Students, academics mourn Kadpoly journalism scholar, Dr Bashir Ashara

Tributes have continued to pour in for a chief lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Kaduna State Polytechnic, Dr. Bashir Hadi Ashara, who died late on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Ashara, a former head of department, was buried on Friday in Kaduna according to family sources.

Until his death, he was widely regarded as a seasoned academic and media professional, known for his contributions to journalism education and mentorship in the institution.

He also had a rich professional background in journalism, having worked with the New Nigerian newspapers and the defunct Nation House where he contributed to The Sentinel magazine and Nasiha newspaper.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, AbdulGafar Alabelewe, described the late lecturer as a “teacher who simplified learning and shaped generations of journalists.”

Alabelewe said Ashara had a rare ability to break down complex aspects of news writing and reporting into simple and practical lessons, noting that many practising journalists today owe their foundation to him.

“For many of us, he was the bridge between confusion and clarity in the demanding craft of journalism,” he said.

Also reacting, the Secretary of the NUJ, Kaduna State Council, Adamu Abdullahi, described his death as “devastating,” recalling that the late academic was his lecturer.

“Inna lillahi! A good man, my lecturer! This is devastating. May Allah have mercy on his soul and comfort his family,” he said.

Meanwhile, the situation at the Mass Communication Department of Kaduna State Polytechnic as at press time remained sober, as students and lecturers continued to mourn the demise of the late academic.