Prof. Gujbawu: When a Compassionate Soul Departs 

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

Not long ago, Prof. Mohammed Gujbawu Haruna phoned and asked me to see him at his residence if I were in Maiduguri.

He said, “Maigana I see you advertising caps on Facebook. I felt I should patronize you.”

I appreciated him and respectfully told him that I will see him at night if that is convenient for him. You could come, he said.

I phoned him the following evening to confirm his availability. He said that I should meet him at the Government House where he and his friends keep fit at night.

I was broke that day. Fortunately, he linked me up with some of his friends who bought some caps from us. Honestly, my friend and I were happy that day.

Interestingly, there was one unique cap that caught the attention of all of them. All of them wanted to buy it. I told him that he should leave it for his friend promising him that he will get his own in 7 weeks in sha Allah. And he agreed.

Recently, I informed him that his cap will be ready in a week. He acknowledged my message saying he will pay me in cash. That was my last communication with him.

This morning, a friend posted on his Whatsapp status that Prof. has passed away. What a delusional world! Indeed, death is a lesson for the wise.

He was a gentleman; very humble and straightforward. I send my condolence to his family, colleagues, friends, and students.

I informed my friend who escorted me to the Government House of the death of our humble customer. He was devastated but that was the will of Allah.

Professor Mohammed Haruna Gujbawu was, until his death, a lecturer with the Department of Mass Communication, University Maiduguri.

Ya Allah, forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest. Ameen.