In Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, a remarkable story of hope, compassion and national unity is unfolding—one that traces its roots to the influence of the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Amina J. Mohammed, and her lifelong advocacy for education and human development.
It is the story of Ahmad Isa, a Kano State–born almajiri who once walked the streets of Dutse barefoot in search of Qur’anic knowledge, and who today stands tall as a university graduate and former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, serving his nation with pride.
Ahmad hails from Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State. Years ago, he arrived in Dutse as a young boy with nothing but determination and faith. Like many almajiri children, survival was difficult. Instead of begging, Ahmad ran errands and worked in people’s homes to earn food before and after his Islamiyya lessons.
Unknown to him, a chain of events inspired by national and global leadership would soon alter the course of his life.
Ahmad’s turning point came through Mr Alan Maiyaki, a Federal Government civil servant transferred from Benin City, Edo State, to Dutse. Moved by Ahmad’s honesty, humility and eagerness to learn, Maiyaki took a bold step—he enrolled the almajiri boy in formal primary education.
Maiyaki said his decision was deeply influenced by values instilled by his parents, especially his mother, a public-school teacher of 35 years. However, a defining inspiration came from Dr Amina Mohammed, then a Senior Special Assistant to a former Nigerian President on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
As an NYSC member in 2006, Maiyaki was recognised as Best Corps Member Volunteer for MDGs Advocacy in Niger State. He was later engaged by the NYSC as a Knowledge Development Facilitator across orientation camps nationwide.
“During one of our MDGs training sessions in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Dr Amina Mohammed came on a monitoring visit,” Maiyaki recalled.
“She encouraged us to be passionate about achieving the Millennium Development Goals, especially education.”
“I told myself I would contribute to Goal Two—Achieve Universal Primary Education. Enrolling Ahmad Isa in school was my personal commitment. Today, that decision has produced a graduate.”
With Maiyaki’s support, Ahmad combined Qur’anic education with Western schooling, displaying discipline and resilience beyond his years. He completed primary education, proceeded to Nuhu Muhammad Junior Secondary School, Dutse, and later to Dutse Capital Secondary School, where he excelled academically.
At his first attempt, Ahmad scored 217 in JAMB and gained admission on merit into the Federal University Dutse in 2019. He studied Criminology and Security Studies, graduating with a Second Class Upper (2:1) degree.
Ahmad said his benefactor constantly reminded him that education was the key to limitless possibilities.
“He always told me to take my studies seriously and assured me that my background would not define my future,” Ahmad said.
Today, Ahmad’s transformation is complete. He recently passed out from the National Youth Service Corps, having served in Zaria, Kaduna State, and received his Certificate of National Service on December 18, 2025.
For his family, the achievement borders on the miraculous.
His mother, Halima Isa, said Ahmad lost his father at the age of two, leaving the family with little choice but to send him away for Islamic education.
“None of his siblings had Western education. I never imagined I would be the mother of a graduate,” she said.
“Today, it sounds unbelievable.”
His Islamic teacher, Malam Hassan Yalwawa, described Ahmad’s success as proof that the almajiri system, when supported, can produce future leaders.
“This is an example of unity, patriotism and love for country,” he said, praying for blessings upon Ahmad’s sponsor.
Beyond academics, Ahmad also learned tailoring during his secondary and university years. He now owns a tailoring shop on Hakimi Street, Dutse, employing and training five apprentices, ensuring that the opportunity once given to him continues to multiply.
While Dr Amina Mohammed may never have met Ahmad Isa personally, her advocacy for education under the MDGs—and her message to young Nigerians serving their country—sparked a decision that changed a life forever.
In Ahmad Isa’s journey, the impact of leadership is no longer abstract. It is human. It is tangible. It walks in khaki. It holds a university degree.
In a nation often divided by ethnicity and religion, the bond between a Hausa/Fulani almajiri and a southern-born civil servant, inspired by a global Nigerian leader, stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when compassion meets vision.
From Barefoot Almajiri to Graduate: How Amina Mohammed’s Influence Changed a Life
