‘Learn to cope with good and bad times’

Mariam Birma, born November 17, 1965 in Maiduguri is from Biu in Borno State but grew up in Kano. Her father is the late Alhaji Umaru Sanda Birma and her mother is Hajiya Fatima Hassan. She is the firstborn of nine children; she has two sisters and six brothers. She has two sons and is the Assistant Dean, Faculty of Arts and recently became the Acting Head, Department of French. She is also a freelance translator and interpreter. The banker turned lecturer takes us through her life as a lecturer.

My formal education started with St. Louis Primary School, Kano in the 70s then I attended Federal Government Girls’ College, Bauchi. I later proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where I obtained a Bachelors Degree in French in 1987. After NYSC I got admission to pursue a Masters Degree in French (Linguistics) in 1996. I was awarded my Doctorate Degree in French with specialty in Translation in 2019. Career My work experience, starting with NYSC, was in Baptist High School, Jos. After I started my Masters programme, I got an appointment as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of French, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1992. I resigned in 1998 and joined the services of Alliance Francaise, Kano the same year. I worked there as a language instructor and translator till 1999. While there, I was posted to the Consulate of the Republic of Niger in Kano, for three months as the Consular Secretary. Then in 2000, I started my banking career with the former Bank of the North, Abuja Main Branch and later Kano Main Branch. In 2003 I moved to the then Magnum Trust Bank, Kano. From there I went to Universal Trust Bank, Kano in 2004 until the acquisition by Union Bank. I rose to the position of Operation Manager before resigning in 2007. The same year I got a two-year contract to work with Rotary International’s PolioPlus Committee as Kano State Coordinator. At the end of my contract, I got a part-time teaching job in the Department of English and French, in Bayero University Kano from 2009-2010. Then in 2011, I got re-appointed to come back to the Department of French, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. I became Assistant Dean, Faculty of Arts and recently became Acting Head, Department of French. Meanwhile, I have been a freelance Translator and Interpreter since 2000. My childhood years Growing up was very interesting with its ups and downs. We always had relations living with us in the extended family system. But our father was openminded and understanding. My father insisted we graduated from university before getting married and I got married while doing my Masters at the age of 25. I grew up at a time when religion and ethnicity were not used to divide people and integrity and loyalty were important when choosing one’s friends. Moreover, coming from Southern Borno we had relations who were Christians. Life lessons Over the years, I have learnt that old friends are best and should be cherished; I have known my closest friends for over 25 years. Family is also very important despite differences. I have also learnt that when one is given a responsibility, you must always give it your best and never betray the trust of that responsibility otherwise do not accept it. Aspirations as a young girl Growing up I always knew I wanted to study French and work with since my first contact with the language through family friends from Guinea Republic. I also had the usual dream of getting married and having children.

Fond childhood memories The fond childhood memories are of living carefree and feeling safe and secure with my parents and siblings. Family gatherings were always fun. My passion for teaching The joy of teaching is always found when you meet a former student who recognizes you in an unexpected place. Teaching a new language to both children and adults to the point that they get from not knowing a word to actually being able to understand and communicate gives me a sense of fulfilment and deep satisfaction.

Nigerian Education industry, especially how it relates to the average Nigerian woman

The Nigerian Education Industry is not appreciated enough in my opinion. There are many women in the domain of education and its flexibility make it easier for women, especially those with young children, to fit in with their roles as wives and mothers.

Life challenges

I suppose there is no career without its peculiar challenges. Working in the bank when my children were young was very difficult because it took all my time but the salary was good. That was the main reason I had to leave the banking industry so I would not be away from them the whole day. Being in the university has its demands with teaching, marking scripts, writers papers for conferences and publication, administrative responsibilities, etc. But we have to take the good times with the bad times in life and cope with everything. Most cherished gift I have received so many gifts from different people at different phases of my life. The degree of importance is usually relative to that particular time. Joys of motherhood Becoming a mother to my two sons has brought me indescribable joy. I have gone through all sorts of emotions, my patience has been tested, but it has been a worthy experience which I would not change. My children are now adults; Umar is 28 and Sadiq is 26 and they are graduates. Raising them has been a challenge, teaching them the facts of life, moulding their characters and seeing them turn into men gives me profound satisfaction and pride. Favourite kind of music I enjoy Jazz, old school music, Nigerian music, Zouk and Makossa.

First and last App I check daily

I check email first thing in the morning and the last thing at night, followed by WhatsApp. Favourite fashion items Shoes and jewellery What I won’t be caught wearing Sleeveless dresses Best travel destination Dakar, Senegal. I love all the seafood, the fashion and the honesty of the people. How I relax I like listening to music and reading Favourite food Pounded yam with fisherman’s soup

My style definition Elegance, wearing clothes that suit one not blindly following trends Favourite fashion design Senegalese fashion Favourite perfume, designer bag and shoes

For perfume, it’s Davidoff’s Light Blue, Nine West bags and Aldo shoes

Mum’s advice that has stuck till date Always have patience Favourite sport, colour and weather

Aerobics is my favourite sport, for colour, I like green and I like cool weather. Favourite day of the week Wednesday because it’s middle of the week and I have seen how the week started and can work on how it ends Favourite book The Bridge of Beyond by Simone Schwartz-Bart; it’s the story of a generation of West Indian women from the greatgrandmother who was a slave. It depicts the trajectory of the life of Telumee Miracle, the narrator. Starting from her greatgrandmother, to her mother to her own life. The story of the loves, the woes and how they surmounted their challenges as women in a patriarchal society. It mirrors the lives of African women and after all, they were African before being transported as slaves. My beauty routine I cleanse and moisturize my face every night before going to bed and I use a facial scrub once a week. I only use eyeliner, lip balm, lip gloss and compact powder for my face.

What I would tell my younger self

I would tell my younger self to listen to my parents more.

The joy of teaching is always found when you meet a former student who recognizes you in an unexpected place