09/07/2026
Founder, T-First
Best Teacher of the Year, 2025/2026 Session
Muazu Umar Mallam, popularly known in literary circles by the pen name Omar Muaz, is a Nigerian educator, lecturer, Islamic scholar, administrator, author, columnist, public speaker, and community development advocate. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Islamic Studies Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2021, where he developed a strong foundation in Islamic scholarship, educational leadership, and academic research. He is currently pursuing postgraduate research with a focus on Islamic perspectives on women's rights and their correlation with poverty alleviation in Adamawa State, Nigeria.
Professionally, Muazu serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Islamic Studies at the Federal College of Education, Yola, through its Distance Learning Programme, where he contributes to the training of prospective teachers and the advancement of Islamic education. He also serves as the Vice Principal (Administration) of Garba Ibrahim Memorial Islamic Academy (GIMIA), providing strategic leadership in school administration, curriculum development, and institutional growth.
A passionate advocate of knowledge and intellectual discourse, Muazu has held several leadership positions in educational and community-based organizations. He serves as the Director of Studies of the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Yola Area Council, where he coordinates academic competitions, educational programmes, and da'wah activities aimed at nurturing morally upright and intellectually sound Muslim students. He is also the Secretary General of the Sunshine Literary Club and has served as a Programme Manager at the IBI Centre, promoting leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development initiatives.
Beyond education, Muazu has established himself as a respected voice in contemporary Nigerian literature and public affairs. In 2020, he published his debut poetry collection, When Flake Sails, a work that reflects his passion for literature, humanity, and social consciousness. He is a columnist with DailyTrust and has contributed thoughtful articles to several reputable online newspapers and platforms, including Opinion Nigeria, DailyPost, and The Renata, in addition to many other national and international publications. His writings explore themes of education, leadership, Islam, literature, youth development, governance, and societal transformation.
An accomplished public speaker, Muazu has delivered lectures and keynote addresses as a Guest Speaker at institutions such as the Federal University Kashere, the College of Education, Waka-Biu, and numerous conferences, seminars, workshops, and educational programmes across Nigeria. His presentations are widely appreciated for their depth, clarity, and practical relevance to contemporary educational and societal challenges.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to education and community service, Muazu Umar Mallam was honoured with the Arewa Community Award for Educator of the Year 2022. The award reflects his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, youth empowerment, and educational advancement.
As an educator, administrator, author, columnist, and mentor, Muazu Umar Mallam continues to dedicate his life to the pursuit of knowledge, the promotion of Islamic and moral values, and the empowerment of young people through education, scholarship, leadership, and literary engagement. His work embodies the conviction that education remains the most powerful instrument for building responsible individuals and transforming society. It is therefore with great pride and profound appreciation that Garba Ibrahim Memorial Islamic Academy celebrates Muazu Umar Mallam as its Teacher of the Year, 2025/2026 Academic Session — a deserving honour for an outstanding educator whose life exemplifies knowledge, service, and excellence.
