Born in Zaria and raised in Lokoja, the Miller twins, Dora Maude Akanya and Mary Jummai Jarma, were inseparable in life and purpose. Their careers in education and public service mirrored each other, driven by a shared belief in women’s empowerment.
The Miller twins are one of the early Fulani’s that came in contact with White Christian missionaries. The two women grew up to redefine the essence of unity, not only in the northern region, but in other parts of the country. As successful educationists, they raised many influential Nigerians of different faiths.
They were the only two women at the Nigerian College in Zaria, cycling long distances to teach married women essential skills. Both of them began as teachers in Kaduna and Lokoja before Dora’s career led her to become Nigeria’s first female commissioner in 1967, overseeing health and social welfare in North Central State.
Jummai became the founding principal of both the Women’s Teachers’ College and Queen Amina College, later rising through government ranks to shape education policy across Kaduna and Borno.
When they clocked 82 years old, they granted an interview where they spoke about their lives. They were married but while one had no child, the other had one who pãssed away in 2006. However, they have adøpted children.
Talking about their bond, Maude said: “My twin sister could be in Lagos and I would be in Kaduna, but we would be wearing the same outfit. Also, on several occasions, despite the fact that we did not discuss the outfit we would be wearing, both of us would end up wearing the same outfit to an event. It has happened on several occasions.”
They also said they wished to be bürīēd in the same place when they leave the world adding that they do not mind leaving earth same day.
But against their wish, they passed away a few years apart.
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