In the bustling town of Zaria, Nigeria, the academic corridors of Ahmadu Bello University echo with the remarkable story of Professor Kabir Abu Bilal -a 50-year-old professor.
Prof Kabir Abu has not only excelled in the realm of academia but also embraced the world of welding challenging societal norms and inspiring a new generation.
Welding, often viewed as a menial job in Nigeria, took center stage in Abu Bilal’s life around two decades ago.
His modest workshop in Zaria evolved into a thriving space where the sparks of his welding expertise not only fuse metal but also breaks down stereotypes.
Despite holding the prestigious title of a professor, he proudly declares, “I am not ashamed that I work as a welder despite being a professor. I make more money from welding; he told the BBC.
The 50-year-old teaches and supervises research students at the faculty of engineering at Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria’s largest and one of its most prestigious universities.
He has worked at the institution of higher learning for 18 years and published several books on physics and electrical engineering.
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Kabir Abu Mentoring the Next Generation
Also, Professor Kabir Abu works to challenge the stigma associated with unconventional jobs, encouraging graduates to explore diverse paths.
“Education shouldn’t stop one from doing jobs like this, I am surprised that there are people with first degrees who find a job like this degrading,” he further noted.
The walls of his workshop not only echo with the sizzle of welding but also eager voices of apprentices.
He has 10 apprentices – aged between 12 and 20 – at the workshop getting the training where he imparts not only technical skills but also instills the principles of financial independence and self-sufficiency.
The apprenticeship tends to take about a year – and then when they have the skills they can go off and set up their own businesses.
“I have learnt so much being at the workshop, I can weld many items together now,” 18-year-old Jibril Adam said.
“Even as apprentices, he gives us 10,000 naira every month and a daily stipend for food.”
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Inspiring Unconventional Paths
In 2022, a year after he was promoted to become a professor, he moved to larger premises having found plenty of business in the university town, allowing him to buy more equipment and take on bigger jobs.
Professor Abu Bilal says his welding job has allowed him to be more self-sufficient and he has even been able to buy a more reliable car – a Mercedes.
In leaner times, he has even helped those who frowned on his joint career.
“When university lecturers went on strike for eight months in 2022 and we weren’t paid, I always had money because of this job and a few colleagues came to me for help,” he revealed.
Professor Kabir Abu Dream Career
Since he was a child, the professor says, he always liked taking apart and putting back together gadgets and things like radios, which drew him to his career.
“Unfortunately, I found out engineering here was more theoretically based and I needed a place to express myself,” he said, adding that the desire culminated in him starting the welding workshop.
Prof Abu Bilal’s journey is not just a personal triumph rather a beacon of inspiration. He aspires to motivate others to break away from societal expectations and consider unconventional careers.
In a world often constrained by norms, Prof Abu Bilal stands as a living testament to the idea that brilliance knows no boundaries, and passion can forge a path where academia and welding harmoniously coexist.
