By Aisar Fagge and Ahmad Hassan
Many students who go to university do not have the awareness and motivation to understand the need to have a personal vision and proper training on managing their time effectively.
Malam Abdullahi Abubakar Lamido of the Department of Economics, Bayero University, Kano, made this observation while presenting his papers in a lecture series organized by Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila (AUSU). Speaking about the first paper titled “My Mission in Life,” Lamido said:
“Well, essentially, the essence is to help the students with the necessary tools with which they can plan and organize their life, from developing their personal life vision; what they want to achieve in their own life, and what they want to achieve in the university.
“When we say vision, we mean how to help them develop a multi-dimensional vision that covers all the essential aspects of their life – spiritual, religious, social, economic, financial, political, family and educational life,” he added.
Lamido’s second paper was about how students manage their time where he said:
“One of the greatest assets that one needs to move towards greatness is to master the art of time management. I gave them some tools that can help them pragmatically in organizing their time. We use the “Big rock concept” and Brain Tracy’s “Eat that frog and so on.”
When commending the management style of the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqama, Lamido commented thus:
“When I heard about the appointment of Prof. Salisu Shehu as the VC of Al-Istiqama, I concluded these people are serious. Because whoever knows Prof. Salisu Shehu knows him as a man of seriousness, a man of vision, a man of commitment, a man of dedication, a man of mission, a man of good character, a man of scholarship and an accomplished administrator.”
Two students attending the event explained the impact the lectures had on them.
Ibrahim Bashir, a student of Medical Laboratory Science, said, “My mission as a student of Al-Istiqama is to become a medical laboratory scientist and memorize Holy Qur’an.”
Fatima Muhammad from the Department of Nursing said, “Today’s activities are very motivating and educative as well. I have learned the difference between the vision and mission in life and how to use time accordingly.
“As a student of Al-Istiqama University, my vision is to become a professional nurse that is going make a difference out there – someone who is going to help the society and also the people from my state, women especially.
“People are complaining in the hospital that the nurses lack good manners, nurses harassment and others. I know showing sympathy to people in need of medical services is good.”
Other scholars who presented various papers related to their fields include Eng. Bashir Adamu Aliyu, Barrister Ahmad Yarima Misau, Dr Abubakar S. Usman, Dr Halima Rabiu Abdullahi and Dr Muhammad S. Usman from their respective institutions.
Many academics, religious and traditional leaders, as well as members of the Muslims Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), graced the occasion.
