By Waziri Isa Adam & Grace Ehi Unogwu FUDMA
Members of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) Senate converged on Tuesday, 19th May, 2026 at the late Prof. Lawal Abdu Saulawa Auditorium to pay glowing tributes to former Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Adamu N’chama Baba-Kutigi, who is retiring from the University.
Kutigi, a renowned professor of nuclear physics, is exiting the University service after attaining 70 years on Wednesday, 10th June, 2026.
Welcoming the Senate Members and other invited guests to the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman, said the University deemed it fit to organize a befitting Valedictory Senate session in honour of the Professor for being the first in FUDMA to officially exit from the academia, sequel to reaching the time-frame enshrined by the law for Nigerian Professors.
Prof. Othman described Kutigi as “an academic who epitomizes credible credentials of efficient service delivery, high administrative acumen, dedicated leadership, patriotism, nation building, educational development and community service”, adding that “the attestation made by people about his personae are evident to define him as a man of intellectual integrity, philosophical prowess and vivacious disposition” who made positive contribution to humanity.
“Great men are not judged by their eloquence, but by the degree of impacts, leadership, contribution and legacies they left behind. Prof. Kutigi, the indelible marks you made will be commemorated by members of FUDMA community forever”, he said.
Presenting a goodwill message on behalf of the Principal Officers, the Registrar, Dr. Musa Ajiya, said “Prof. Kutigi is an unassuming gentleman, an erudite scholar, an achiever, a silent pillar of justice, a distinguished professional, whose career has become a symbol of positive achievement, consistency, professionalism, humility, transparency, empathy and intellectualism in the Nigerian academic cycle”, wishing him Allah’s blessings in his future endeavours.
Speaking on behalf of Provosts, Deans and Directors, the Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Jamilu Shehu, stated that “the Professor of Nuclear Physics is an embodiment of simplicity, tolerance and humility”, adding that the erudite professor could go down to the level of junior staff and students to listen to their problems and assist in solving them.
On behalf of all the Heads of Department, the Head, Department of Islamic Studies, Prof. Jabir Musa Sulaiman, attested to “Prof. Kutigi’s listening ability to people, composure and attention to details”, saying these attributes “have become deeply engraved in his personality and made him to be cherished by many members of the University community”. He prayed to the Almighty Allah to continue to shower His blessings upon Kutigi as he exits from the academia.
In his speech, the Head, Department of Physics, Dr. Isaiah Igwe, stated that “Prof. Kutigi rendered selfless service unpolluted by factors, but primarily and solely guided by fair, just and in accordance with due process in every circumstance”, describing him “as a rare gem, a life of benevolence, compassion, Spartan patriotism and a detribalized Nigerian”.
Delivering the tribute, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Sulaiman, said the Professor deserves the honour considering “his resoluteness to official obligation”, advising all upcoming scholars to emulate him for the educational system to prosper.
In his Valedictory Lecture titled: ‘A Lifetime in Nuclear Science: Reflection on Scholarship and Service’, Prof. Adamu N’chama Baba-Kutigi opined that “Nuclear science, even though misunderstood by many, is of great benefit to mankind in health, energy and food production”, even as he also conceded that “it can also be used for the destruction of mankind as seen in 1945 in Japan and in several nuclear accidents”, to mention just a few.
Acknowledging the University Management, in an emotional speech, Prof. Kutigi said “I am overjoyed with the recognition accorded to me by the University. The Valedictory Senate in my honour would forever remain memorable and I will treasure the experience for a long time to come. Thank you, thank you, thank you and God bless”.
FUDMA VC, Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman (left), presented a plaque to Prof. Adamu N’chama Baba Kutigi (right) shortly after the Senate Session.