01/08/2025
Commemoration of 1st August: A Day of Divine Turning Point.
1st August 2005 stands as a landmark in my life—a sacred memory of transformation, divine assistance, and human kindness. It was the day I received my first official appointment letter, which would eventually open the door to a life of scholarship, service, and steady progress.
My journey started in 2003, when I completed my Diploma in Sharia and Civil Law at A. D. Rufai College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Misau (now A. D. Rufai College of Education, Legal and General Studies, Misau). I collected my Statement of Result in 2004. Driven by hope and the desire to serve, I approached the Sharia Court of Appeal in Gombe, where I had the privilege of meeting my uncle, the late Justice A. B. Daudu, then serving as a Khadi.
After exchanging greetings, he noticed the envelope in my hand and asked, “Are you here looking for a job?” I answered yes. He invited me into his car without hesitation. Along the way, we stopped at a chemist near the car stand in Gambo Isari, Jekadafari, Gombe, where he bought some medicine. There, he asked someone, “Where can one easily find a job nowadays?” The person responded, “Only in teaching, and even that would require being posted to far areas like Bajoga, or somewhere similar, because there were too many teachers in Akko.”
The Khadi then turned to me and asked, “Can you teach?” I said, “Yes.” The person advised him to go to SUBEB (State Universal Basic Education Board) directly. Without hesitation, he instructed the driver to take us there and we proceeded to the office of Alhaji Abubakar Garba Mohammed Pindiga, then the Secretary of SUBEB.
After they exchanged pleasantries, the Khadi introduced himself and explained the purpose of our visit. The Secretary replied, “You could have just sent a message.” To which the Khadi responded, “Coming in person is better than sending a message.” He then explained the matter, and the Secretary said, “No problem. Let him make photocopies and submit.” I said I had copies with me and immediately handed them over. The Secretary told me to start following up regularly, which I agreed to.
From that moment, my journey of follow-ups began. Every two to three weeks, I returned to show my continued interest. I was later directed to Mallam Abbaji Salihu Pindiga, then the Education Secretary to the Akko Local Education Authority who offered me the opportunity to begin as a volunteer teacher—an offer I gratefully accepted. I was posted to Shabbal Primary School, where I started teaching during the third term examination period.
Then came 1st August 2005—a date forever stamped on my heart.
On that day in the morning after a heavy downpour and after another follow-up visit, Mallam Abbaji said to me:
“Let’s go to my house.”
We walked together from the secretariat to his residence.
There, he stepped into his sitting room and came back holding a letter.
“This is your appointment letter,” he said.
I took the letter with heartfelt gratitude. He advised:
“Don’t let the small salary you would be given to deceive or discourage you. Work sincerely. After two years, pursue further studies. If by the end of the month (August) your salary comes, that’s fine. If not, be patient and await the subsequent month.”
That letter was not just a piece of paper—it was the seed of a future that has since blossomed and that was how I became a school teacher.
That appointment and humble opportunity also laid the foundation of my professional journey. With that modest income, I enrolled for my LL.B at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) and successfully completed it. Joined and successfully finished the Nigerian Law School and eventually called to the Nigerian Bar and later went on to obtain my LL.M (Master of Laws) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and I am currently pursuing my PhD in Private Law at the same university.
I remained in service under the Local Education Authority until 31st October 2016, when I formally withdrew my services. I then transferred to the Gombe State College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Nafada—now known as Gombe State College of Education and Legal Studies, Nafada—where I currently serve as a lecturer.
Today, as I commemorate 1st August, I do so not just in memory of a job offer, but in celebration of the moment that changed everything for me. I owe immense gratitude to Allah and to the men who stood as vessels of divine favour:
Late Justice A. B. Daudu – May Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus, and continue to protect and uplift his family.
Alhaji Abubakar Garba Mohammed Pindiga – May Allah reward his generosity, bless him with good health and long life.
Late Abbaji Salihu Pindiga – May Allah grant him mercy, forgive his sins, and bring ease and honour to his descendants.
1st August reminds me that one simple act—a belief in someone’s potential—can ignite a lifetime of purpose. It is a testimony that divine help often arrives through ordinary people doing extraordinary good.
In grateful remembrance,
Salisu Abubakar
1st August 2025
