Mallum Amina Abdullahi Abbo: A Tribute to a life of knowledge, service, and legacy, by Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, FNSE
Introduction: A Legacy of Learning and Leadership
“Njangen, Nduren, Ndemen” — this oft-cited quote by Sheikh Usman Danfodiyo remains timeless, reminding us that knowledge acquisition, pastoral rearing, and agriculture are the pillars of a meaningful and successful life. These values, deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, were the backbone of the Sokoto Caliphate’s societal model. The movement, led by Sheikh Danfodiyo, and sustained by his brother Abdullahi, his son Muhammadu Bello, and his daughter Nana Asma’u, laid a powerful foundation for generations to come.
Nana Asma’u, in particular, exemplified the enduring power of female scholarship and reform. Her establishment of the ‘Yan Taru movement—a network of women educators—challenged prevailing norms and opened doors for women’s access to Islamic learning across West Africa. Her legacy is immortalized in acclaimed scholarly works such as The Caliph’s Sister, One Woman’s Jihad, and The Collected Works of Nana Asma’u.
Today, we remember Mallum Amina Abdullahi Abbo, a contemporary torchbearer of this noble tradition. Her life’s journey was a testament to the transformative power of faith, knowledge, service, and community leadership—especially in times and contexts where female contributions often went unrecognised.
Roots of Strength: A Proud Heritage
Mallum Amina was born into the illustrious Fulani families of Bodejo and Ba Sulei, proud members of the Goshi clan of hunters, originating from Lanta in what is today Tibati, Republic of Cameroon. Her lineage was not only known for hunting but for upholding principles of resilience, mobility, cultural preservation, and religious devotion.
As part of the historic Fulani migratory tradition, her family journeyed westward—settling briefly in Ganduwa, then Mayo-Ndaga, before finally finding a home near a gentle stream they named Dou-Mayo. A significant event occurred when a cherished cow named Sewa was sacrificed, giving the area its enduring name—Mayo-Sewa—now part of Kusuku. It was here that Bodejo married Aishatu, daughter of Ba Sulei. The couple later moved a short distance to establish Lugga Huse, both of which remain sacred sites in the family’s story.
Early Life and a Passion for Knowledge
Amina, the second daughter among nine siblings, grew up surrounded by rich tradition, oral history, and strong Islamic values. Her spiritual and intellectual awakening came with the arrival of a renowned Islamic scholar named Waziri—believed to be the sibling of the then-chief of Ti-nger, who relocated due to a leadership dispute.
Ba Sulei welcomed the scholar into their community, and soon, news spread of his teachings, attracting families from near and far. Young Amina was among the very first students. Her natural curiosity, discipline, and love for learning quickly became evident. She reached a remarkable milestone—becoming the first female in her community to complete the full recitation of the Holy Qur’an.
This early achievement not only elevated her status within the community but also inspired a generational shift in attitudes toward girls’ education, especially in remote rural settings.
Marriage, Motherhood, and Lifelong Service
After her Qur’anic completion, Amina married Alhaji Abdullahi, fondly known as Abbo. After her marriage with Alhaji Abbo, then they later migrated from Makafo near Kusuku to a new place called Hosere Banji close to Zongo Ajiya where they settled permanently. Their union was blessed with eleven children—six sons and five daughters—all nurtured under the values of discipline, humility, and knowledge.
Far from limiting herself to domestic life, Mallum Amina went on to establish a Tsangaya school, teaching children how to read, write, and memorize the Qur’an. For over five decades, she taught hundreds—if not thousands—of children, earning a reputation as a matriarch, educator, and moral compass of the community.
At a time when female teachers were rare, especially in rural and mountainous regions like Kusuku, Mallum Amina broke barriers. Her home was a center of learning, spirituality, and character-building.
A Life that Speaks Beyond Death
On the 2nd of August, 2025, at the age of 78, Mallum Amina Abdullahi Abbo returned to her Creator. She leaves behind:
7 surviving children
65 grandchildren
30 great-grandchildren
These numbers, though impressive, pale in comparison to the spiritual and intellectual impact she had on her wider community. The generations of Qur’anic students she nurtured, the values she instilled, and the cultural heritage she preserved are her true legacy.
Her death was not just a loss to her family—it was a loss to the community, to women’s education, and to traditional Islamic scholarship.
Call to Action: Preserving and Promoting Her Legacy
As we honor this remarkable woman, we must ask ourselves:
What are we doing to preserve and promote the kind of legacy Mallum Amina built?
Her life provides a blueprint for how grassroots scholarship, especially in remote and underserved areas, can counter the rise of banditry, idleness, substance abuse, and moral decay. We must draw on her example to:
1. Support and modernise Tsangaya schools with better infrastructure, training, and resources.
2. Encourage women’s participation in religious education—not only as learners but as teachers and leaders.
3. Bridge traditional and modern education, allowing for moral and intellectual development side by side.
4. Empower rural communities through tailored educational programs and inclusive policy-making.
To government leaders, NGOs, religious institutions, and community stakeholders, this is a clarion call:
i. Create a conducive environment where stories like Mallum Amina’s are not rare, but common.
Education in remote areas must no longer be viewed as charity—it must be seen as nation-building.
Final Reflections and Prayers
We remember Malum Amina not only as a mother, grandmother, and teacher—but as a beacon of hope, a pioneer, and a servant of Allah (SWT).
May the Almighty Allah accept her deeds, forgive her shortcomings, and grant her the highest station in Jannatul Firdaus.
“When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them.”
— Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Her life encompassed all three.
May her legacy continue to inspire girls in Sardauna Local Government, educators in Taraba, and leaders across Nigeria.
Ameen.
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