The University of Abuja and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are mourning the loss of a distinguished scholar, activist, and former ASUU Chairperson, Professor Abu Mallam, who passed away on Tuesday, 17th March 2026, after a brief illness.
According to the Programme of events of the burial, Corpse of the deceased will leave University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada by 6:30 am on Saturday, 28th March, 2026, for burial on the same day, in his country home Gwantu, Headquarters of Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State
Prof Mallam, a Professor of Geophysics, was a pillar of intellectual and institutional development in Nigeria’s higher education landscape. Born on 19th May 1960, in Gwantu, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, he dedicated his life to scholarship, mentorship, and public service.
He began his education at LEA Primary School, Gwantu (1968-1974), and Government Secondary School, Zaria (1974-1979), before attending Katsina College of Arts, Science and Technology (KCAST), Zaria (1979-1981). He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1985, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (1988) and a master’s degree in Applied Geophysics (1991) from the same institution. He earned his PhD in Applied Geophysics from the University of Abuja in 2006.
Prof Mallam commenced his career in 1986 at Kaduna State College of Education, Kafanchan, transferring to the University of Abuja in 1994 as a Lecturer II. He rose to become a Professor of Geophysics in 2010, becoming the first and only Professor from Aninka ethnic group – Sanga.
A prolific researcher, he contributed significantly to groundwater exploration, environmental geophysics, and mineral resource studies. He supervised numerous postgraduate students, including 14 PhD candidates and over 30 master’s students.
He served as Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dean of Students’ Affairs, and Head of the Physics Department, demonstrating exceptional leadership and administrative acumen. His tenure was marked by stability, innovation, and impactful reforms.
Prof Mallam was a strong advocate for academic staff welfare and university system advancement, serving as ASUU Chairperson, University of Abuja Branch, and Zonal Coordinator for the Abuja Zone. He contested for the House of Representatives seat representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency in 1998 and was a member of the University of Abuja Governing Council and Teaching Hospital Governing Board.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Physics (FNIP), he received numerous awards, including national recognition for his contributions to football refereeing. He was also a sports enthusiast, earning awards from the Nigeria Football Association.
Prof Mallam was a devoted family man, married to Mrs. Hajara Abu Mallam, with four children (Joyce, Joan, Joel, and Jerremiah) and one granddaughter (Bethel). He will be remembered as a scholar of depth, leader of vision, mentor, and man of service, excellence, and impact.
Leave a comment