The story of Ahmad Isah is a remarkable Nigerian tale of resilience, mentorship, and the transformative power of education. From his beginnings as an Almajiri pupil in Dutse, he has risen to become a university graduate and a proud member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), inspiring hope for many.
A Fateful Meeting That Changed Everything
Years ago, a young Hausa/Fulani boy named Ahmad Isah arrived in Dutse with a simple goal: to learn the Qur'an. Life was a struggle for survival. Instead of begging, Isah chose to run errands for neighbours and work in homes to sustain himself while attending his Islamiyya lessons.
His life took a dramatic turn during one of these errands when he crossed paths with Mr. Alan Maiyaki, a civil servant recently transferred from Benin City, Edo State. Moved by the boy's sincerity and determination, Maiyaki decided to intervene. He enrolled Isah in a primary school, an act of kindness that ignited an extraordinary journey.
"I was inspired by my parents, especially my mother who taught in public schools for 35 years," Maiyaki recalled. He also cited the influence of the NYSC, Dr. Amina Mohammed, and his own volunteer work on Millennium Development Goals advocacy. He made a personal pledge to support Goal Two—universal primary education—by helping a child like Isah.
The Unstoppable Pursuit of Dual Education
Under Maiyaki's steadfast guidance, Ahmad Isah pursued both Qur'anic and Western education with incredible passion. His academic path was marked by consistent excellence:
- He excelled at primary school.
- He progressed through Nuhu Muhammad Junior Secondary School and Dutse Capital Secondary School.
- He scored 217 in his first JAMB examination, securing university admission purely on merit.
In 2019, his lifelong dream came true. He gained admission into the Federal University Dutse to study Criminology and Security Studies. He graduated with a Second Class Upper (2.1) degree, a testament to his hard work.
Maiyaki's encouragement during his university years solidified Isah's belief that "the sky would be his limit." Today, he is serving the nation in Zaria, Kaduna State, as an NYSC member—a living symbol of his incredible transformation.
A Family's Pride and a National Symbol
On December 18, 2025, Ahmad Isah received his national service certificate in a passing-out parade, surrounded by his proud family. For his mother, Halima Isah, a widow who lost her husband when Isah was just two years old, the moment was overwhelming.
"Isah is the first graduate in our family. I never believed my son would acquire Western education, yet today he has achieved it," she said joyfully.
His Islamic teacher, Hassan Yalwawa, who taught him the Qur'an from the age of five, saw Isah's success as a beacon for others. "This shows that other Almajiri children can also rise to great heights," he stated.
Beyond academics, Isah is also an entrepreneur. He learned tailoring, a skill that now allows him to run a thriving shop on Hakimi Street in Dutse, where he mentors five apprentices.
A Testament to Unity and Compassion
Ahmad Isah's story transcends personal achievement. It is a powerful testament to the impact of compassion, mentorship, and unity across Nigeria's cultural and religious divides. The bond between a Hausa/Fulani boy and his Edo benefactor underscores a shared empathy and patriotism.
"What a change, what a chance, what an opportunity," Maiyaki reflected. "Isah’s journey proves what love, understanding, and equal opportunity can achieve. True patriotism transcends tribe, faith and background—it nurtures the potential of every Nigerian child."
