By AbdulGafar Alabelewe
NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: The death has occurred of Dr. Bashir Hadi Ashara, who until his passing was the Head of Department, Mass Communication, Kaduna Polytechnic, a scholar, mentor, and a man whose quiet influence shaped generations of journalists.
For many of us who passed through his classroom, Dr. Ashara was more than a lecturer; he was the bridge between confusion and clarity in the demanding craft of journalism. Around 2004/2005, at a time when the fundamentals of News Writing and Reporting seemed daunting, he broke down the course with uncommon simplicity, turning complexity into something both practical and memorable.
He had a rare gift, teaching not just with knowledge, but with patience and sincerity. His classes were calm yet engaging, firm yet encouraging. He did not merely lecture; he guided, ensuring that every student understood the essence of news, the discipline of clarity, accuracy, and responsibility.
It is no exaggeration to say that many practising journalists today owe their foundation in news writing to his steady hand. He taught us how to think like reporters, how to see news in everyday life, and how to communicate with precision and purpose.
Beyond the lecture halls, Dr. Ashara embodied humility. He was a perfect gentleman, soft-spoken, approachable, and deeply respectful. His character spoke even louder than his words, earning him admiration not only from students but also from colleagues and the wider academic community.
In addition to his academic accomplishments, he was an Islamic scholar in his own right, devoted to knowledge and faith. He carried himself with a sense of quiet spirituality that reflected in his conduct, his interactions, and his unwavering sense of integrity.
His passing is not just a loss to Kaduna Polytechnic, but to the journalism profession and the broader intellectual community that benefited from his wisdom and guidance.
As we mourn him, we also celebrate a life well lived, a life dedicated to teaching, to shaping minds, and to serving both humanity and faith with dignity.
May Almighty Allah forgive Dr. Bashir Hadi Ashara, have mercy on him, expand his grave, and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. Aamin.