Month: December 2023

By Kamal Alkasim

Atiku Abubakar, former vice president and perennial presidential candidate, has long styled himself as the “Unifier” of Nigeria. Yet, recent events raise questions about his ability to live up to this label.

Internal Divisions and G5 Exodus:

Atiku’s party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has been plagued by internal divisions. The G5 group of five aggrieved governors, led by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, have publicly parted ways with Atiku and the party leadership. This exodus has significantly weakened the PDP’s chances in the 2027 presidential election.

Lost Allies and the Rise of New Political Alliances:

Further complicating the picture, two major figures who ran for president in 2023, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have left the PDP. These departures have deprived Atiku of potential allies and created a new political landscape with the emergence of a possible merger between the PDP, Labour Party, and New Nigeria People’s Party.

Unifying Action Needed:

While the details of this potential merger remain unclear, it presents a fresh challenge for Atiku. Should the merger materialise, it will demand exceptional unifying skills to navigate the competing ambitions of Obi, Kwankwaso, and other stakeholders within the new entity.

Unification Through Action, Not Words:

The question remains: when will Atiku be a “verified Unifier”? While words are persuasive, concrete action will ultimately determine his ability to bring together disparate political forces and forge a unified front.

Negotiations and the Struggle for Power:

Atiku faces a tough road ahead. He must navigate the complex negotiations with Obi, Kwankwaso, and other influential figures while overcoming internal party divisions. Ultimately, his success in securing the presidential candidacy and uniting the disparate political forces will be the true test of his unifying credentials. 

Kamal Alkasim is a freelance writer. He can be reached via kamalalkasim17@gmail.com.

By Abdelghaffar Amoka

I travelled home in 2012 after my PhD and one of my older cousins asked when I would become a Professor. I laughed and told him it would still take some years, and I jokingly told him I was not keen on becoming a Professor. He became angry at my response and said I should get the Professor for them even if I didn’t want it. After I left him, I began to wonder what is in that rank that some people want at all costs.

I can still remember the huge congratulatory messages I received after my friend and colleague shared on Facebook the news of my promotion to that rank. Sometimes I reflect on those messages and imagine how rich I would have been if those congratulatory messages could be transformed into cash. Here we are struggling, and some of us can’t even drive our cars any longer.

The Nigerian Professor

Becoming a Professor, the peak in academia, is something most academics look forward to. The title still comes with some prestige and perceived false benefits attached to it by outsiders. I once read a post on Facebook that said professors are stingy. Poor professors and the public want them to spend the money they don’t have. I went to buy a seat cover for my car a few years ago and the seller said lecturers have money but refused to spend it. I asked how much he thinks a professor is earning, and he said it can’t be less than N700,000. I laughed very hard.

I have written a lot on the remuneration of academics in Nigerian public universities, but many still don’t believe the figures. Yeah! Too bad to be true as compared with their perception. I had a discussion with one of our PG students, who is a lecturer in a state polytechnic, about salary disparity in the Nigerian public sector yesterday, and the salaries of university lecturers came into the discussion. I told him the figures, and the smile on his face showed that he didn’t believe it but couldn’t say I was lying. So, I logged in to the university portal and showed him my payslip. The gross, the deduction, and the net. We met again today, and he said that until yesterday, he never believed that a Professor on step 4 was earning less than N600,000.

Again this is the salary of academics in any federal government university in Nigeria. The quoted value is for step 2, the rank:

~The Assistant Lecturer’s net salary with all his allowances is N118,279 (105 USD).

~Lecturer II’s net salary with all his allowances is N129,724 (115 USD).

~Lecturer I net salary with all his allowances is: N160,809 (142 USD)

~Senior Lecturer’s net salary with all his allowances is: N222,229 (197 USD)

~Reader (Associate Professor) net salary with all his allowances is: N277,179 (245 USD)

~The professor’s net salary with all his allowances is N332,833 (294 USD).

The University workers are perhaps the only federal government workers whose salary is yet to be reviewed since 2009, that is for 14 years despite inflation. Those who were already professors in 2009 are still receiving the same salary since then. Your comfort is key to your output.

Aside from the academic work and the research and publication work that forms the bulk of your promotion criteria, you are loaded with administrative responsibilities without responsibility allowance. They call it ‘community services’. You can be denied promotion if you don’t have enough of the said “community services”.

If you happen to travel outside the University for a conference and you are lucky to be funded, the travel allowance is as follows:

~Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) for the professorial cadre is N16,000 per night.

~Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) for Senior Lecturer cadre and below is N12,000 per night.

~The transportation allowance is N20 per km.

If a Professor is to travel 200 km for an assignment that lasts for a day, he will get a DTA of N32,000 for 2 nights for his hotel accommodation for 2 nights and feeding and N8,000 for transportation. That is a total of N40,000. Despite the fact that FG has approved a new DTA for public service in September 2022, the universities can’t afford the new rate a year later. I applaud the patience of my colleagues, but the patient dogs are dying of hunger.

Meanwhile, education is said to be key to national development.

Dear prospective academics, I love academia. For me, it is not a job but a way of life. However, ask questions before you wish to join academia and become a Professor. The job as it is at the moment can’t pay your bills for a decent life.

Abdelghaffar Amoka Abdelmalik, PhD, wrote from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He can be reached via aaabdelmalik@gmail.com.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari 

The Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has insisted that the victims of the airstrike by the Nigerian Army must be properly compensated. 

The Sultan demanded justice at the Silver Anniversary of the 11th Emir of Jama’a, Alhaji Muhammad Isa Muhammad, on the throne at the Emir’s Palace in Kafanchan, Kaduna, on Friday. 

Recall that the Daily Reality earlier reported the bombardment of Muslim faithful celebrating Maulud in Tudun Biri Village in Kaduna State by the Nigerian Army. 

Commenting on their commitment to seeking justice for the Kaduna airstrike victims, the Sultan said, “We are here not only to celebrate the emir but to also pray for the emirate and the lives of those killed in Kaduna State. We are going to push for it until justice is served to the  people.” 

The Nigerian Army took responsibility for the massacre and described the situation as a ‘mistake’. 

However, replying to the Sultan, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the incident in Kaduna as highly regrettable. 

“Our duty is to protect the citizens, we are going to take a serious action to make sure something like this is not going to happen again anywhere in the country. The president has ordered a thorough investigation on it,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a strong caution to the public regarding the surge in illegal Naira banknotes circulating in the country.

CBN’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, noted the gravity of the issue in a statement released on Friday, particularly highlighting the prevalence of counterfeit higher denominations. 

“The CBN has observed the circulation of counterfeit banknotes, especially higher denominations by some individuals,” warned Mr. Sidi Ali. 

These fake Naira notes are reportedly being used for transactions in food markets and commercial centres across major cities in Nigeria.

The CBN expressed its commitment to collaborating with relevant security and financial agencies to combat the circulation of counterfeit currency. 

“The law provides severe sanctions, including a term of imprisonment of not less than five years, for any person found culpable of counterfeiting Naira notes or any other legal tender in Nigeria,” stated Sidi Ali. 

The public is urged to report suspected cases of counterfeit Naira notes to the nearest police station, CBN branch, or via email at contactcbn@cbn.gov.ng.

In response to the rising concerns, financial institutions and the general public are advised to exercise increased vigilance and adopt precautionary measures to prevent the acceptance and distribution of counterfeit notes.

By Dr. Ismail Muhammad Bello

Abuse of Antibiotics: Abuse of antibiotics entails both overuse and misuse. Medical professionals, veterinary practitioners, drug vendors, animal farmers and individuals in the community are all culpable in this detrimental practice. 

Antibiotics Abuse in Veterinary Practice and Animal Husbandry: In humans, antibiotics are primarily utilized for therapeutic purposes, but in veterinary practice, they are extensively employed for non-therapeutic reasons, such as promoting growth to meet the rising global demand for animal protein. Even for therapeutic purposes, a common practice involves administering antibiotics, sometimes even below the therapeutic dose, to entire herds for “disease prevention” when only some animals are ill.

The environment plays a crucial role in the evolution and dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Major sources of antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotic pollution in the environment include waste from large-scale animal and aquaculture farms, wastewater from antibiotic manufacturing, as well as from hospitals and municipalities. A portion of the antibiotics administered to humans and animals is excreted unaltered in faeces and urine.  Such animal waste is rich in nutrients and commonly used as fertilizer on crop fields, resulting in direct environmental contamination with both antibiotic residues and resistant bacteria.

Antibiotics Abuse in Human Medicine: In human medical practice, the lack of adherence to standard treatment guidelines has led to unwarranted prescriptions of antibiotics by medical professionals. A common occurrence is the prescription of antibiotics for non-bacterial conditions like the common cold (viral rhinitis).

Antibiotics Abuse in Hospitals: Moreover, medical professionals are also guilty of prescribing these drugs below the standard treatment dosage or for a shorter duration, particularly at the primary level of healthcare. This is particularly important because correct dosing is pivotal in drug therapeutics and serves as a significant distinction between orthodox and traditional practitioners. Paracelsus succinctly captures this in his renowned toxicology maxim: “All drugs are poisons; the benefit depends on the dosage.”

A common scenario in pediatric practice involves practitioners prescribing drugs based on volume rather than the calculated amount per child’s body weight. For instance, it’s not uncommon for a child to receive a prescription for 5mls of Amoxiclav Suspension to be taken twice daily. This practice poses a challenge for pharmacists during dispensing, as Amoxiclav Suspension is available in various strengths, ranging from 125mg to as high as 600mg of Amoxicillin in a 5ml dose.

A related situation arises when patients are instructed to take 1, 2, or 3 tablets of medications with varying dosage forms and strengths. For instance, Amoxiclav is available in tablets with 250mg, 500mg, 875mg, and 1000mg of Amoxicillin. This leaves the patient reliant on the drug vendor to select and dispense from his catalog, potentially leading to under-dosage or over-dosage, unless fortunate enough to be attended by a skilled pharmacist.

Another related practice involves the management of children with fever and multiple convulsions. In our setting, top among the list of differentials are severe malaria and acute bacterial meningitis. These conditions can be effectively distinguished through thorough good history-taking, physical examinations and investigations such as malaria parasite test (MP), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and full blood count. Despite evidence favouring one treatment over the other, some practitioners often combine parenteral antibiotics and anti-malarials. While simultaneous severe infections are not impossible, they are typically uncommon, emphasizing the merciful nature of God.

The repercussions of this lack of precision extend beyond medical concerns to economic ones, particularly in our context. An unnecessary 7-10 day antibiotic course can result in an additional estimated bill of approximately N40,000 ($50.66). A good brand of Ceftriaxone nowadays costs about N2500-N6000 ($3.2-$7.6) per vial, varying by location. This is a significant expenditure for a country with the highest level of poverty globally compounded by a poor health insurance scheme and a paltry minimum wage of N33,000 ($41.8).

Such harmful practices may result in under-dosing, subjecting organisms to sub-therapeutic drug levels which are nonlethal, promoting drug resistance. It’s comparable to confronting a machine gun-wielding terrorist with a tiny stick, eliciting a reaction that can only be better imagined.

In this regard, health professionals should undergo continuous training on the proper use of antibiotics and adhere to standard treatment guidelines in disease management. Health institutions should also implement antibiotic stewardship programs to systematically educate and guide practitioners in the effective utilization of these drugs.

Job aids should be provided to assist in the accurate prescription of medicines. In this context, both healthcare workers and patients should recognize that medical practice is guided by the principle of “Primum Non-nocere” – First, do no harm – underscoring the importance of patient safety. Both patients and practitioners must understand that cross-checking when uncertain is not a sign of incompetence but a commitment to due diligence. Patient safety surpasses individual egos, as it’s wiser to be safe than sorry. Physicians’ reactions to patients’ treatment expectations contribute significantly to inappropriate antibiotic use. This often occurs when a patient arrives with preconceived notions about their condition and preferred medications. Emphasis should be placed on educating the patient rather than yielding to their requests and pressure. Patients need to be adequately counselled on their condition and the reasons why prescribed medication may not be necessary. Additionally, physicians should be mindful that non-drug therapies can be as effective, or even superior, in certain conditions.

Dr. Ismail Muhammad Bello is a proud graduate of ABU Zaria. He is a Malnutrition Inpatient Care trainer and currently serves as a Medical Officer at both Khalifa Sheikh Isyaka Rabiu Paediatric Hospital in Kano and Yobe State Specialists Hospital in Damaturu. He can be reached at ismobello@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer (NPRO) of the Nigeria Customs Service, has clinched the esteemed ‘Spokesperson of the Year’ Award bestowed by Spokesperson’s Digest, a division of Image Merchant Public Relations. 

The award ceremony, graced by notable personalities, in Abuja served as a commendation of Maiwada’s exceptional contributions to public relations and steadfast dedication to the Nigeria Customs Service. 

In an exclusive post-award interview with NCBN correspondents, Maiwada credited his success to both personal commitment and the collaborative efforts of his team.

He said, “This accolade not only acknowledges my dedication but also inspires me to elevate my contributions further. My motivation comes from a deep passion for my work and the unwavering support of my dedicated team.”

Maiwada, recognised for his dynamic leadership, underscored the collective endeavours of his team as the driving force behind the prestigious acknowledgment.

His words read, “Today’s recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of my team, serving as a motivating force to strive for excellence.”

Expressing gratitude for the guidance and backing from the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team, Maiwada emphasised the importance of extracting the utmost value from his work.

In addition to recognising Maiwada’s professional prowess, praise was accorded to the National PRO’s commitment to mentorship.

He urged organisers to consistently acknowledge the dedication and enthusiasm of media practitioners and agencies, stressing the need to uphold a culture of recognising significant contributions in their respective domains. 

Concluding his remarks, Maiwada extended heartfelt appreciation to Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Headquarters Adeogun Alajogun, the representative of the CGC at the event.

He acknowledged Alajogun’s pivotal role as his direct supervisor in the Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Nobel Prize in Literature winner Jon Fosse has opened up about his early struggles as a writer and the role of writing in his life in his laureate speech delivered on Thursday. 

Fosse, whose works include the Septology series of novels Aliss at the Fire, Melancholy, and A Shining, was awarded the Nobel Prize in October “for his innovative plays and prose, which give voice to the unsayable”. 

Overcoming Fear and Finding Voice 

In his speech, Fosse spoke about the challenges he faced early in his career, including negative criticism.

He revealed that if he had listened to his critics, he would have stopped writing 40 years ago. 

He also touched on the recurring theme of suicide in his work, expressing concern that it might have contributed to its normalization.

However, he was also moved by readers who shared how his writing had saved their lives. “In a sense, I have always known that writing can save lives. Perhaps it has even saved my own life,” he said.

“And if my writing also can help to save the lives of others, nothing would make me happier.” 

Music and Writing 

Fosse drew parallels between music and writing, explaining how his teenage passion for music, particularly rock guitar, eventually led him to write.

He shared how he tried to capture the feeling of playing music in his writing. 

The Flow of Writing 

Fosse also discussed his writing process, describing how he sometimes feels like the text already exists and he simply needs to transcribe it before it disappears.

He added that the lack of full stops in his novel Septology was not a deliberate choice, but rather a natural outcome of his writing flow. 

Septology: A Reflection on Aging 

Fosse concluded his speech by talking about his novel Septology, which tells the story of an ageing painter named Asle reflecting on his life. 

A Message of Hope and Resilience 

Fosse’s speech was a deeply personal and insightful reflection on the power of writing and its impact on both his own life and the lives of others.

His message of overcoming fear, finding voice, and the potential of writing to save lives is a powerful one that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the pull of the written word.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

An Islamic Organization, Ummah for Da’awa & Humanitarian Services, has called on the government to do justice to the victims of the airstrike by the Nigerian Army.

The group demanded thorough investigation into the matter and requested that the victims and the families of the deceased be compensated.

The group made their stance known while expressing their pain and sadness over the matter in a statement on Thursday.

The statement reads in part: “We call on the relevant authorities to exercise a deep investigation into the matter to know
the factors that caused the unfortunate
event and to take good actions against the forces that played a role.

“We also advise the government, both at the state and federal levels to pay ransom to the affected families to alleviate the pains and plights that accompanied the incident. We all know that lost lives cannot be returned but their families can be consoled.”

The airstrike dubbed as mistake by the Nigerian Army killed scores of Muslims observing Maulud in Tudun Biri Village, Kaduna State.

Dear Vice-Chancellor,

We are writing to express our concern regarding the enrolment of recruited staff at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State, on the IPPIS. Despite completing all necessary documentation processes and waiting for almost three years, there has been significant uncertainty surrounding the actual enrolment of the affected employees.

This issue has caused pain and disappointment among the recruited staff. The delay not only impacts the morale and confidence of the affected employees but also raises questions about the efficiency of FUDMA’s bureaucratic administrative processes. Some have resigned from their previous employment, anticipating working at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma. The anticipation has been prolonged, and the affected workers need to know whether there are still possibilities for them to be captured on the IPPIS or not.

It is essential to acknowledge the efforts invested by the new recruits in completing their documentation promptly. Failing to enrol them in a timely manner not only hinders their ability to contribute effectively to the university but also reflects poorly on the university’s commitment to its employees.

I urge you to address this matter promptly, identify the reasons for the delay, and take necessary actions to expedite the enrolment process for the recruited staff. Open and transparent communication regarding the steps being taken to resolve this issue will help alleviate concerns and maintain FUDMA’s reputation for professionalism and efficiency.

Your immediate intervention in addressing all allegations of employment racketeering is highly appreciated, as it directly impacts the well-being of your tenure as the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma and its staff.

Pending IPPIS FUDUMA Staff. They can be contacted via aishaumarabdullah2000@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Engausa, a prominent digital skills learning centre located in Unit E35/36 Technology Incubation Centre, Farm Centre, Kano, Nigeria, has announced the commencement of registrations for its upcoming ENGAUSA CATCH THEM YOUNG classes.

The classes, tailored for children, will be conducted during school holidays, providing a unique opportunity for young learners to enhance their digital skills in an engaging and educational environment. 

Parents and guardians are encouraged to enrol their children, especially those who participated in the previous vacation classes.

This allows them to continue building on the knowledge and skills they acquired during their previous sessions. 

The digital skills learning centre emphasises the urgency of registration, urging interested parents to act promptly to secure a spot for their children in the upcoming classes.

With a commitment to fostering early exposure to digital literacy, Engausa aims to equip young minds with essential skills for the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

Engausa’s initiative aligns with the broader goal of promoting technology education and creating a foundation for future innovators.

As the classes are anticipated to fill up quickly, prospective participants are advised to register promptly to ensure their inclusion in this valuable educational opportunity. 

For further details and registration, interested parties can contact Engausa through the following phone numbers: 07038224643, 0701 513 0683, or 0708 886 1618.

Alternatively, interested persons can visit the official website at EngausaHub.com or EngausaAcademy.com for comprehensive information on the programmes offered.