08/09/2026
YSU Celebrates Professor Mousa Oumar Keita’s Academic Contributions at Farewell Ceremony
Yobe State University (YSU) on Thursday, September 3, 2026, honoured Professor Mousa Oumar Keita at a citation, congratulatory and farewell ceremony organised by the Department of Islamic Studies.
The ceremony, held in recognition of Professor Keita’s contributions to the University and the wider academic community, brought together members of the University management, academic and non-academic staff, students, colleagues and friends.
The event featured prayers, tributes, a citation highlighting his academic and professional achievements, and the presentation of an Award of Excellence in recognition of his service and contributions.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yobe State, Dr.Abba Idris Adam, also commended and appreciated Professor Mousa Oumar Keita for his remarkable achievements, dedication and contributions to the University and the education sector as a whole. He noted that the full extent of Professor Keita’s contributions could hardly be captured in words, stressing that he had touched the lives of virtually everyone present through his academic contributions, mentorship and other forms of support
He expressed gratitude for Professor Keita’s service and wished him success in his new endeavour, assuring him that his colleagues and friends remained willing to extend their support whenever and wherever he reached out to them.
In an opening remarks, the Provost College of education and legal studies Nguru, Professor Ali Manzo, appreciated the contribution of Professor Keita to the growth and development of YSU's Islamic Studies department and also their years of work together and the mentorship he received from the celebrant.
The Director, Centre for Research and Qur’anic Studies, Professor Adam Mustapha, presented a citation in honour of Professor Keita in both Arabic and English. The citation highlighted his academic accomplishments and contributions to institutions across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Professor Tukur Musa described him as “more than just a colleague,” noting that Professor Keita had been a teacher, mentor and a person of high integrity.
He said although their relationship could continue virtually following Professor Keita’s departure, it would not be the same as the physical relationship they had built over the years.
Professor Musa further noted that Professor Keita’s contributions went beyond teaching and academic responsibilities, particularly in his mentorship of students and colleagues and his commitment to their personal and professional development.
Speaking on behalf of the postgraduate school, Professor Musa described the occasion as “a day of mixed emotions,” explaining that while colleagues were celebrating Professor Keita’s achievements, they were also bidding farewell to a valued member of the University community.
He described him as “a scholar, father figure and a colleague” who was leaving behind a lasting legacy, and expressed optimism that the postgraduate school would continue to grow stronger and greater.
He also assured Professor Keita that his colleagues would miss him and would continue to work towards making him proud.
Another tribute highlighted Professor Keita’s extensive international academic experience, including his role as an external supervisor for PhD students in Malaysia. He was commended for his contributions to scholarship and for the positive impact of his personality and service on students, the University and society.
Associate Professor Muhammad Al-Khamis, who recalled meeting Professor Keita in December 2014, said they had worked together for about 12 years.
He described their years of working together as positive and memorable, expressing appreciation for Professor Keita’s cooperation and wishing him success in his future endeavours.
Adding an emotional dimension to the ceremony, Dr Abba Bashir Dan-kyallori paid tribute to the departing professor through a poem celebrating his personality, contributions and relationship with colleagues.
Dr Fatsuma D.Muhammad described Professor Keita as a humble and highly knowledgeable scholar whose contributions extended beyond academics to administration and other areas of University development.
She also commended him for his patience, generosity and willingness to provide financial and other forms of support to colleagues and students.
In their separate tributes, colleagues described Professor Keita as a scholar of exceptional integrity, a mentor, teacher and father figure whose influence extended beyond the classroom to the personal and professional development of students and colleagues. Among others, Dr Mustapha Abubakar Mustapha also gave his tribute and appreciation message in Arabic and also other colleagues who were there to witness the farewell ceremony.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Professor Keita by University representatives, including Professor Ali Manzo and Dr Mamma, in recognition of his outstanding service and contributions.
In a goodwill message, the head of Islamic studies department, Professor Baba Kaka Gonimi expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the farewell ceremony memorable, noting that the event was organised not only to bid Professor Keita farewell but also to celebrate his achievements and acknowledge his contributions to the Department and University.
The celebrant also gave his vote of thanks and said that although his departure was emotional, he remained grateful to the University community for the years shared with them and wished success and goodwill in the future of the university.
Professor Mousa Oumar Keita is leaving Nigeria for Guinea after several years of academic service and contribution to the University community.
The ceremony ended with closing remarks and prayers, with colleagues and friends wishing Professor Keita good health, prosperity and success in his future endeavours.
Adama Abubakar Bashir
Information Officer ||
Information Unit
YSU
