Kaduna, Nigeria – The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has been plunged into mourning following the death of its National Deputy Secretary-General, Comrade Adamu Ango Zaria, a man widely regarded as a pillar of the teaching profession and the labour movement.
National President of the NUT, Titus Amba, described Ango’s passing as “a painful moment and a great loss to teachers and the labour movement in Nigeria.” Amba, who also serves as Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), recalled their friendship dating back to 1999. “We worked together as comrades, friends and brothers. There was hardly a day we woke up without speaking to each other,” he said.
Ango’s career was marked by decades of service. He began as Branch Chairman of the NUT in Kaduna South Local Government Area, later rising to become the state secretary. He also served as Chairman of the NLC Kaduna State Council for eight years, where he became a strong voice for workers’ welfare.
Colleagues at the funeral spoke of his humility and tireless dedication.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Kaduna State, Ayuba Magaji Suleiman paid tribute to his late predecessor, describing him as a mentor who helped groom many labour leaders.
Suleiman said the late unionist remained resilient despite political pressure during his tenure and was deeply committed to the struggle for workers’ rights.
He noted that the deceased played a key role in training and guiding younger union activists, leaving behind a strong legacy within the labour movement.
Comrade Suleiman Ayuba, said: “Ango was not just a leader; he was a mentor. He always reminded us that the struggle for teachers’ welfare was a noble cause, and he lived by that principle.”
Also, former Chairman Civil Service Union and former Chairman Joint National Public Negotiation Council and vice chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Lawal Sarki Sambo, described Ango as a man who had great respect for people and was committed to improving the welfare of workers through knowledge and experience gained over the years.
He added that the late unionist had a unique ability to acquire knowledge and organise his work in ways that benefited workers across the state.
Another colleague, Kaduna State NUT Chairman, Comrade Ibrahim Dalhatu, recalled Ango’s role in mobilising teachers during difficult times. “He was fearless in defending workers. During his tenure as NLC Kaduna chairman, he stood firm against policies that threatened our livelihoods. We will never forget his courage.”
Amba noted that Ango remained committed until the very end. Barely three weeks before his death, he had returned from an international assignment in Zanzibar and still attended a National Executive Council meeting in Abuja.
“We have lost a committed comrade. Our prayer is that God forgives his shortcomings and accepts him,” Amba said, offering prayers for the repose of Ango’s soul.
The funeral drew colleagues, friends, and sympathisers from across the country, all united in grief and admiration for a man who gave his life to the service of teachers.
Amba expressed gratitude to those who travelled long distances to pay their last respects, urging the public to remember Ango’s family in their prayers.
“The union and his colleagues will continue to stand by the family in this moment of grief,” he assured.
As the dust settled on the burial ground, the mood was sombre but filled with reverence. For many, Ango was more than a leader—he was a brother, a mentor, and a tireless advocate whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of teachers and workers across Nigeria.