Dr. Hajara Umar Sanda has been officially recognized as the first female Professor in the Department of Mass Communication. Her promotion, which took effect in September 2023 following the university senate’s approval, marks a significant milestone in the institution’s academic history.
A proud alumna of Bayero University, Professor Sanda began her academic journey at the institution where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1992. She later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education in 2001, followed by a Master’s degree in 2008, and eventually a PhD in Mass Communication in 2014. Her pursuit of academic excellence also led her to the United States, where she served as a Fulbright visiting scholar at Ohio University between 2011 and 2012.Over the course of her career, Professor Sanda has built a reputation as a committed educator, researcher, and administrator.
She has held various leadership roles, including serving as Sub Dean Academics and Deputy Dean of Students Affairs. Her teaching and mentorship have helped shape the careers of many prominent Nigerian journalists and media professionals.The celebration of her elevation to full professorship was met with enthusiasm from alumni, colleagues, and the academic community. In October 2023, a special event was held in her honor, during which she was praised for her humility, discipline, and dedication to excellence in scholarship and service.Her national recognition continued in May 2025, when she was honored alongside nine other leading female scholars in media and communication studies. Among the awardees, she stood out as the only female Muslim academic from Northern Nigeria to receive the distinction, highlighting both her personal achievements and the broader significance of her journey.
Reflecting on her path to professorship, Professor Sanda has openly shared the challenges she faced. These included discrimination due to her choice to wear the hijab, delays in her PhD defense, and unequal promotion processes. Despite these obstacles, she remained resilient, crediting her success to her faith, the unwavering support of her husband, and the encouragement of her late mother.Professor Hajara Umar Sanda’s rise to the pinnacle of academic distinction serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, particularly for young women in Northern Nigeria.
In a region where educational opportunities for girls can still be limited, her story is a powerful testament to the importance of perseverance, education, and the right to dream beyond social boundaries.Her achievement is not just a personal triumph, but a symbolic victory for gender equity in academia. It reaffirms the role of women as leaders, thinkers, and change-makers in Nigerian society.
Professor Sanda’s legacy will undoubtedly encourage more women to pursue academic excellence and leadership, proving that with determination and support, the highest goals are within reach.
