When A Gentle Light Goes Out: The Demise Of A Quintessential Dandago
By Lamara Garba
A deep wave of disbelief and sorrow swept through Bayero University, Kano the moment the tragic news began to circulate. Offices fell unusually silent, lectures paused in uneasy whispers, and clusters of staff and students gathered across the campus seeking confirmation of what many feared was true.
Faces reflected shock and grief as the heartbreaking news filtered through the university community that Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago had passed away. For many, it felt almost unreal that a man whose presence symbolised humility, warmth and intellectual guidance within the institution was suddenly gone.
Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago passed away on Wednesday, 4th March 2026, at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy defined by scholarship, service and compassion. His departure represents not only the loss of a distinguished Professor of Accounting but also the passing of a man whose life was devoted to the pursuit of knowledge, mentorship and the upliftment of others.
Indeed, his passing marks the quiet departure of a quintessential Dandago, a man whose life was woven with simplicity, sincerity and uncommon generosity.
Those who knew him closely often spoke first of his character before mentioning his impressive academic achievements. Despite his towering reputation as a scholar, Professor Dandago remained remarkably approachable. His friendliness was genuine, his humility disarming and his conduct consistently reflected deep respect for others. Titles and positions never created barriers between him and the people around him.
Whether engaging senior colleagues, junior staff members or students, he displayed the same warmth and simplicity that endeared him to many. Above all, he was deeply God fearing. His life reflected strong moral values rooted in faith, sincerity and compassion. In him, intellect walked hand in hand with humility, and knowledge was always guided by conscience.
His acts of altruistic benevolence knew no bounds.
Just about a week before his passing, an incident occurred that now carries deep emotional significance. Members of our Non Governmental Organization, the Raa’ayi Initiative for Human Development, were mobilising resources for one of our humanitarian traditions. The organisation periodically raises funds to purchase food items for families of deceased colleagues who may be struggling silently after losing their loved ones.
Professor Dandago was among the first to respond.
Not only did he send his contribution promptly, his donation turned out to be the highest among more than one hundred members of Raa’ayi Initiative. Even after making his personal contribution, he encouraged other members to support the project so that the target could be achieved and the families assisted meaningfully.
Unknown to him, he was making what would become his final contribution to the Raa’ayi project.
Today, that gesture stands as a powerful reflection of the generosity that defined his life. The man who was helping families of deceased colleagues did not know that he himself would soon be mourned by the same community. In giving comfort to others, he was unknowingly writing the final line of his own story of kindness.
Within Bayero University Kano, his influence was both profound and lasting. One of the enduring legacies associated with him is the strong mentoring culture within the Faculty of Management Sciences, formerly the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences. Several years ago, he played an important role in strengthening a mentoring system that has since guided many young academics and students.
He believed firmly that institutions grow when experienced scholars patiently guide younger minds. Many lecturers today acknowledge that their professional journeys were shaped by his advice, encouragement and fatherly support.
Another notable contribution under his influence was the introduction of the student ICAN programme. Through this initiative, students were encouraged to pursue professional certification with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria while still undertaking their undergraduate studies. Today, more than fifty students have successfully obtained ICAN qualifications alongside their degrees, reflecting Professor Dandago’s vision of producing graduates who are both academically sound and professionally competitive.
According to the Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Muhammad Aminu Isa, the faculty has lost a great pillar whose presence contributed immensely to unity and stability. He noted that Professor Dandago consistently worked towards strengthening cooperation among staff while always seeking ways to advance the growth and progress of the faculty and the university.
Born on April 5, 1963, in Dandago Quarters of Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State, he joined Bayero University in September 1990 and rose through the ranks to become Professor of Accounting in 2007. Over more than three decades of service, he held several academic and administrative positions including Head of the Department of Accounting and later Dean of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences.
A prolific scholar, he authored over thirty books and published more than eighty five academic articles while supervising numerous postgraduate students, including doctoral candidates. His intellectual contributions extended beyond the university, as he also served as Federal Commissioner at the Tax Appeal Tribunal and earlier as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State.
Only days before his passing, Professor Dandago delivered what would become his final public lecture. On Saturday, 28th February 2026, he spoke at the 10th Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria. In that lecture, he reflected on the pathway to economic development of the northern region, carefully identifying the roots of the region’s economic challenges while proposing thoughtful solutions for sustainable progress.
In mourning the distinguished scholar, the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, Professor Haruna Musa, fsi, described the late Dandago as a complete gentleman, an honest and committed academic whose contributions significantly shaped the growth and reputation of the university.
The Vice Chancellor noted that Professor Dandago was more than a scholar; he was a mentor and a steady hand in university administration whose calm disposition, integrity and willingness to support colleagues earned him admiration across the institution.
“His passing leaves a vacuum that will be difficult to fill,” Professor Musa said, while praying that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus.
Thousands of mourners later gathered for his funeral prayers in Kano, reflecting the deep respect and affection he commanded across academic, professional and community circles.
Yet in reflecting on the life of Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, one timeless truth quietly emerges. Life is not measured by the length of years alone, but by the depth of the footprints one leaves behind. Some lives pass like fleeting shadows, barely touching the edges of memory. Others, like that of Professor Dandago, glow with purpose, kindness and service, leaving behind a light that continues to guide long after the bearer of the light has gone.
Though his years were sixty three, the influence of his life stretches far beyond the boundaries of time. In the minds he shaped, the hearts he inspired and the values he lived by, the quintessential Dandago will continue to endure.
May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Lamara Garba is the Director of Public Affairs, Bayero University, Kano