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By Uzair Adam 

The national grid has collapsed once again, plunging most parts of the country into darkness.

Power generation, which stood at 2,917.83 megawatts (MW), dropped drastically to 1.5 MW between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Confirming the development, the Nigeria National Grid, via its X handle, announced that “System restoration is in progress.”

In another update, the account disclosed that all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) across the country, except Ibadan DisCo, recorded zero allocation of power.

“Disco load” refers to the amount of power (in megawatts) allocated from the national grid to each distribution company.

Meanwhile, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) in a statement appealed to its customers for patience, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to stabilise the grid.

The statement read, “Dear Valued Customers, please be informed that the power outage currently being experienced is due to a loss of supply from the national grid at 11:23 hrs today, affecting electricity supply across our franchise areas.

“Rest assured, we are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure power is restored once the grid is stabilised. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

By Nasiru Ibrahim 

Nigeria’s debt situation has become more confusing and concerning in recent years. After removing fuel subsidies, which had always been used to justify heavy borrowing, many expected a change in direction. But surprisingly, debt has continued to rise—and sharply. 

In less than two years, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has added over ₦62 trillion to our total debt. This comes on top of Muhammadu Buhari’s already heavy debt legacy. Yet if you check the 2025 budget, it still carries a huge deficit. This is despite relatively stable oil prices and a slight improvement in crude oil production. So, something is clearly not adding up.

How can a country that has removed one of its biggest expenditures—fuel subsidies—still be borrowing more than ever? Is it that the revenue reforms aren’t working, or is this a deeper issue with how we manage our economy? These are real questions that need honest answers. The reality is that Nigeria’s current borrowing trend is worrying not just because of the amount, but also because of the manner in which it’s happening and what it reflects.

According to the Debt Management Office, as of March 31, 2025, Nigeria’s public debt stood at ₦149.39 trillion. Tinubu alone has added ₦62.01 trillion to that figure in under two years. Now, let’s compare that with previous administrations: Goodluck Jonathan borrowed ₦5.9 trillion in five years. Buhari borrowed ₦74.78 trillion in eight years—including the controversial “Ways and Means” borrowing from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). That’s how bad things have gotten.

“Ways and Means” are short-term loans from the Central Bank to the Federal Government, intended to cover urgent expenses such as paying salaries or addressing unexpected shortfalls. Think of it like an overdraft facility. But the law is clear—the CBN Act, 2007 (Section 38) states that the Federal Government can only borrow up to 5% of the previous year’s revenue from the CBN, and it must be repaid in the same year. Under Buhari, this law was ignored. His government borrowed ₦22.7 trillion through Ways and Means, without obtaining proper approval from the National Assembly.

This ₦22.7 trillion had not been reflected in official debt figures for a long time. It only became part of Nigeria’s domestic debt record in May 2023, when Buhari’s government securitised it—basically converted it into long-term bonds. That move alone caused the total public debt to jump from ₦44.06 trillion at the end of 2022 to ₦87.38 trillion by June 2023. That’s a massive increase in just six months.

Now, some economists argue that Tinubu’s debt figures appear worse primarily due to the exchange rate. That argument is simple: Nigeria borrows in foreign currencies, such as the dollar, euro, or yuan, but records the debt in naira. So when the naira weakens, the same dollar loan becomes much bigger in naira terms.

Let’s look at the exchange rate across administrations. Under Jonathan, the exchange rate was around ₦ 157 to $1 in 2015. Under Buhari, the exchange rate was ₦770/$ in 2023. And under Tinubu, the exchange rate is now approximately ₦1536/$ as of 2025. So when you convert the same external loan, the naira value explodes as the currency weakens. Just this exchange rate movement has added ₦29.75 trillion to Tinubu’s external debt and ₦5.9 trillion to Buhari’s.

To properly check if the debt spike is mainly due to FX changes, let’s fix the exchange rate at ₦157/$ for all the administrations and see how much was actually borrowed. The formula is simple:

Old Dollar Debt × New Exchange Rate – Old Dollar Debt × Old Exchange Rate.

Using the DMO’s external debt figure of $38.81 billion in 2023:
$38.81bn × ₦770 = ₦29.85 trillion
$38.81bn × ₦1536 = ₦59.63 trillion
₦59.63 trillion – ₦29.85 trillion = ₦29.78 trillion

So, if the exchange rate had remained at ₦157/$, Nigeria’s external debt of $42.46 billion in 2025 would have been approximately ₦6.6 trillion. Under that fixed exchange rate, Jonathan’s total external borrowing would have been approximately ₦1.07 trillion over five years. Buhari’s about ₦4.48 trillion in eight years.

Tinubu’s about ₦1.12 trillion in under two years. This means if Tinubu continues at this pace, he’ll hit Buhari’s figure—₦4.48 trillion—in about eight years. Yes, the exchange rate plays a significant role. But that’s not the whole story.

Others argue that Tinubu’s debt problem is not just about FX. It’s also about spending discipline. Unlike Buhari, Tinubu removed fuel subsidies and slightly increased oil production (1.5–1.6 million barrels per day, compared to Buhari’s average of 1.2–1.3 million barrels), and customs and tax revenue also improved. Buhari faced more challenging conditions—global oil crashes, two recessions in 2016 and 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic, and high subsidy payments—during his early years. So, Tinubu had more room to save, but instead, borrowing has increased.

The 2025 budget projects a deficit of ₦13.08 trillion. It assumes oil at $77.96 per barrel and production of 2.06 million barrels per day. However, in reality, March production was only 1.65 million barrels per day, including condensates. And as of July 8, Brent crude was $70.20 and WTI was $68.42—both below the assumed price. That means revenue projections may fall short, and the government will likely borrow even more.

Tinubu has already requested $21.6 billion in new loans. In May 2025, Reuters reported that he also asked the National Assembly to approve loans of €2.2 billion, ¥15 billion (approximately $104 million), and an additional $2 billion in domestic loans. That’s not all.

The Federal Government also secured a $747 million syndicated external loan to fund Phase 1, Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway—from Victoria Island to Eleko Village. At ₦1536/$, this loan adds ₦1.147 trillion to the debt. The lenders include Deutsche Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Afreximbank, and Zenith Bank, among others. The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) is providing insurance. That brings Tinubu’s total borrowing to about ₦63.157 trillion in under two years.

This highway is being built under a Public-Private Partnership using an EPC+F model. The road is over 70% complete and is designed using CRCP technology—concrete with a 50-year lifespan and low maintenance requirements. While the loan adds to debt, it shows some confidence from global investors and introduces a financing model that shares risk between the government and private firms.

Now to the bigger picture. As of 2024, Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio is around 25.1%, based on ₦144.67 trillion in debt and a nominal GDP of about $375 billion. That means debt accounts for about one-quarter of the economy—not yet alarming, but becoming risky if borrowing continues at this rate. What’s more worrying is the cost of servicing debt.

In 2024, debt service took up 4.1% of GDP—up from 3.7% in 2023 (AfDB report). That’s a lot. Imagine 4.1% of the entire economy going towards just paying off debt, instead of building schools, roads, or hospitals. Even worse, the debt service-to-revenue ratio rose from 76.86% in 2023 to 77.4% in 2024 (APA News). This means more than three-quarters of government revenue is now used to repay debt. That leaves very little for anything else. That’s not sustainable.

As Economics graduates, the way forward is clear. First, we need to depoliticise how we manage public finances. Countries like Chile, Sweden, and the UK have independent Fiscal Councils that enforce rules like debt limits and balanced budgets. Nigeria needs something like that to restore discipline and rebuild investor trust.

Second, loans must be tied to development goals—not used for consumption. Borrowing should be used for essential services like roads, electricity, and digital infrastructure, rather than paying salaries or covering bloated administrative costs. Rwanda and Ethiopia have shown how debt used for infrastructure can boost exports and growth. A cost-benefit analysis should accompany every loan.

Third, we must cut waste and off-budget liabilities. That includes fuel subsidies, failing state-owned enterprises, and unauthorised bailouts. Ghana passed a Fiscal Responsibility Act in 2018, capped its deficit at 5% of GDP, and ran audits that exposed massive leakages. Nigeria can cut borrowing by 30–40% just by following that path.

Fourth, improve tax collection—not by harassing small traders, but through fairness and the use of technology. Indonesia raised its tax-to-GDP ratio by digitising filing, automating risk detection, and linking tax IDs with national identity numbers. Nigeria can do the same—target high earners and multinationals instead of informal workers.

Fifth, public-private partnerships and syndicated loans, such as the Lagos-Calabar road, shouldn’t be used to conceal debt. They should help us attract private capital, share risks, and deliver real development. Countries like Morocco and Kenya make their PPP contracts public. Nigeria should also strive for greater transparency.

Finally, if things get out of hand, we can consider debt restructuring—but only as a last resort and if tied to fundamental reforms. Ghana restructured its debt in 2023 by extending maturities and cutting interest under IMF guidance. But what made it work was reform—cutting subsidies and improving tax systems. Without reform, restructuring solves nothing.

This is the time for Nigeria to act. If we continue on this path, we are only postponing a more profound crisis. But with the right decisions, we can still change direction.

Ibrahim is a graduate of Economics from Bayero University, Kano. He can be reached via nasirfirji4@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, has triggered heated reactions on Facebook, where users expressed anger and criticism over the relationship between Arab leaders and Western powers.

In a post by Facebook user Aisar Fagge, he reminded followers that, “Don’t forget, Qatar gave Trump a $400 million Boeing jet in May, this year. And now Trump has returned the favour. Keep collecting 🔥🔥.”

The comment sparked a flood of responses.Several users showed no sympathy for Qatar. Hussaini M Maccido wrote, “I have no sympathy for them. I can’t waste it on useless people.” Similarly, Bin Muhammad Tofu commented, “I’ve No Sympathy For The Useless Folks.”

Others expressed disappointment in Hausa. Abdulrahman Yunusa stated: “Ya Shiek ka mana da Hausa ‘Sun maida biki’ kenan. An musu alheri sun rama da tsiya,” meaning Qatar responded with hostility despite receiving goodwill.

Saeid Naser Ado argued that the Gulf state betrayed Muslims, saying, “Ba’a murnar shiga wani cikin masifa, amma da sai na ce Allah ya kara. Sbd sun ci amanar Musulunci da Musulmi thou daman ba addinin ne a gaban su ba.”

Musa Babanta criticized the country’s leadership, describing them as, “Shameless people, they should donate their land to Israel to please their western masters.”

Adding to the debate, Abubakar Jamo accused Arab rulers of idolizing former U.S. President Donald Trump. He wrote: “The Arab leaders view Trump as a God. He can save them from being overthrown. During his last visit to the Gulf, his hosts were bowing as they shook hands with him. This is the effect of being extremely rich without being Godly. They are slaves despite being rich.”

The discussions reflect how some Nigerians interpret the ties between Gulf leaders and Western powers, blaming such alliances for the Israeli strike on Doha.

Many commenters suggested that Arab rulers prioritize wealth and Western approval over protecting Islam and Muslims.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has suspended its nationwide strike following a deal reached with the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals.

The industrial action, which lasted two days, had forced several fuel stations across the country to shut down, creating concern over possible shortages.

The dispute centered on allegations that Dangote Group denied its staff the right to join recognised labour unions.A conciliation meeting brokered in Abuja by the Minister of Labour, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, led to extensive deliberations between both parties.

The talks resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).The document stated: “That since workers’ unionisation is a right in line with the provisions of the extant laws, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals agreed to the unionisation of employees of Dangote Refinery and unionization of employees of Petrochemicals, who are willing to unionize.

“That the process of unionization shall commence immediately and be completed within two weeks (9th–22nd September, 2025), and it was agreed that the employer will not set up any other union.

“Arising from the strike notice, no worker or employee of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals will be victimized.”

With the resolution in place, NUPENG officially called off the strike and pledged to ensure that the terms of the agreement are implemented.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano Government Committee probing the Nigerian Meat and Allied Products (NIMAP) abattoir says its inspection of the Chalawa facility has uncovered widespread destruction and missing equipment worth billions of naira.

The panel, chaired by Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, visited the site on Tuesday as part of its mandate to examine the fate of the multi-billion-naira project.Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had last week set up the 11-member committee to probe allegations that the abattoir, established more than 35 years ago, was sold and stripped under the previous administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Addressing journalists during the inspection, Muhuyi said only fragments of the original structures remain, noting that equipment valued at over N20 billion had either disappeared or been disposed of.

“This was once a facility designed to process halal meat and support fish farming, with the potential to supply both domestic and foreign markets,” he said.

“Today, what we see is monumental destruction of unimaginable magnitude.”

He also disclosed that the land allocated to the abattoir had been divided and transferred to private hands, in some cases through alleged auctions and in others by outright allocation.

Muhuyi assured that the committee would submit a thorough and impartial report to guide the state government on the next steps.

“This assignment is about safeguarding public assets. While some states are just beginning to consider such facilities, Kano had one for decades, and it has been wasted. Our duty is to establish what happened and recommend the way forward,” he added.

The committee’s report is expected to determine those responsible for the destruction and chart a path for possible recovery of the assets.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian military has recorded significant victories against Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram fighters in recent coordinated operations in Borno State.

The raids, carried out through combined air and ground assaults in Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains, forced the insurgents into confusion and led to the emergency burial of dozens of their fighters.

The offensive followed last Friday’s attack by ISWAP gunmen on Darajamal village in Bama Local Government Area, where about 60 civilians were killed.Residents reported to Zagazola Makama that the terrorists stormed the community, shooting indiscriminately before retreating toward the forest.

Their movements, however, were detected by military Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, which guided airstrikes against them.

“The ISR platforms picked up multiple terrorist movements. The Air Component swiftly engaged them with devastating precision, instantly neutralising more than 30 fighters,” a senior security source told Zagazola.

Following the air bombardments, ground troops from nearby Forward Operating Bases entered Darajamal to restore calm and provide support to survivors.In another phase of the operation, armed drones targeted terrorist hideouts and movement routes within the Mandara Mountains.

At least four locations were struck, leading to the deaths of several commanders and fighters. Survivors fled in disorder, leaving behind both weapons and corpses of their colleagues.

Intelligence further revealed that the Ali Ngulde faction of Boko Haram, which has been weakened by sustained military pressure in the Sambisa axis, buried not less than 47 bodies of slain members in hurried ceremonies at scattered sites.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Spain has pulled its ambassador from Israel in a dramatic escalation of tensions. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said the move came after “false and calumnious” accusations from Israel against Madrid.

The step follows Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s hard line on Gaza, including a permanent arms embargo and bans on Israeli-linked ships and aircraft. He has accused Israel of committing genocide, sparking Israeli claims of antisemitism and entry bans on Spanish ministers.

Madrid insists its stance is rooted in human rights and international law, marking its toughest diplomatic challenge to Israel yet.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) held a Literacy Awareness Campaign on Monday at Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Kalgo Local Government, Kebbi State, to mark the 2025 International Literacy Day. Tagged “FUBK Literacy Awareness Campaign,” the programme was part of the University’s corporate social responsibility to the host community.

The event showcased a colourful joint rally by staff and students from FUBK and GDSS, holding banners with literacy messages in English and Hausa to promote reading, writing, and digital inclusion. They marched through Kalgo town from Kalgo Junction to the Local Government Secretariat and GDSS, where a lecture on “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era” was given.

In his address, Vice Chancellor FUBK, Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Aliyu Abdullahi Turaki, said, “The campaign is part of the University’s commitment to promoting literacy and empowering the host community, especially young people, to thrive in the digital era.”

“This School has a proximity advantage of being the closest school to the University. We are committed to identifying areas of intervention for the benefit of our host community,” he revealed 

“We have seasoned academics in the Faculty of Education and other departments. We have been holding seminars and workshops for the capacity building of staff. I advise the school administrators and teachers to tap into these opportunities by identifying areas of need where we could key in,” he added

In his remarks, Registrar of FUBK Abdulkadir Abubakar, noted that “the fundamental objectives of establishing a university are teaching, research and community service. The University, in its modest effort, came up with this initiative with a view to giving back to society,” he said 

Meanwhile, the guest speaker, Prof. Bello Bala Usman of the Department of Nigerian Languages at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, highlighted that literacy is not just about reading and writing in today’s world. He said, “Literacy is also about acquiring digital skills that open doors to opportunities. FUBK is proud to champion this cause.”

“Digital literacy is now a survival skill. We must encourage our students to see technology not as a distraction, but as a tool for learning, creativity and problem-solving,” he added.

In a goodwill message, the District Head of Kalgo, represented by Dangaladiman Sarkin Gobir Mal. Abubakar Arzika Kalgo commended and urged the University to sustain the momentum.

The University also donated 12 collections of 120 literary books to GDSS Kalgo, which were handed over to the Principal.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Ministry of Education has unveiled the official list of approved subjects for Basic and Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria, cautioning schools and the public against unauthorized lists currently circulating.

In a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Salisu Shehu, the ministry explained that the new curriculum reforms were introduced under the National Education Sector Reform Initiatives (NESRI) to reposition learning and reduce overload on pupils.

The reforms, according to NERDC, are designed to provide a balanced education while equipping learners with critical skills for national development. Prof. Shehu stressed that “different versions of fake and unauthentic subject listings and offerings are in circulation causing serious confusion and apprehension,” urging stakeholders to disregard such lists.

Under the revised curriculum, Primary 1–3 pupils are expected to offer between 9 and 10 subjects, including English Studies, Mathematics, one Nigerian Language, Basic Science, Physical & Health Education, Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies, Cultural & Creative Arts, and either Christian Religious Studies (for Christian pupils) or Islamic Studies (for Muslim pupils). Arabic Language is optional.

For Primary 4–6, the minimum number of subjects is 11 and the maximum is 13. The subjects include English Studies, Mathematics, one Nigerian Language, Basic Science and Technology, Physical & Health Education, Basic Digital Literacy, Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies, Cultural & Creative Arts, Pre-vocational Studies, CRS or IS depending on the pupil’s faith, and optional French and Arabic.

At the Junior Secondary level (JSS 1–3), students are required to offer a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 14 subjects. These include English, Mathematics, one Nigerian Language, Intermediate Science, Physical & Health Education, Digital Technologies, Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies, Cultural & Creative Arts, Business Studies, as well as Religious Studies. Pupils are also required to select one trade subject from options such as Solar Photovoltaic Installation, Fashion Design, Livestock Farming, Beauty and Cosmetology, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, or Horticulture and Crop Production. French and Arabic remain optional.

For Senior Secondary School, five core subjects—English Language, General Mathematics, Citizenship and Heritage Studies, Digital Technologies, and one Trade Subject—are compulsory. Students may then specialize in Science, Humanities, or Business fields, with subject offerings such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Government, Literature in English, Accounting, Economics, among others.

Prof. Shehu emphasized that nationwide sensitization and teacher training will begin immediately to ensure smooth implementation. He noted that the new structure will be rolled out from the beginning of each three-year education cycle, covering Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS 1, and SS 1.

By Murtala Uba Mohammed

Just last Saturday, September 6, 2025 (equivalent to 13th Rabi’ul Awwal, 1447 AH), the prestigious Usmanu Danfodiyo University, located in Sokoto—the historic seat of the Sokoto Caliphate—took the bold step of awarding an Honorary Doctorate Degree to Malam Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, a renowned erudite Muslim scholar. Indeed, there could be no better place in sub-Saharan Africa to honour such a distinguished scholar than the city that once served as the headquarters of the Muslim Caliphate and home of the revered Shehu Usmanu bn Fodio.

Malam Daurawa, the current Commander General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, was born some 56 years ago in the ancient city of Kano. His birthplace, Daurawa, lies just east of the Kano City Wall near Kofar Mazugal. He studied Islamic sciences under many teachers, including his father, Malam Ibrahim Maitafsiri, who was celebrated in his lifetime for his expertise in Qur’anic exegesis. Malam Daurawa’s depth of Islamic scholarship is remarkable. In addition, he pursued formal education up to the college level.

Through his teaching and preaching, Malam Daurawa has commanded great influence among Hausa-speaking Muslims across Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Chad, and Ghana. His reach also extends to countries with sizeable Muslim populations, such as Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Egypt. 

Right from his childhood, Malam Daurawa has been known as a person of truth, honesty, forthrightness, humility, and impeccable integrity. This was evident during his early involvement in the Islamic Tajdīd Islamy (JTI), known for challenging Ibrahim Zakzaky’s then-concealed Shi’ite identity. While JTI exposed the deception of Zakzaky’s movement, Daurawa eventually disagreed with some members due to his conviction that Islamic scholarship should embrace a wider horizon of jurisprudential schools and perspectives. His zeal for knowledge led him to step away from the group in pursuit of deep and extensive Islamic knowledge—a commitment that has contributed greatly to his current status as one of the leading voices in Islamic learning.

Even before the dawn of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and the spread of private radio stations, Malam Daurawa has already established himself as a dedicated teacher of Islamic knowledge, nurturing countless study circles. My first encounter with him dated back to 1999, when he commenced lessons on Imam an-Nawawī’s Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn at our mosque, Sa’ad bin Abī Waqqās Masjid, in Zango, within the historic city of Kano. That experience left an indelible mark on me.

I vividly recall the year 2002, when, as a student at CAS Kano, I listened to him delivering a lecture on Islamic history and the Sokoto Caliphate. It was then that my admiration for him deepened. The ease with which he narrated history; so fluent and effortless, as if reading directly from an unseen manuscript,was nothing short of remarkable.

His scholarship reminds me of the words once spoken about Ibn Taymiyya by one of his contemporaries thus: “I saw Ahmad ibn Taymiyya as if he had a calabash filled with knowledge before him; he would give what he wished and withhold what he wished.” Truly, Malam Daurawa is a fountain of knowledge, a wellspring of wisdom that flows generously to all who care to listen. His presence is not merely that of a preacher but of a guide whose words illuminate minds and inspire hearts.

By 2003, Malam Aminu’s gift became even more evident, particularly through his teaching sessions in various study circles within Kano city. Among the most famous of these were Triumph Mosque in Fagge, where he taught Zād al-Ma‘ād by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, later adding al-Shifā’ bi Ta‘rīf Huqūq al-Musṭafā by Qādī ‘Iyād. He also taught at Kawu Iliya Mosque at the Brigade area. I cannot forget his short-lived teaching of Imam Mālik’s al-Muwatta at Abdurrahman bin ‘Auf Mosque in Kofar Wambai. Unfortunately, that circle of al-Muwatta was disrupted by hired miscreants who came and attacked disciples. Despite the commotion and fitnah stirred against him, Malam Aminu was willing to continue teaching. However, as we later learnt that the elder patron of the mosques, Alhaji Yusuf Abdullahi, advised that the lessons be suspended. Even so, Malam once introduced teaching of Sharh al-Sunnah by Imam al-Barbahārī at Sa’ad Mosque in Zango.

With the proliferation of private radio stations, especially from 2000s onwards, Malam Daurawa rose to greater prominence through his program Kundin Tarihi aired on Freedom Radio in Kano. The program quickly became immensely popular because it introduced a unique style of narrating the history of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his family and companions and Islam. With a distinct approach, Malam Daurawa presented history with clear references to its sources and explained the lessons to be drawn from it. He also responded to questions in an engaging and captivating manner. This style of teaching and narrativity of Islamic history won admiration across doctrinal—even from those who did not always identify with his Salafi creed. Before long, people across the city eagerly tuned in to his lectures. As a testimony to this impact, I recalled that the Bayero University-based double Professor, Abdalla Uba Adamu, on more than one occasion, mentioned that two scholars stood out to him: Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil and Malam Daurawa. He explained that Sheikh Khalil impressed him with his fatwa (legal verdict) and cordial relationship with the university community, while Malam Daurawa captivated him with his Kundin Tarihi program.

Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, made it clear that it was Malam Daurawa’s lifelong service and dedication to the community that earned him the honorary doctorate degree. Anyone familiar with the revival of the Hisbah Board under his leadership can readily attest to his commitment. At various times, when the institution became comatose, Malam Daurawa was always there to resuscitate it. He has served three separate terms as Commander General of the Hisbah: 2011–2015, 2015–2019, and from 2023 to date; the longest cumulative leadership in the board’s history. A clear sign of his competence is the way he successfully served under three different governors namely: Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Beyond the Hisbah, Malam Daurawa’s leadership qualities are reflected in his service as Imam of Friday mosques, most notably the Ansarussunnah Mosque in Fagge. During the month of Ramadan, for many years, he traveled to Gombe to conduct Qur’anic tafsir. He has also established schools where children learn Qur’anic memorization and Islamic studies. Those who know him affirm that wherever Malam Daurawa resides, he establishes circles of learning for children, women, and youth. Always innovative in his pedagogy and propagation, he once advanced the idea of translating Islamic teachings and recording them in Hausa, Fulfulde, and English in an attempt to extend Islamic propagation to the far and extreme ends of Nigeria and beyond. The blessings of his knowledge have touched not only the wider community but also his home and family.

Furthermore, Malam Daurawa is an accomplished author, with more than thirteen publications in different areas of Islamic studies. One of his works, Sa‘ādatul Muslim fī mattafaqa ‘alayhi Bukhārī wa Muslim, has become a widely used teaching text in Islamiyya schools. His concern with social reform also inspired him to author books such as Kimiyyar Aure (The Science of Marriage) and Sirrin Maza (The Secret of Men).

Anyone who reflects on the life of Malam Daurawa will recognize that he is a divine trust for the community; tireless, unyielding, and sincere in every responsibility he undertakes. Indeed, Usmanu Danfodiyo University has made a wise and deserving choice in honoring him. While I congratulate Malam Daurawa on this recognition, I also congratulate the University for seizing the opportunity to bestow honor where it is truly due. Malam Daurawa is not a man of wealth who dispenses riches, nor a man of political power who grants favors. What he possesses is his time and his knowledge, and the community has long been reaping the benefits of this priceless treasure. God willing, he stands among the very best of people—khayr al-nās man yanfa‘u al-nās (the best of people are those who benefit others). May Allah reward him abundantly, elevate Usmanu Danfodiyo University, and bless all centers of learning across our nation.

Dr. Murtala is a bilingual writer who holds a PhD in geography and teaches at Bayero University Kano