Later he attended North London Polytechnic (1973–1975) and St Clements University in the Turks and Caicos Islands (2000–2002).

He worked with the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Port Authority and the National Freight Company.

Aliyu Musdafa had groomed Barkindo for the succession, appointing him Chiroma Adamawa in 1980, and placing him in the emirate council in 1987.

[5] In May 2010 Barkindo said traditional titles were not for sale and would be given only to worthy candidates based on recommendations of the emirate's king makers.

[6] In June 2010 he warned of the effects of climate change, advising farmers to plant hardy crops and saying the Adamawa emirate would support policies to improve agricultural productivity.