A coalition of Nigerian and international universities have unveiled plans to organise a Global Day of Tributes and Orations in honour of the late Professor Adamu David Baikie for his contribution to the education sector and national development.
Professor Baikie, widely acknowledged as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished educationists with influence across Africa and the global academic community, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 12, 2025. He was buried on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in Wusasa, Zaria, his hometown.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Project Implementation Committee at Walter Miller University (Proposed), Senator Tunde Ogbeha.
He explained that the event would formally launch initiatives aimed at preserving and celebrating Professor Baikie’s lasting contributions to education and national development.
Institutions collaborating on the programme include Walter Miller Educational Resources Ltd./Walter Miller University, alongside Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; the University of Benin, Benin City; the National University of Lesotho, Maseru (Southern Africa); and the Nigerian Academy of Education.
The organisers have invited members of the public to take part in the global tribute event, while also requesting the submission of tributes and scholarly orations on or before January 10, 2026. This, they noted, would allow time for compilation and publication ahead of the tribute night scheduled for January 15, 2026.
“The family, colleagues and friends are grateful to all who sent condolence messages, attended the funeral and burial, and offered prayers, support and encouragement in various ways,” the statement said.
The organisers stressed that Professor Baikie merits such recognition in view of his exceptional service to education and national development.
“He distinguished himself as an accomplished scholar and teacher; a Vice-Chancellor of exceptional repute; a gifted administrator and researcher; a respected boardroom diplomat; a community builder; and a global citizen whose impact spanned institutions and generations,” the statement noted.
During his illustrious career, Professor Baikie served as Vice-Chancellor of three universities.
He was also a former Chairman of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Dean of the Faculty of Education, and Director of the Institute of Education at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he additionally served as Acting Vice-Chancellor on five occasions.
His record of public service extended beyond academia. He held positions as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Chief Commissioner of the Federal Public Complaints Commission, and Chairman of the Board of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
Individuals interested in contributing tributes or orations have been asked to forward their submissions to the Secretariat via email at whitesoul001@yahoo.com.
The statement further revealed that His Royal Highness, Sanusi Mohammed III, will deliver the keynote address titled “Professor David Adamu Baikie: A Trailblazer in Education.”
Senator Ogbeha added that the organisers eagerly anticipate the participation of stakeholders, while conveying “the warm personal regards and highest compliments of General T. Y. Danjuma (rtd.), Chairman of the WMER/WMU Board of Trustees, who holds the memory and ideals of the late Professor Baikie in very high esteem.