Why I Set Out to Personally Teach My Kids Physics and Chemistry — A Journey from 1995 to Now

By: Dr. Salihu Lukman

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats — a student, a teacher, an engineer, a researcher, and an assistant professor of civil engineering. But today, I proudly wear one more: that of a father-educator, determined to personally guide my kids through one of the most important academic journeys of their lives — mastering physics and chemistry.

Why this sudden resolve?

Because my kids, like many SS1 (Grade 10) science students, are facing real challenges in understanding physics and chemistry. And I know — deep in my heart — that no science student can truly thrive without a solid grasp of physics, the most foundational of all the sciences.

Physics is not just another subject; I put it as the study of the basic nature of nature itself. It lays the bedrock for chemistry, which in turn supports the life sciences like biology and beyond. Without it, the scientific tower becomes shaky. Physics explains the principles behind forces, energy, motion, atoms, and the universe — giving chemistry its structure and biology its processes.

My journey with physics began in 1995 in SS1, when I was introduced to a mesmerizing physics class taught by the brilliant and renowned Mal. Ibrahim Physics, thanks to my nephew, Engr. Idris Nuhu Malami (Major). That moment planted a seed in me. Teaching SS1 physics quickly became one of my hobbies. Three decades later, that seed has flourished into a passion-driven profession.

I evolved into an applied physicist through my academic path — specializing in water engineering during my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I’ve had the privilege of teaching university courses like engineering fluid mechanics, groundwater modeling, and engineering hydraulics & hydrology. My journey didn’t end there. I went on to earn a PhD in Environmental Engineering in 2013, becoming an applied chemist as well, with deep hands-on experience in analytical chemistry, using advanced equipment like AAS, GC-MS, ICP, Hg-Analyzer, FTIR, and HPLC in my research.

Ironically, while I’ve journeyed through so many advanced scientific fields, chemistry was actually my favorite and simplest subject back in secondary school — a love that never left me.

Given all this, I asked myself: Why hire someone to teach my children when I am more than equipped — both academically and emotionally — to do it myself? I not only understand the content deeply, but I also carry within me a long-standing passion to teach it in a way that is alive, relatable, and inspiring. Some of my former SS1 physics students are now professors.

That’s why I’m excited to announce that I’ve started teaching my kids physics and chemistry myself — and I’ve decided to share this journey and videos publicly, so that anyone struggling with these subjects can benefit as well.

Find my Introductory Physics Lesson 1 (Part 1 & 2) below, which I will be posting right here on my Facebook page and YouTube channel. This first lesson gives a general overview of physics and its profound connection to the cosmos, as well as its real-life applications that shape everything from your phone to the stars. I will also be briefly highlighting some of the established physics found in the glorious Qur’an.

And this is just the beginning

I’ll be releasing more lessons in both physics and chemistry, taught gradually, patiently, and accessibly. There will be no rush — just sincere teaching, step by step, until you or your loved ones fully grasp these essential subjects.

So if you, your child, or someone you know has ever struggled with physics or chemistry — this is for you. Let’s rediscover the beauty of science together, from the ground up.

Join me in this deeply personal and meaningful mission — not just to teach, but to inspire a generation with the knowledge that has shaped my life for 30 years. 

From passion to purpose, this is a father’s mission to teach, inspire, and empower.

#PhysicsForEveryone 

#ChemistryMadeSimple 

#TeachFromTheHeart 

#ParentEducator 

#SS1Science 

#LearningTogether 

#From1995TillNow