By Ayinde Muhammed
There are some who always speak the truth even if their lives depend on it. One of these is Ibrahim Yusuf Abubakar Eleyinla, a unique University of Ilorin communication don, experienced media practitioner, a great and dedicated teacher to his students.
Ibrahim Abubakar died on Wednesday, 31st of January 2024 in Ilorin, aged 65.
As a university lecturer and journalism teacher, Ibrahim Abubakar left an indelible mark on every mentee. He was a professional to the core who always ensured students get things done in the right way and at the right time. Baba Abubakar as he was fondly called demonstrated high level of discipline, justice, equity and fairness among his students and also his colleagues. He will never treat you unfairly and always made sure you feel comfortable when you are around him.
Born in Ilorin in 1959, Ibrahim Abubakar had his primary education in Ilorin. He also attended Alfa Yahya Madrasat in Ilorin before proceeded to Markaz Agege Arabic and Islamic institute to continue his education. The young and vibrant Ibrahim Abubakar proceeded to Iraq for his secondary education. While at Iraq, he was the overall second best student. Due to the war in Iraq then, the young and vibrant Ibrahim was moved with others to Saudi where he completed his first degree in Mass Communication. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts Hons Degree in Mass Communication from King Saudi University, Riyadh in 1985, majoring in Radio and Television. He earned his Master Degree also in Mass Communication from Bayero University Kano in 2001 and subsequently proceeded to Malaysia to obtain his Doctor of Philosophy in Communications from the International Islamic University (IIUM), Kuala Lumpur in 2015. Abubakar also obtained another Master Degree in Tafsir and Sciences of Quran from Al-Madinah International University (MEDIU), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2012.
As an experienced professional broadcast media practitioner, Ibrahim Abubakar started his career as a Reporter II with Radio Kwara in 1987 and rose through the ranks to become Principal Editor and was later appointed as the Director News and Current Affairs by the Kwara state Television Authority in 1997.
His sojourn as university teacher started when he joined the Mass Communication Department of the University of Ilorin as an academic staff in 2007. In the academia, Abubakar taught and researched broadcasting, global communication, media management, political communication, media effects, health communication and Islamic communication.
Before his demise, Ibrahim Abubakar was a father figure to all students and his colleagues. His wide exposure and knowledge in communication and Islamic jurisprudence made him an embodiment of crisis resolution in the department. He had an unusual way of addressing issues at the right time and in the right way.
As our beloved father, teacher, and mentor has gone to the world beyond, your loving memories will continue to linger in our minds. Though you are no more with us, your legacy lives on.
