BREAKING: Former Head of Civil Service, Adamu Fika, Passes Away at 90

Dr. Adamu Fika CFR, a distinguished Nigerian educationist and administrator renowned for his unwavering commitment to integrity and reform within the civil service, passed away on the evening of October 24th, 2023.

The news of his demise was announced by the Secretary of Fika Emirate Council Potiskum, Ali Gimba Fika, in an official statement.

Born in 1933 in Fika, Yobe State, Mallam Adamu Fika was a man of exceptional intellect and principle. He dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s education system and civil service. Fika, the Waziri of Fika, was the first and only Head of Service of Nigeria to resign from his position due to his concerns about the declining state of the civil service.

Fika’s illustrious career spanned several decades. He held various key positions in the Nigerian civil service, including Provincial Inspector of Education, Principal, and Permanent Secretary in several ministries, including Finance, Commerce, and Police Affairs. His tenure as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, from 1986 to 1988, was marked by his relentless pursuit of meritocracy, integrity, and transparency within the civil service.

Fika’s dedication to honesty and fairness earned him respect and admiration. He was a staunch advocate for a corruption-free civil service, believing that the absence of merit and independence within the public service was the root cause of corruption and the breakdown of national institutions. His efforts to instill these values in the civil service were tireless, making him a beacon of hope for those striving for a better Nigeria.

The late educationist and administrator was not only recognized nationally but also received international accolades for his outstanding contributions. In 1992, he was awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) and received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Bayero University Kano.

Dr. Adamu Fika’s demise has left a void in the nation, but his legacy of integrity, dedication, and commitment to a corruption-free civil service will continue to inspire generations to come.

Funeral prayers in honor of Dr. Adamu Fika will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, October 25th, 2023, at 4:00 PM at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna, where friends, family, and well-wishers will gather to pay their respects to this remarkable Nigerian statesman.