Month: January 2024

By Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu

It is not every day that a series of coincidental events converge. Like the passage of Haley’s Comet, these events happen only once in one’s lifetime. I am eternally grateful to Allah (SWT) for enabling me to witness one of these coincidental events. 

While still in active service in the university, where I have been for the last 43 years, I feel fulfilled that three of my students who became my colleagues and friends in the Department of Education have now become Vice-Chancellors in the same period within three years of each other. These are Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas (VC Bayero University Kano, 2020), Prof. Abdulrashid Garba (VC, Khalifa Isyaku Rabi’u University Kano, 2023) and the most recent, Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Yakasai (VC Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State, 2023). 

During their career development, I nicknamed them “The Three Musketeers” because of their closeness to each other, coupled with the almost military approach they adopted to their career. They started their doctoral studies at the same time, finished at the same time, rose and became professors at the same time! Each was highly focused with a target in mind. Each has proven his mettle scholastically – with each spending extended periods as a Visiting Professor in foreign universities. The research area of each of them was truly a contribution to knowledge in the discipline. 

The term I chose to describe them is based on characters in a novel by Alexandre Dumas in 1844 called “The Three Musketeers”, which describes the adventures of three-foot soldiers who were close pals. I consider myself part of them because they are individually my friends. And these three Vice-Chancellors are really close, not just as professional colleagues but their families are also close. 

Of course, besides myself, they had other tutors in the Faculty of Education (Bayero University Kano). Still, I am the only one remaining out of all those who tutored them since all the others have retired. I am, therefore, the Last of the Mohicans (another literary reference, this time to James F. Cooper, 1826) and had the unique opportunity of seeing his career convergence in December 2023 when Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Yakasai was appointed the Vice-Chancellor of the Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State. 

It is a rare opportunity to see a celebration of such success, humility and friendship in each of them. Allah Ya taya su riƙo, amin.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Central Japan was struck by a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake on Monday, prompting urgent evacuations and tsunami warnings.

The Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture experienced a series of quakes, including a 7.6-magnitude tremor.

National broadcaster NHK and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued alerts, urging residents to move to higher ground. 

Confirmed tsunamis of 1.2 metres hit Wajima city, with a potential five-metre wave expected in Noto, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The US Geological Survey recorded multiple quakes, emphasising the severity of the seismic activity. 

Japan, with its strict construction standards, faces haunting memories of the 2011 disaster and ongoing seismic threats.

Despite emergency preparedness, the nation remains on edge, with the historical seismic vulnerability of Tokyo echoing a century-old earthquake in 1923.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Dr. Tosan Erhabor, the Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), disclosed that a staggering 10,697 medical laboratory scientists have left the country, with 4,504 departing in 2023 alone. 

The brain drain, attributed to various factors, has prompted the Federal Ministry of Health to devise a policy aimed at regulating the migration of Nigerian health workers. 

Dr. Tosan Erhabor expressed his concern about the exodus of medical laboratory scientists during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).  

He highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive policy to address the root causes of migration and establish regulatory measures. 

“The total number of medical laboratory scientists that have migrated is 10,697,” Dr. Erhabor stated.  

He further revealed that the Federal Ministry of Health is actively working on a policy framework that would govern the migration of health professionals and potentially curb the alarming trend. 

To alleviate some of the challenges faced by health professionals, Dr. Erhabor shared that the government has initiated a review of the hazard allowance for health workers.  

Additionally, considerations are being made to review the minimum wage and other allowances specific to health professionals. Dr. Erhabor underscored the importance of creating a safe and conducive work environment as a crucial factor in stemming the tide of brain drain within the medical laboratory science field. 

The reasons behind the migration, as outlined by Dr. Erhabor, are multifaceted. He cited poor remuneration, uncertainties in career progression within teaching hospitals, the pursuit of education abroad, the desire to acquire new skills, and enhanced professional status as contributing factors. 

Moreover, the security situation in the country, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of modern equipment have prompted many professionals to seek opportunities abroad. 

The rising cost of living emerged as a critical factor, with Dr. Erhabor noting that it has become practically impossible for the average medical laboratory scientist to provide basic care and quality education for their children. 

The preferred destinations for these migrating scientists are reportedly the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, reflecting the global appeal of these nations for professionals seeking opportunities and a conducive working environment. 

As the healthcare sector grapples with this significant challenge, the MLSCN and relevant authorities are urgently working towards implementing effective policies to retain and incentivize medical laboratory scientists within Nigeria. 

The alarming departure of over 10,000 medical laboratory scientists from Nigeria in 2023 has prompted the MLSCN to call for swift policy interventions.  

With a multitude of factors contributing to the brain drain, the urgency to address remuneration, career uncertainties, and infrastructural challenges is crucial to retaining and attracting skilled health professionals within the country.