Prof. Gaji F. Dantata: Celebrating An Iconic Nigerian Woman Who Built Against All Odds By Y. C Maikyau, SAN
It gives me joy to celebrate an iconic Nigerian woman, who has devoted her life in service to humanity; worthy of emulation.
Professor Gaji Fatima Dantata was born on October 28th 1957 to the famous Alhaji Alhassan Dantata family in Kano State. After completing her secondary education in 1974, she got married, temporarily suspended her formal education and had 5 children. After the death of her husband, she decided to continue with formal education and obtained an Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) Certificate with Grade B, which she used in securing admission into Bayero University, Kano. She equally obtained her Masters degree in special education from the same Bayero University Kano in 1994.
In 1995, she began her journey as a lecturer in the Faculty of Education, Bayero University, Kano. While she was in the system, she went further in her career, obtained her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in 2000 and gained a Senior African Research Scholars Programme Fellowship (Fulbright, USA) in 2003.
Professor Dantata has numerous publications, articles in journals and has presented series of papers in conferences and seminars. She was in 1994/95 a member, Teaching Practice Committee; in 1995/97 was the Level Coordinator, B.SC (ED); and from1997 to date, she is B. A. (Ed) Special Education Level I Coordinator at the Bayero University, Kano.
Professor Dantata was also the Post Graduate Programme Coordinator in 1999/2000; Member, Faculty Examination Malpractice 1999/2000; Member, University Endowment Fund 2000 to date; Ag. Head of Department of Special Education Aug 2003; Faculty Representative, University Consultancy Services – Nov 2003 to date; Head, Department of Special Needs Education 2011- 2015; Moderator, Federal Technical College, Bichi 2014 to date; Senate representative, University Monitoring and Budget Committee 2018 to date; and Senate representative, University Academic Development Committee 2019 to date.
Professor has also rendered the following services:- Member, National Council for Exceptional Children; Member, Rehabilitation International; Member, Africa Network for the Prevention and Protection Against Child Abuse and Neglect; conducted a Situation Analysis Research on Children in Need of Special Protection Measures in the Northern Part of Nigeria; Member, World Association of Infant Mental Health; Member, International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities; Honorable Commissioner, Kano State Ministry Of Women Affairs & Social Development; Facilitator/ Chairperson, UNFPA Fistula Fort Night Campaign, with 2000 successful operations for women with Vesico Vaginal Fistula in Nigeria (2005, Kano 410 VVF and 33 RVF).
She also served as Member, Ejeyes Charity, USA based International Charitable Organisation; Chairperson, Agency for Mass Agency Education in Kano, 2009; Member, Kano Youth Promotion Council; Member, Kano State Golden Jubilee Anniversary, 2017 to date; Member, Equal Opportunity and Access Group, JAMB 2018 to date; Consultant, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (a British Council Project); and Consultant, Sir. Ahmadu Bello Sardauna Educational Foundation.
The life Professor Gaji chose, is a great one and worthy of emulation. She is a highly successful woman who built a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her. Professor Gaji is a daughter, wife mother and grandmother.
Prof, in this special month in which we commemorate and observe the vital role of women in our history, we celebrate you as a gift to womanhood and humanity at large.
Yakubu Chonoko (YC) Maikyau, SAN
Chairman, NBA Welfare Committee
