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By: Abdullahi Inuwa
KATSINA, October 21, 2026 — Abdullahi Aliyu Yar’adua has achieved a major academic milestone after being awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in English Literature by Al-Qalam University, Katsina.
The degree was announced on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, by the external examiner, Dr Mustapha Bala Rumah, on behalf of the Senate and the Department of English of the university, following Yar’adua’s successful defence of his doctoral thesis at the final viva voce examination.
The examination, which lasted approximately two hours, took place at the School of Postgraduate Studies of Al-Qalam University, Katsina, bringing together academics and university officials who assessed the candidate’s research and scholarly contributions.
Dr Rumah, who is also the Head of the Department of English at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, congratulated Yar’adua on the achievement and directed him to make the necessary corrections to his thesis and submit a clean copy for ratification.
The successful defence marks another significant step in Yar’adua’s academic journey, reflecting his continued pursuit of advanced knowledge and specialisation in English Literature.
Among those present at the viva voce examination were the internal examiner, Dr Shamsudeen Bello, Director of the School of Continuous Studies at UMYU; Dr Hafsat Abubakar Kofar-Kaura, Head of the Department of English at Al-Qalam University; Dr Aminu Batagarawa; and a representative of the university’s Postgraduate School.
The occasion also attracted academic colleagues and well-wishers, underscoring the importance of the achievement within the academic community.
Among the first to celebrate with the new PhD holder immediately after the announcement were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of UMYU, Professor Aliyu Mukhtar Lawal, and Yar’adua’s close friend, Malam Salisu Lawal Kerau.
Their presence added a celebratory touch to the occasion as family, friends and associates shared in the joy of his academic accomplishment.
Yar’adua’s latest qualification builds on an academic background that includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Al-Qalam University, Katsina, and a Master of Arts degree in English Literature from Bayero University, Kano.
With the award of the PhD, Yar’adua has advanced his academic credentials in literary studies, positioning himself for further contributions to research, teaching and scholarship in English Literature.
His achievement adds to the growing body of academic accomplishments emerging from institutions of higher learning in northern Nigeria and highlights the role of postgraduate education in developing expertise and strengthening the country’s intellectual capacity.
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