Some of my favourite conversations begin with an ordinary experience: speaking English when Hausa would have done, watching a film, helping with a community activity or laughing at my own awkwardness. Others begin with frustration about education or public leadership. I want my website to have room for all of that. A professional bi…

In February 2026, I shared that I had been involved in a serious car accident about two months earlier while travelling from Kano towards Jigawa. Alhamdulillah, I had not sustained major physical injuries. I was grateful to be alive and thankful for the people who reached out and prayed for me. Some friends were hearing about it for…

I have written about many things with strong feelings: education, public leadership, community life and the difficulties facing young people. I hope I will continue learning enough to revisit some of those opinions. Changing a view after examining better evidence should not automatically be treated as weakness. The important questio…

When I need to think through an idea or remember something important, one of my habits is to get active. I have described exercise as a kind of reset for myself. That is a personal observation, not a promise that the same routine will work for everybody. Some days, stepping away from the desk helps me return with a clearer sense of …

I asked my mother about an elderly woman whose son had been my childhood friend. Remembering him led me to send something small to her. When my mother later told me how much the gesture meant, I was moved too. It reminded me that kindness is not always measured by the amount involved. Sometimes the important message is simply that a…

I went for a haircut and noticed that two customers ahead of me were overlooking a shop assistant. I decided to give him a chance. I explained what I wanted, and he did the job very well. The others had spent their time waiting while I was able to finish and leave. I could not help smiling at that small reversal. The haircut reminde…

It was raining in Abuja when I went out to buy medication for a headache. On my way back, a woman standing under a tree asked for help. She wanted either my umbrella or transport money to get somewhere. I made a quick judgement about her and kept walking. I did not stop to ask a question. I behaved as though I had not understood her…

In my first year at university, a friend encouraged me to approach a young woman I liked. I dressed carefully and went to school determined to speak to her. After looking around for some time, I finally saw her heading towards Hall B in the library complex. She was alone. In my mind, the opportunity could hardly have been better. Th…

I contested for Majority Leader in the PLAC Model Assembly and lost by one vote. Of course, I would have preferred to win! But the experience also reminded me that a title is only one part of leadership. After a result, you still have colleagues, responsibilities and a contribution to make. The person who does the ordinary work reli…