Adamawa Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Mercy Kennedy Dauda, Passes Away

By Tgnews Reporter

The Adamawa State Civil Service and the education community are mourning the passing of Mrs. Mercy Kennedy Dauda (née Ornan Ba’aso), a dedicated educator and seasoned administrator who served as Permanent Secretary until her demise on December 30, 2025.

Born on March 23, 1966, in Kaduna State to the late Baba Ornan Ba’aso and late Mama Vera Gbelti Ornan, Mrs. Dauda grew up instilled with values of discipline, education, and service.

Her early education began at Anglican Girls’ School, Kaduna, where she obtained her Primary School Certificate in 1978. Driven by a passion for teaching, she trained at Teachers’ College, Numan (1979–1983), earning her Teachers Grade II Certificate, before advancing to the College of Education, Hong (1986–1989) for her Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE). She capped her academic journey with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in Home Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1993–1998).

Mrs. Dauda’s teaching career spanned several institutions in Adamawa State, including Government Technical Secondary School, Numan (1991–1999), Government Day Secondary School, Karewa (1999–2009), GDSS Njoboliyo as Vice Principal (2009–2011), and GGSS Yola as Vice Principal (2011–2014).

She transitioned to the administrative cadre in 2014, serving as Assistant Director at the Ministry of Information and Strategy (2014–2018) and Director of Administration at the Ministry of Works (2018–2024). In June 2024, she was appointed Permanent Secretary and deployed to the Boundary Commission, while also overseeing the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2025.

Beyond the classroom and administration, she contributed significantly to education governance, serving as Treasurer of the ABTI Parent-Teacher Association (2002–2013), WAEC and NECO Supervisor and Examiner (2005–2009), and Secretary of the Adamawa State branch of HETAN (2010–2014).

A widely travelled woman, Mrs. Dauda visited countries including Dubai, The Gambia, Ghana, Israel, Malaysia, the United States, and Rwanda, experiences that broadened her perspective on education and cultural understanding.

She was married to Chief Kennedy B. Dauda, mni, on April 3, 1999, at LCCN Bali, and the union was blessed with two daughters: Bisuwikacomswang Rifkatu Dauda and Jemima Kennedy Dauda.

Mrs. Dauda is survived by her husband, two daughters, sisters Mrs. Cecilia B. Baleri, Mrs. Nideno John, and Mrs. Godiya Ornan Ba’aso, as well as several nephews, nieces, brothers, and sisters.

Burial Arrangements

The family has announced the following programme:

– Sunday, January 4, 2026: Candlelight procession at 6:00 PM from her shop near Karewa Police Station to the family house at Masakare, Jimeta, Yola.

– Monday, January 5, 2026: Christian wake at LCCN Cathedral, Numan, by 4:00 PM.

-Tuesday, January 6, 2026:

– Corpse leaves FMC Mortuary, Yola, at 7:00 AM.

– Lying in state at the family house in Numan from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM.

– Funeral service at LCCN Cathedral, Numan, at 10:00 AM.

– Interment at Numan Cemetery at 11:30 AM.

Buses will be provided for mourners from FMC Yola Mortuary by 6:30 AM on Tuesday for those attending the service in Numan.

The family, through Major General Lawrence P. Ngubane (rtd), expressed gratitude for the support received during this period of bereavement.