By Hassan Ibrahim
Barrister Mahmud Lawal Isma’ila, Member representing Zaria City Constituency at the Kaduna State House of Assembly, has described Sheikh Malam Bala Mai Ashafa Kusfa of Zaria as a rare example of dedication, sacrifice and commitment to the propagation of Islamic knowledge and moral upbringing of society.
The lawmaker described the ceremony as particularly significant, stressing that it marked the first time Sheikh Ashafa had ever received an award, despite decades spent cultivating knowledge, faith, and morality.
“This honour shows that many organisations have historically overlooked Islamic scholars who dedicate their lives to teaching religion, morality, and values that guide society,”
Hon. Ismail remarked, calling the recognition both timely and necessary.
He further urged institutions, organisations, and the public to take inspiration from the initiative, advocating for a new culture of recognising educators who build character, morality, and religious consciousness, not only academic achievement.
Hon. Ismail highlighted key aspects of the scholar’s personal life — including his discipline, moral conduct, sense of responsibility, commitment to family, and dedication to community guidance — as qualities that young people should strive to emulate.
He noted that the Sheikh’s biography revealed valuable lessons, from his devotion to teaching, to the way he managed responsibilities, upheld religious values, and cared for his household, describing these as “a legacy worthy of public learning and imitation.”
The legislator concluded by encouraging the wider public to study and draw benefit from Sheikh Ashba’s life work, while calling on other organisations to emulate the example by honouring those who truly deserve recognition.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board and Founder of ELSA Academy, Hon. Malam Lawal Usman Mai Elsa, explained that the decision to organise the ceremony was informed by the need to recognise scholars who have devoted their lives to nurturing minds and shaping moral character through Islamic teachings.
He described Sheikh Bala Mai Ashafa Kusfa as a pillar of knowledge and guidance whose impact goes beyond the classroom, stressing that ELSA Academy remains committed to promoting education, scholarship and values-based learning. Hon. Malam Lawal Usman Mai Elsa added that celebrating scholars such as Sheikh Bala reinforces respect for learning and acknowledges the vital role of teachers in societal development.
In his lecture on the life and legacy of the honouree, Malam Tanimu Mai Rawani Zaria traced the scholarly journey of Sheikh Bala Mai Ashafa Kusfa from his early years of Qur’anic learning to his rise as a respected Islamic teacher and mentor. He explained that Sheikh Bala studied under renowned scholars and spent decades teaching Qur’an, Hadith and Islamic jurisprudence, while also serving as a moral guide within the community.
Malam Tanimu Mai Rawani noted that Sheikh Bala’s influence is evident in the character and achievements of his students, many of whom have become teachers and community leaders themselves. He described the cleric as a man of patience, discipline and deep knowledge who consistently promoted peace, understanding and upright conduct.
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