By Dr. Sulaiman Abdulwahab Sulaiman, CNA

The story of Professor Mohammed Isa Kida is one of brilliance, resilience and unwavering devotion to knowledge and humanity. His journey, from the serene plains of Kida village in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, to the exalted seat of the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Lafia, is a profound testament to the triumph of diligence, intellect and integrity.

Born on the 10th of November, 1967, to the noble family of Late Alhaji Isa Mohammed Kida and Hajiya Hauwa Bolekato, Professor Kida’s life has been defined by purpose, vision and faith. His early years were rooted in humility and a love for learning; qualities that became the foundation of his extraordinary academic and professional journey.

THE MAKING OF A SCHOLAR
Professor Kida began his educational pursuit at Bariki Primary School between 1975 and 1981, followed by his secondary education at the Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Waka-Biu from 1981 to 1986, where his intellectual brilliance shone early.

His academic voyage took him to the University of Maiduguri, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting (1988–1994). Not content with basic laurels, he advanced to the University of Lagos, one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions, obtaining a Master of Science degree in Accounting (1996–1997). His thirst for knowledge and excellence drove him back to the University of Maiduguri, where he crowned his scholarly pursuit with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Accounting in 2008.

These academic attainments, coupled with his rich experiences and sound moral foundation, have shaped him into one of Nigeria’s most respected accounting scholars and administrators.

A DISTINGUISHED ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL
Professor Kida is not only a brilliant academic but also a consummate professional. He is a proud member of several prestigious professional bodies, including:
• Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN)
• Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN)
• Fellow, Institute of Industrial and Corporate Administrators (FIICA)

These memberships reflect his blend of academic depth and professional versatility; an accountant who bridges the gap between theory and practice, academia and industry, knowledge and transformation.

His teaching career has spanned University of Maiduguri, Federal University Wukari, Kwararafa University, Wukari and the Federal University of Lafia, where he has distinguished himself as a pioneer and current Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences. In these institutions, he has shaped the minds of thousands, inspiring generations of accountants, economists and business leaders with his wealth of experience, humility and exemplary scholarship.

SCHOLAR, AUTHOR AND THOUGHT LEADER
Professor Kida’s contribution to knowledge is immense. He has authored and co-authored numerous academic books and scholarly papers, including the widely referenced International Accounting, Principles of Auditing and edited volumes like Issues in Public Sector Finance and Administration and Public Sector Resource Management.

His academic works have been published both nationally and internationally, with over 60 peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals. Many of his scholarly contributions have achieved recognition on global academic platforms, underscoring his intellectual influence beyond Nigeria’s borders.
As an editor and editor-in-chief of various journals, he has provided leadership in knowledge dissemination, nurturing a generation of scholars and ensuring that research remains relevant to both academia and policy.

MENTOR, EXAMINER AND CONSULTANT
Professor Kida’s impact transcends the classroom. As an external examiner, he has evaluated countless Master’s and Doctoral theses across universities such as Bayero University Kano, University of Jos, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Federal University Dutsin-Ma and Taraba State University Jalingo. His mentorship and examination roles have elevated academic standards across Nigeria.

As a consultant, he has offered expert services to universities and organizations, contributing to institutional reforms, financial management strategies and governance frameworks. His experience as a Presidential Visitation Panelist to Bayero University, Kano and a Project Implementation Committee (PIC) member for emerging universities, further demonstrates his influence on national educational development.

A LEADER OF VISION AND SERVICE
Professor Kida has been a model of administrative excellence. His leadership experience encompasses roles as Coordinator, Head of Department, Director and Dean and he has served in numerous council, senate, faculty and departmental committees. His leadership philosophy emphasizes integrity, teamwork and the pursuit of institutional excellence.

As the Pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Federal University of Lafia, he laid the intellectual and administrative foundation that continues to guide the faculty’s growth. Under his stewardship, the faculty became a beacon of quality scholarship, innovation and professional relevance.

THE FOURTH VICE-CHANCELLOR: A NEW DAWN
On October 29, 2025, Professor Mohammed Isa Kida was appointed as the 4th Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia by the University’s Governing Council, chaired by Mrs. Bisolola Akande, at its 9th Extraordinary Meeting.
His appointment marks the beginning of a new era; one defined by vision, inclusiveness and transformative leadership. With his deep understanding of university governance, financial management and academic growth, Professor Kida is poised to steer the institution toward excellence in research, teaching and service.

The university community and indeed the nation, looks forward with optimism as this astute scholar and administrator leads Federal University of Lafia into its next chapter of innovation and global recognition.

BEYOND THE LECTURE HALL
Outside the confines of academia, Professor Kida is a well-rounded personality. He finds joy in playing squash, reading and computing, activities that reflect his discipline, curiosity and balance between work and leisure. Above all, he is a devoted husband and father, blessed with a loving family that complements his distinguished career and moral grounding.

A LEGACY OF IMPACT
Professor Mohammed Isa Kida’s story is not just that of personal success; it is a story of service, mentorship and excellence. His life embodies the ideals of scholarship; a commitment to truth, intellectual discipline and the betterment of society.

As he assumes the mantle of Vice-Chancellor, the academic world and the broader Nigerian community celebrate a man whose journey represents the true essence of leadership through knowledge. His appointment is not merely a personal achievement but a triumph for merit, hard work and unwavering dedication to education.

IN CONCLUSION
In Professor Mohammed Isa Kida, Federal University of Lafia has found not only an administrator but a visionary; a scholar with the heart of a teacher, the mind of a strategist and the soul of a leader. His tenure promises to usher in an era of academic excellence, institutional progress and moral renaissance.

The university community, academia and the nation at large join in celebrating this remarkable man; a beacon of wisdom, humility and achievement.
Congratulations, Professor Mohammed Isa Kida. The erudite scholar, exemplary leader and fourth Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Lafia. Your legacy has only just begun.

Dr. Sulaiman Abdulwahab Sulaiman, Wrote From Lafia.