JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
In a society where the journey to academic excellence is often steep and challenging, Yakaka Bilkisu Bukar Maina’s story stands as a powerful testament to resilience, sacrifice and quiet determination. Her recent promotion to Professor of Energy and Environmental Development at the University of Maiduguri is not just a personal achievement, it is a historic milestone for Yobe State and a beacon of hope for many young women.
Sometimes, stories don’t need too many big words to make sense, they just speak for themselves. The story of Professor Yakaka Bukar Maina is one of those.
Coming from Yobe state, where it is not very common to see women reaching the highest academic levels, her achievements stand out in a very special way. She is now recognized as the first indigenous woman from Yobe to reach the rank of economics professor, and that is already something worth celebrating.
His academic journey didn’t happen overnight. From her student days at the University of Maiduguri to earning her PhD in Energy and Environmental Economics from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, she has continued to move forward step by step. She has risen through the ranks of Graduate Assistant, Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer and now Professor. This type of progress only comes with consistency and dedication.
Over the years he has taught many students and supervised more than one hundred undergraduate and graduate projects. Many of these students today contribute to society in different ways, which shows that its impact goes far beyond the classroom.
Its specialization in energy and environment is also very important, especially in a region like ours. Through his research and work, he has examined issues such as home energy use, environmental challenges, and how people can live better by protecting their surroundings.
He has also worked with organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), where he contributed as an energy and environment specialist. This shows that his knowledge is not only useful in university but also in solving real-life problems.
But beyond all the academic successes, there is another side to his story that makes the family he comes from even more significant.
The Maina family is truly something rare in Yobe State. It is not common to see a family produce this level of academic excellence. His father, Alhaji Bukar Maina, is a respected retired permanent secretary and an experienced administrator known for his discipline and service.
Among his brothers, the founder and director of the Biomedical Research Training Center (BioRTC), Professor Mahmoud Bukar Maina had previously achieved the rank of professor of neuroscience. Now, Yakaka has joined him, which means there are now already two professors in the family. Their other brothers, Dr. Ali Bukar Maina, Mohammed Bukar Maina, Yusuf Bukar Maina, among others; they are also doing well in their respective fields, with Dr. Ali recognized as a world expert in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Honestly, just calling them a family might not even be enough, they are more like an educational legacy in this region.
His personal life also tells a story of strength. Losing a mother at a young age is never easy, but she stepped up and became a source of support for the family. Over time, she became someone others could count on not only academically, but emotionally as well.
From what I personally know, having worked at the Information Unit and as a reporter at Kanem FM Unimaid Radio, Professor Yakaka has always had a penchant for mentoring young people. He’s the kind of person who wants to see others grow.
Today his success is not his alone. She belongs to her family, her students, her state, and to every young girl who wonders if it is possible to achieve such goals.
His story reminds us that with patience, hard work and faith, great things can happen, no matter where you come from.
In recognition of this remarkable achievement, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, extended his heartiest congratulations to Professor Yakaka Bilkisu Bukar Maina on her elevation. She described her promotion by the University of Maiduguri Senate as a proud moment not only for the state but for the entire North East sub-region, noting that she has now emerged as the first female professor of energy and environmental development in the region.
The Governor also commended her outstanding contributions as a scholar on energy, environmental development and climate resilience, particularly her commitment to addressing challenges in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities. While acknowledging her role as an advisor to FAO in support of programs on natural resource management, clean energy and livelihoods, he prayed for Allah’s continued guidance and urged her to remain dedicated to her profession, continue to justify the trust reposed in her and continue to make Yobe State proud.
Abdulmumin Kolo Gulani writes from Damaturu.
