The Bauchi State Government has named its State University after one of its illustrous sons and the father of progressive politics in the North, Malam Saadu Zungur, 64 years after his death.
The state Commissioner of Education Dr. Aliyu U. Tilde said in a statement on Sunday that the bill for the change of name was signed into law by Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, on Friday.
“Born in 1910, Malam Sa’adu, as he is known at home, was not a favourite of the establishment and did not live long to witness the independence he so much struggled for. He died after a protracted illness in 1958.
“To date, no one has openly lampooned the Native Authorities and the colonialists as did the versatile scholar, journalist, radical poet, nationalist, revolutionary and politician. He was never short of courage for the cause of justice.
“Even after his death, the establishment did not seem to forgive him. Not even a prominent street could be named after him apart from a Primary School in Bauchi.
“It’s now over. This time, it is done. Alhamdulillah. Thank you, Your Excellency,” Tilde said in the statement.
