.
Publications and Contributions
Mallam Abubakar contributed to several academic and policy-oriented works. Among his notable contributions is “Policy Typology and Implications” (2010), presented at a policy workshop.
He was widely regarded as a “trainer of trainers” and a reservoir of knowledge in sociology, governance, and policy studies.
Personality and Legacy
He was known for his:
- Humility and intellectual depth
- Strong principles and commitment to truth
- Dedication to mentoring younger generations
Mallam Abubakar was a devoted Muslim, a mosque committee member, and a mu’adhdhin who consistently served his community in worship and faith-based activities.
His influence extended beyond academia into policy circles, activism, religious service, and national discourse.
Death
Mallam Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed passed away on December 11, 2025, after a brief illness.
His death was widely mourned across academic, policy, activist, and religious communities in Nigeria.
Conclusion
Mallam Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed, mni, remains a towering figure in Nigeria’s intellectual and religious history. His life represents a rare blend of scholarship, activism, faith, and public service.
