Former CMD Boss and Al-Noor Mosque Director Kabir Kabo Dies in UK

The Nigerian academic and religious community is in mourning following the announcement of the passing of Dr. Kabir Kabo Usman, a distinguished scholar and the Director General of the International Center for Islamic Culture and Education (ICICE). Dr. Usman, who oversaw the affairs of the prominent Al-Noor Mosque in Wuse II, Abuja, reportedly breathed his last on Saturday while undergoing medical treatment in Manchester, England.

Family sources confirmed the tragic news, noting that the 67-year-old educator had been battling an undisclosed illness prior to his transition. His death marks the end of an era for an institution that has become a cornerstone of spiritual and cultural development in the nation’s capital. The ICICE, which he led with dedication, serves as the custodian of the Al-Noor Mosque, a hub for Islamic learning and community service.

Dr. Usman’s life was defined by a rare bridge between high-level public administration and deep religious commitment. Before his pivotal role at the Al-Noor Mosque, he was a well-known figure in the Nigerian civil service. He served two terms as the Director General of the Center for Management Development (CMD), a critical parastatal under the Ministry of National Planning, between 2010 and 2018.

His tenure at the CMD was marked by a drive for professional excellence and the modernization of management standards within the Nigerian public sector. Many of his former colleagues remember him as a meticulous administrator who believed that the growth of a nation was directly tied to the quality of its human capital and leadership training.

Born in the quiet town of Kabo, within the Kabo Local Government Area of Kano State, Dr. Usman’s journey from a rural upbringing to international academic acclaim was nothing short of inspirational. He began his educational journey at Kabo Primary School before proceeding to Government Secondary School Dambatta, where he completed his basic education in 1975.

His passion for the sciences led him to Bayero University Kano (BUK), a premier institution in Northern Nigeria. It was there that he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1982, setting the stage for a career that would eventually take him across the globe. His thirst for knowledge did not stop at the borders of Nigeria, as he soon sought advanced specialization in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Usman moved to the city of Manchester, a place that would become his second home and, ultimately, the site of his final moments. He enrolled at the University of Manchester, where he successfully obtained both his Master’s and Doctorate degrees. His academic prowess was so highly regarded that he was invited to join the university’s faculty, where he served as an academic staff member for approximately two decades.

This extensive period in the British academic system allowed him to cultivate a global perspective on education, research, and institutional management. Upon his return to Nigeria, he channeled this wealth of experience into various national assignments, bridging the gap between Western academic rigor and the local socio-economic needs of his homeland.

At the ICICE, Dr. Usman was instrumental in expanding the mosque’s mission beyond just a place of prayer. Under his leadership, the center became a focal point for interfaith dialogue, educational workshops, and charitable initiatives. He often emphasized that Islamic centers should be catalysts for societal progress, promoting peace and intellectual development.

The news of his death has sent shockwaves through Kano State and the Federal Capital Territory. Friends and associates have described him as a man of profound humility despite his vast intellectual achievements. They noted that he never lost touch with his roots in Kabo, even while living in the cosmopolitan environments of Abuja and Manchester.

As of Sunday morning, tributes have continued to pour in from top government officials, religious leaders, and the academic community. Many have highlighted his role in shaping the minds of young Nigerians and his unwavering commitment to the integrity of the institutions he headed. He was seen as a mentor to many who now hold significant positions in both the private and public sectors.

The family has indicated that burial arrangements will be communicated in due course. Given his standing as a prominent son of Kano and a respected leader in Abuja, it is expected that he will be honored with prayers and ceremonies reflecting his contribution to the nation. His passing leaves a significant void in the leadership of the ICICE at a time when the center is involved in several expansion projects.

The legacy of Dr. Kabir Kabo Usman remains etched in the policies he helped shape at the CMD and the spiritual community he nurtured at Al-Noor. For many, his life story serves as a testament to the power of education and the importance of returning home to serve one’s community after achieving international success.