By Isyaku Ibrahim
It is obvious that all of us no matter whether young or old are living on a borrowed time.
Absolutely, death is a hurdle that one must pass whenever the time reaches.
This is what happened to easy going, intelligent, smiling face and kind-hearted Professor Hafizu Miko Yakasai of the Faculty of Nigerian Languages Bayero University Kano at the late hours of Thursday the fourth of September 2025 at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital after a brief illness.
A void has by no means created in view of the monumental loss which will take time to be replaced.
The death of the Professor which most of us normally called “Dan Aljannah” during our studentship as he did not use to fail his students was a major set back not only to the University community but also fellow scholars and the entire community in view of his tireless contribution towards its socio economic development of the society.
It is a fact that must be told that the bulk of us took who Hausa as a minor course during our University days ,gained a lot from him especially in the basic rudiment of translatio in view of his good methodology , superb teaching habit and guidance hence facilitate our present assignment as working journalists.
Clearly speaking i will not be falsified if I described the deceased as one of the egg heads in translation not only within the famous University and its surrounding environment alone but rather the wider Nigerian community in view of his rich indisputable experience which later paved his appointment as onetime president of Nigeria Institute of Translators and Interpreters.
The deceased could also be remembered for the enormous role he played in ensuring the use of standardised Hausa language over media and advertising outfits across the world.
Another credit attached to him was his signiificant contribution towards the publication of Hausa Dictionary which greatly helps students of learning in their academic pursuits likewise learners of the language in one way or the other.
It is itching that Professor Hafizu Miko Yakasai left at this crucial time that people of his calibre are highly in need in the larger locality in view of their vast knowledge , artistry and skills but there is nothing one can do as His creator loves him best and understandably for everyone of us is time appointed.
The Don absence will really be felt not only by his family,friends,and members of the Academia but also the vast majority.
But we pray to God the omnipotent in view of his abundant compassion and mercy will wipe the pitfalls he committed knowingly or otherwise and make heaven his final abode.
Adieu Professor of Linguist Hafizu Miko Yakasai may God lighten your grave and soften the questions that would be thrown before you by Angels delightfully as you died on Friday night when such intricacies are usually not pretty difficult.
Allah ya kyauta makwanci
