Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In a period marked by national sorrow and solemn observances, Nigeria’s political and academic circles have been gripped by the news of the death of Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, the wife of esteemed academic and public servant Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega. Hajiya Hadiza, widely respected for her quiet yet impactful support for education and community development, passed away at age 40, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service that drew admiration from many who knew her personally and professionally. The announcement of her death on Sunday, April 5, 2026, sparked widespread condolences from government officials, educational institutions, and members of the public who recognised both her contributions and her role as a supportive partner to one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in public administration and electoral reform.
Family members confirmed her passing in a statement released early Sunday, disclosing that her Janazah prayer — the Islamic funeral rite — would be held at the National Mosque in Abuja after the Zuhr prayer at approximately 1:30 p.m. Hajiya Hadiza’s burial followed soon after in accordance with Islamic customs, drawing religious leaders, dignitaries, and well-wishers who came to pay their respects and share in the collective mourning. The family, in its statement, appealed for prayers for her soul to be granted Aljannatul Firdaus and for strength for the bereaved, emphasising their reliance on faith in this period of grief.
Professor Jega, known nationally for his leadership as former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and as a former Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University in Kano, currently serves as Co-Chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee and as Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development. He also holds the position of Pro-Chancellor at both Nasarawa State University and Usmanu Danfodiyo University. In the midst of his official responsibilities, he faced the profoundly personal loss of his wife, whose life was marked by a steadfast commitment to her family and meaningful engagement in community initiatives that elevated educational opportunities, especially in northern Nigeria.
In response to Hajiya Hadiza’s death, Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State personally visited Professor Jega’s residence in Gwarimpa, Abuja, on Sunday afternoon to offer condolences on behalf of the people of Sokoto and his administration. The governor described her passing as a “great loss not only to the family but to the nation at large,” and urged Prof. Jega and his family to take heart, placing trust in the will of Almighty Allah. He emphasised the inevitability of death as a part of life, praying that Allah would forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant her the highest place in paradise, while comforting her family in their time of grief. The governor was accompanied on the condolence visit by key aides, including his Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Legal Matters, Gandi Umar Muhammad, and political associate Ahmed Gohe Tafida.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, speaking through his spokesman, extended his heartfelt sympathies to Prof. Jega and his family. The president hailed Hajiya Hadiza as a woman of exceptional grace and character, highlighting her role as a steadfast partner in Prof. Jega’s public life, including during challenging periods such as his tenure as INEC Chairman. Expressing personal sorrow over the loss, President Tinubu described her as “a strong anchor” not only for her husband but for the broader community touched by her quiet yet meaningful advocacy and support for societal advancement. Vice President Kashim Shettima further underscored the administration’s respect for the Jega family by attending the Janazah prayer service at the National Mosque, offering President Tinubu’s condolences directly to Prof. Jega and his loved ones.
Expressions of sympathy also flowed from educational institutions closely associated with the late Hajiya Hadiza and her husband. Bayero University in Kano — where Prof. Jega once served as Vice-Chancellor — mourned her loss and joined in prayers for her eternal rest, reiterating her contributions to educational development and community upliftment. In their official statement, the university invoked the Islamic phrase “Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un,” acknowledging the submission to the will of Allah and requesting patience and strength for the grieving family.
Though widely respected, details regarding the specific circumstances surrounding Hajiya Hadiza’s sudden passing have not been publicly disclosed. News reports from multiple outlets confirmed the death and funeral arrangements but did not provide an official cause, focusing instead on her life, legacy and the depth of loss felt by family, friends and the wider community.
Her passing at a relatively young age has drawn reflections across sectors about the fragility of life and the importance of recognising the often-unseen contributions of those who stand beside prominent public figures. Many observers noted that beyond her role as a wife and mother, Hajiya Hadiza’s support for educational causes and community service complemented her husband’s extensive public roles, creating a partnership rooted in shared values and civic engagement.
As Nigeria mourns Hajiya Hadiza’s death, voices from across society have emphasised the need for collective empathy and shared remembrance. Religious leaders called for prayers for her soul and for solace for Professor Jega and his family, while academic peers spoke of her support for initiatives that strengthened local communities, particularly in northern regions where educational opportunities remain a focus of development efforts.
The funeral rites in Abuja on Sunday served as both a farewell and a reminder of the interconnectedness of personal loss and public life, as leaders from government, academia and civil society gathered to honour a life marked by quiet service and deep familial bonds. In the wake of her passing, President Tinubu, Governor Aliyu and many others have reiterated prayers for Hajiya Hadiza’s soul and comfort for the bereaved, underscoring the shared national respect for her memory and the legacy she leaves behind.
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