BY: DR. MOHAMMED GOJE, OCTOBER 11, 2026/ 10:01AM
“Lasting peace is priceless, and it begins with a classroom where every girl can learn without fear.”
On this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, we remember with profound sadness and honour the life and legacy of Late Alhaji Modu Wagani, a dedicated educationist and former Principal of Government Day Junior Secondary School (GDJSS), Buni Yadi, who passed away while serving his community.
At a time when Buni Yadi was recovering from the devastating shocks of conflict, Alhaji Modu Wagani chose to serve where his presence was needed most. He left the comfort of the city to return to a community struggling to overcome fear and uncertainty, determined to ensure that every girl had the opportunity to return to school, learn and build a better future.
He was more than a principal. He was a symbol of courage, innovation and hope. Through his dedication and creativity, he worked to restore confidence among schoolchildren, particularly girls, demonstrating that education is one of the most powerful instruments for rebuilding communities affected by conflict.
He understood that success was not measured by enrolment figures alone. Each year, he encouraged girls to return to the classroom, embrace learning and participate in planting trees—an enduring symbol of growth, resilience and hope for future generations.
He also understood that schools are more than government buildings. They are public assets entrusted to us to protect, maintain and make safe, dignified and conducive for learning. To him, every classroom was a sanctuary of opportunity where a girl could overcome fear, discover her potential and prosper.
Today, as we celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, we honour a man whose life embodied the conviction that education is essential to lasting peace, and that no girl should be denied the right to learn because of conflict or fear.
In recognition of his sacrifice, dedication and invaluable service, and on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, I am pleased to announce a commitment to offer full scholarships to all the children of Late Alhaji Modu Wagani, alongside the provision of a borehole in his memory at GDJSS Buni Yadi.
The borehole will serve as a lasting tribute to his legacy, sustaining the school community and symbolically continuing to water the trees he encouraged others to plant—a living reminder that the seeds of service we sow today can nourish generations yet unborn.
This gesture reflects the commitment of the administration of His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, to recognising dedicated public servants, strengthening educational opportunities and ensuring that those who sacrifice for our communities are not forgotten.
We shall continue to strengthen the motivation, welfare and recognition of our teachers, both living and departed, in line with the Governor’s commitment to education and human capital development. Their dedication deserves our support, and their sacrifices must continue to inspire us.
On this International Day of the Girl Child, we dedicate our message to Late Alhaji Modu Wagani—a teacher, a servant of his community and a champion of girls’ education in a post-conflict environment.
May his courage continue to inspire us. May the girls he encouraged become leaders of tomorrow. And may the trees he planted, the children he nurtured and the school he served stand as enduring testimonies to a life devoted to humanity.
May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, colleagues and the entire Buni Yadi community.
May Allah continue to restore lasting peace to our lands.
Thank you, Your Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, for championing education, supporting our teachers and investing in a brighter future for the children of Yobe State.
International Day of the Girl Child | 11 October 2026.
Pics: Shared by Late Alhaji Modu during Last Years IDGC 2025 from GDJSS Buni Yadi Mega