The Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages (DLNL), University of Ilorin has celebrated Mr Isyaku Aliu Muhammed as the first graduate of the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in Hausa Language and Literature.
This was disclosed penultimate Wednesday (September 9, 2026) by the Head of the Department, Dr Oluwole Tewogboye Okewande, in an interview with UNILORIN Bulletin.
He described Muhammed as a pace-setter and beacon of inspiration to students of indigenous Nigerian languages.
The don commended Muhammed for his dedication, devotion and perseverance, and urged him to sustain the standard and build on the foundation and history he has laid.
Giving a breakdown of the Department’s output for the 2025/2026 academic session, Dr Okewande said that the Department produced 268 graduates.
He noted that aside from the pioneer Hausa graduate, the Department also graduated two first-class students as he said that the Igbo Unit of the Department graduated its third set with five students, while 45 students graduated from the Yoruba Unit. This, he said, is the first session in which all three major Nigerian languages were represented on the Department’s graduating list.
He added that many other students also offered the three Nigerian languages as minors and called on government to make the three major languages compulsory for secondary school students in the interest of the nation.
Dr Okewande further disclosed that the Department is working towards the inclusion of more indigenous languages.
He revealed that the Department has also contributed to the development of Tarok, an endangered language spoken in Plateau and neighbouring states, through a linguistics graduate who carried out research on the language recently.
Speaking on his journey to earning a Bachellor’s degree in Hausa at the University of Ilorin, Isyaku Aliu Muhammed, whose parents are originally from Share in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, said he gained admission into UNILORIN through JAMB. He said he chose the University for its academic reputation.
On why he studied Hausa, he said: “It was my passion for the language and my interest in its rich culture and history. I also saw it as an opportunity to preserve and promote the language while building skills that can benefit me academically and professionally.”
The Kano State-born described his undergraduate journey as a mix of memorable moments, challenges and growth. “There were financial difficulties, academic pressure and moments of self-doubt. But I stayed focused, prayed, worked hard and kept reminding myself of the goal,” he said.
Speaking on being the only student in his class, Muhammed said it had advantages and disadvantages.
“The advantage was that I received more attention from lecturers. The disadvantage was that it sometimes felt lonely because I didn’t have classmates to discuss assignments and ideas with. But it made me more independent and determined,” he said.
He advised students from all parts of Nigeria to consider studying Hausa and other indigenous languages.
“Studying a Nigerian language is not only about academics. It is about preserving our culture, promoting unity and understanding our diversity. It can also open doors in education, research, translation, media and communication,” he said.
On being a history maker, Muhammed said, “I feel grateful, proud and honoured. All thanks to Almighty Allah, and to my lecturers, family and loved ones. I hope my achievement will inspire other students to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.”
He added that his goal is to use his degree in Hausa and Linguistics to impact education and the preservation of indigenous languages and culture, and to pursue further studies.