Career
He published widely. Laya was born in Tamou, Say Department, Niger, around the time of Tabaski in 1937. Prior to being named director of CELHTO, he was director of the Institut de Recherches en Sciences Humaines at Abdou Moumouni University in Niamey (1970-1977). His publications include:
Louisiana Voie peule: solidarité pastorale et bienséances sahéliennes, Paris: Nubia, 1984.
Louisiana Tradition orale.
Problématique et méthodologie des sources de l"histoire africaine, Niamey: CRDTO, 1972.