Counting ten dynamic and excellent directors in the federal ministry of education, Hajiya Aisha Hindatu Abdullahi, must surely come within the first five.
When she mounted the seat in 2013, little did one know that she would show so much enthusiasm and dedication to her duties until she begun to oversee through the affairs of the ministry after the minister was removed and the permanent secretary also retired. She temporarily became the ‘de facto’ minister, minister of state and permanent secretary, where every, but limited records passed through.
However, as director of tertiary education, she undertook several other duties which included ‘Establishment of new Federal Tertiary, state and private Institutions.
Her duties also included the supervision of the tertiary education parastatals, which included the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Tertiary Education Trst Fund (TETFund), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), for the sake of polytechnic education in the country.
In her acting capacity, she performed the role of the visitor to Federal Tertiary Institutions, organised and processed reports from of the White Paper, visitation panels’ report as well as placement and supervision of ministry’s representatives on the governing councils of Federal Tertiary Institutions and Board of FME parastatals, among others without being tired.
As a director, also functioned as secretary in the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) from May 2010 to April 2013, where she supervised and coordinated activities for scholarship delivery under the Federal Government Scholarship and Bursary Award.
As often said, in whatever a per son does, the day of reckoning is beckoning and that was why it beckoned on Hindatu Abdullahi last week at a send-forth organised by members of staff of the ministry where she bade farewell to the ministry after 35 years of meritorious service.
Dignitaries from home and afar, who attended the send forth party were full of commendations and feeling that her absence would create vacuum because not many of them had premonition of her retirement.
Education Minister, Mallam Adamu Adamu, spared no word in remembering the quality of service the nation would miss from the retiring but not tired technocrat in the education sector.
Often full of smiles and ready to assist anyone who came across her for help, the minister acknowledged that “after 35 years of meritorious service to our great country, I cannot, but admire the spirit with which she had worked with me”.
Adamu further exemplified Hindatu’s attitude when he said: “The honesty, the forthrightness and your immense contributions to education sector”, would be unforgettable . “Every day with you was for a learning experience. You cooperated with me so much and with utmost sincerity, professionalism and very impressive competence. You are always so willing to ease a difficult task and create a laugh. I was amazed at the ease with which you conducted your schedules, undaunted by the long hours you put in’’.
‘’I wish to let you know that retirement is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a beautiful new voyage. In all honesty, my wish is not for you to retire, but to continue working with us in the ministry, supporting the implementation of our policies and sharing your wealth of experience and skills. And, also, I must say, you are leaving us when we need you even more direly’’.
Minister of State for Education, Professor Antony Anwukah, added his voice to the number of people, who praised Hindatu for selfless service she rendered while in the ministry of education.
He aptly described Hindatu Abdullahi her as a quintessential Civil Servant, saying: “I have known Hindatu for less than one year, however, I must say that I personally appreciate her commitment to duty. No matter how tedious the task might be, she would always face that responsibility with a smile on her face.
“Mrs. Abdullahi, I wish to say that as you retire from service you should be willing and have the capacity to accept other valuable opportunities to serve our dear country, Nigeria”.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Folasade Esan in her felicitation said: “I came to know this amiable personality when I assumed duties in the Federal Ministry of Education in November 2015. Indeed, she was covering the schedules of three offices – Honourable Minister of Education, Honourable Minster of State for Education and the Permanent Secretary.
“When I resumed duties in the Ministry, information I gathered about her revealed that she had handled many national assignments, including Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo state. No doubt, the experiences she gathered from these assignments must have assisted her during the period she oversaw the affairs of the ministry. Testimonies from her colleagues indicate that the period was remarkable.
“From the time I assumed duties in the Ministry and now that she is retiring, I have had about 10 months working relationship with Hajiya Hindatu. During this period, she proved to be a dedicated and loyal officer, always ready to take on challenges. Her grip of the department under her watch was remarkable. Mrs. Abdullahi is also admired for her strong faith in God whom she always makes reference to in her discussions.
“Finally, I rejoice with the entire family of this amiable personality and warmly congratulate this princess of Daura, who is fondly called ‘Hinde’ by her friends and admirers.
Although not really ready to tell of what she would like to do after civil service, but one of her close friends, who would not want to be mentioned, said Hindatu could be a remarkable teacher at any level, administrator per excellence, a technocrat and above all, a good adviser to anybody. Little wonder, therefore, that men and women from all woks of live, including her former teacher also attended the send-forth ceremony.
