Muhammad Sulaiman

By Aliyu Nuhu

Northern leaders are expressing their position on 2023 election. The North wants to retain power. They rely on the Constitution and tenets of democracy to reach their conclusion. Nigerian constitution does not recognize power rotation or zoning. They said democracy is a game of numbers, and that since the North has the numbers it can rule forever.

For North to actualize its “day”dream, it should also field both presidential and vice presidential candidates from the North. That will ensure they keep power even if the president dies or suffers from infirmity.

Well let us just say our laws are flawed given our peculiar plural nature. Leadership of Nigeria cannot follow the law and still keep Nigeria in one piece and we are entirely to blame.

In every election win, Nigerians know how to bask on ethnic triumphalism and use power to alienate other tribes. Nepotism defines Nigerian leadership. If the North has been treating Nigeria as a one entity in fairness, the complain from the South will not be much. But look at Buhari presidency and tell me why a Southerner will want to remain under the northern rule, where both the Northerners and Southerners suffer greatly!

Fortunately APC does not think like northern elders. The party will pass its ticket to South West. APC has what it takes to win 2023 election. PDP will field a northern candidate, and surely that will be its funeral.

So far Nigeria is not matured for democracy. We are still learning the ropes. One day we shall get to that point where the origin and religion of leaders don’t matter. That will only happen if we eschew tribalism, nepotism and bigotry and appoint people to position based on competence.

Aliyu Nuhu is a socio-political analyst, from Abuja, Nigeria

The Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) inaugurated a Joint-committee on collaboration with Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, September 23, 2021.

The collaboration which is aimed at promoting symbiotic relations between the two institutions would be geared towards experience sharing, staff and students exchange, use of instructional and workshop facilities, among others.

In their separate remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. BB Shehu and Rector of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi emphasized that the collaboration could not have come at a better time as the University started ten (10) new programmes in relevant of common interests.

The Vice Chancellor who frowned at frightening statistics and low-level gap of educational status in northern Nigerian states, particularly Kebbi also disclosed that the University would commence twenty (20) new programmes in 2022. This includes Urban and Regional Planning, Estate Management, Industrial Design, Software Engineering, Biotechnology, Medical Laboratory, Science Laboratory Technology, among others.

He highlighted that while the Polytechnic groom students to attain Diplomas and NCEs, the partnership would enable them to secure regular and top-up Degree Programmes in their various fields of human endeavour at the University.

In appreciation, the Rector who was represented by Deputy Rector, Dr. Usman Tunga acknowledged the “speedy” transformation of the University. He said the Polytechnic is delighted to affiliate with the University to commence new programmes on Environmental Studies and other relevant fields.

He further appreciated the University for accommodating staff of the Polytechnic on sabbatical and visiting appointments, hoping that the dream of the collaboration would come true in no time.

Meanwhile, the Registrar of the University Mal. Abubakar Aliyu and his Polytechnic counterpart, Mal. Atiku Muhammad Bello harped on optimal synergy while presenting members of the Joint Committee.

FUBK Bulletin reports that the Committee is chaired by the Director Post Graduate Studies of the Polytechnic, Dr. Sani Ahmad Alhaji, while Barr. Abdulkadir Abubakar of the University Legal Unit serves as Secretary.

Members of the Committee from the Polytechnic are Director Academic Planning, Isiyaku Abdullahi; Director Environmental Studies, Dr Utenge Jonathan and Head of Statistics Department, Dr. Abubakar B. Dallatu.

Other Committee members from the University include the Dean of Post Graduate School, Prof. UM Chafe; Director Academic Planning, Dr. Aliyu A. Turaki and Director, Management Information System, Dr. Abdulhakeem Ibrahim.

(Signed)

Jamilu M Magaji,
Public Relations Officer,
Federal University Birnin Kebbi.
September 28, 2021

As the National Universities Commission (NUC) names 67 illegal universities in Nigeria, The Daily Reality found out that there are many Christian universities that fall under the illegal list.

The NUC has published a list of 67 illegal universities in Nigeria. AbatiMedia reported that “the Executive Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed signed a public notice on the NUC website.”

The names include those claiming to be affiliates of foreign universities in the country.

In the list (below), institutions that have ‘other campuses’ are indicated with “others”; those ‘operating anywhere in Nigeria’ have “anywhere” as suffixes.

1. University of Accountancy and Management Studies

2. Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology, Nkpor, Anambra (& others)

3. University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos (& others)

4. University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin (& others)

5. Blacksmith University, Awka (& others)

6. Volta University College, Volta Region, Ghana (& others)

7. Royal University, Izhia in Abakaliki, Ebonyi (& others)

8. Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi (& others)

9. United Christian University, Macotis campus, Imo (& others)

10. United Nigeria University College, Okija Anambra (& others)

11. Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue (& others)

12. UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers (& others)

13. Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos, Plateau (& others)

14. The International University, Missouri USA, Kano and Lagos (& others)

15. Collumbus University, UK (anywhere)

16. Tiu International University, UK (anywhere)

17. Pebbles University, UK (anywhere)

18. London External Studies, UK (anywhere)

19. Pilgrims University (anywhere)

20. Lobi Business School, Makurdi, Benue (& others)

21. West African Christian University (anywhere)

22. Bolta University College, Aba (& others)

23. JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University) – Kaduna illegal campus

24. Western University, Esie, Kwara (& others)

25. St. Andrews University College, Abuja (& others)

26. EC-Council USA, Ikeja, Lagos Study Centre

27. Atlas University, Ikot Udoso Uko in Uyo, Akwa Ibom (& others)

28. Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin (& others)

29. Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja (& others)

30. Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja (& others)

31. Acada University, Akinlalu, Oyo (& others)

32. Filfom University, Mbaise, Imo (& others)

33. Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria

34. Atlantic Intercontinental University, Okija, Anambra

35. Open International University, Akure

36. Middle Belt University (North Central University) Otukpo

37. Lead Way University, Ugheli, Delta

38. Metro University, Dutse/Bwari Abuja

39. Southend University, Ngwuro Egeru (Afam) Ndoki, Rivers

40. Olympic University, Nsukka, Enugu

41. Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Abuja

42. Temple University, Abuja

43. Irish University Business School, London (anywhere)

44. National University of Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa

45. University of Accountancy and Management Studies, Mowe

46. University of Education, Wenneba, Ghana (anywhere)

47. Cape Coast University, Ghana (anywhere)

48. African University Cooperative Development (AUCD) Cotonou, Benin Republic

49. Pacific Western University, Denver – Colorado, Owerri

50. Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos

51. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (Gboko campus)

52. Career Light Resources Centre, Jos.

53. University of West Africa, Kwali, Abuja

54. Coastal University, Iba Oku, Akwa Ibom

55. Kaduna Business School, Kaduna

56. Royal University of Theology, Minna, Niger

57. West African Union University, in collaboration with International Professional College of Administration, Science and Technology (anywhere)

58. Gospel Missionary Foundation (GMF), Theological University, Egbe Ikotun, Lagos

The NUC confirmed that others are undergoing further investigations/court actions in a bid to prosecute the proprietors and recover illegal fees/charges

1. National University of Nigeria, Keffi, Nasarawa

2. North Central University, Otukpo, Benue

3. Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University, Enugu

4. Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia

5. West Coast University, Umuahia

6. Saint Clements University, Iyin Ekiti

7. Volta University College, Aba, Abia

8. Illegal Satellite Campuses of Ambrose Alli University

9. L.I.F.E. Leadership University, Benin, Edo

Dear Sir,

This is to draw your attention and that of NCDC to the ongoing controversy over the cluttering of Kwari Market. We hope you will temper the issue with compassion and shrewdness befitting your sage, administrative excellence and political dexterity. Sir, if you solemnly declared that Kano will become a megacity in the very near future, which you did as reported on Blueprint Newspaper, August 21, 2020, why do you now allow our markets, especially Kwari to be congested? You made the declaration “on the eve of the Kano Economic and Investment Summit (KanInvest) which held in May, 2017, where stakeholders and bigwigs in the business sector converged to share ideas concerning issues affecting the economy, especially as it concerns Kano state”. There you rightly observed that the crowded population of Kano of about 20 million people will multiply in 5 years time. With Coronavirus threatening our lives, now is the time to decongest the city or else risk spreading the virus like wildfire.

In the process of affirming your declaration, you continue with the construction of the new Economic City of Kano located at Dangwauro Town along Kano -Zaria federal highway. However, your construction of a mall at the popular Kantin Kwari textile market named ‘Yan Tebura Mall has opened a dangerous door of congesting the market. What follows the mall are structures being erected on Taambo and Bayajidda Streets in the market. Unfortunately they are becoming a greater bone of contention because they stand on the way and so will endanger our hygiene, your excellency. After the recent rainfalls in Kano, the market was always flooded as the main waterways there happen to be on these streets. With the buildings being erected on them, the ancient market is seriously damaged, congested and so the megacity target is defeated.

Moreover, the damage brought about by the new buildings includes blockage of the former known 16 entries to the market which were serving as good ventilation and escape exits in case of a stampede. Still, the structures have saturated almost all the streets in the market, whereas the frontage of every shop is also “officially” being choked with iron stalls which would lead to disaffection, disharmony and clashes between the shop owners and stallers. To make matters worse, the installers of these iron stalls are damaging some newly tarred roads as they fix the stalls on the edge of the roads to larger part of the roadside drainage. Therefore, as the whole pathways are narrowed to almost nothing, people have to be squeezing around, highly vulnerable to Coronavirus infection.

These problems are not far from the government’s sidelining of the market people in the activities of the market, especially on strategies to improve the government’s revenue. This way, the outsiders brought in to supervise and advise on such affairs, as in the case of an administrator appointed from the head of service, come to enrich themselves only at the expense of anything good in the market. They never protect the interests of the market but theirs and sometimes end up starting a fire of enmity among business friends. It is a wonder how an outsider could tell an owner of a house where roofing leaks. Instead of looking at what is good for the market, those people look at what could bring them money no matter how damaging they appear to the good people of Kano. In that respect, owners of shops have to pay 200 thousand Naira to buy their shop front if they do not want that iron stall stationed there for sale.

Worse still, over five thousand labourers stand the risk of losing their livelihood if the contentious buildings continue. As a politician who is committed to forestall the increasing poverty-induced insecurity in the State, we are sure that you would not take this risk. Notwithstanding, the already erected structures have no accessibly enough toilets as those available are far upstairs and so women customers going to the market suffer super shame when they want to ease themselves in the centre of a Shari’a compliant state, under you, Khadimul Islam. In case of a fire accident like that of Sabon Gari Market, God forbid, the large fire fighting vehicles that need room for manoeuvre would never get entry as the ways are now being blocked. So against this background, all concerned persons in the market say no to the project and even go to court.

Following on from that, the State High Court, on 12th August, presided by Justice Suleiman Baba Namallam, has restrained the Government of Kano State from blocking or erecting structures at any part of Taambu and Bayajidda Streets at the popular market, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. Nonetheless, It has never been our intention, your excellency, to be at loggerheads with your government over this issue. We are only after decongesting the market especially to observe the Coronavirus protocol; to help the government, on the other hand, in spacing the already jam-packed market in preparation to reaching the megacity status and to target the recent Federal Government’s campaign of “Ease of Doing Business”.

Nevertheless, Your excellency, we appreciate your effort towards making Kano a megacity as you ease traffic congestion by finishing the construction of the Sabon Gari axis 2km bridge inland flyover (named after the Kano business mogul Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata) along Murtala Muhammad Way, which is the longest in West Africa; the Sharada/Panshekara Junction Underpass; the Bukavu Barracks underpass; the Underpass, Flyover and Roundabout at Dangi road connecting Zaria road-Zoo road and Silver Jubilee road as well as the now-under construction Hotoro NNPC (Muhammadu Buhari) bridge among others. These justify your administration’s commitment to the safe development of the sprawling city of Kano. In spite of that, we also need our existing markets to be spacious, uncrowded and comfortable so as to have good standards of health and hygiene regulations, especially Covid-19 protocol.

It is our fervent hope that Kano will continue to benefit from the wealth of your immense administrative experience and astuteness in politics, especially in this much worrying matter. Show the world that you are an ace politician, agreeable to the yearnings and aspirations of your people by justifying the confidence collectively reposed on your administration and unselfish persona.

We pray that may Allah Subhanahu wata’ala strengthen your resolve in elevating the status of Kano to compete with other megacities around the world. May you be successful in your future political endeavour. May Kano remain peaceful forever! Amin thumma Amin!

Yours,
Concerned Citizens!
08067444787

Aljazeera News agency reported that the authorities in Saudi Arabia say they have intercepted three ballistic missiles targeting the country’s oil-rich eastern region as well as the cities of Najran and Jazan in the south.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Saturday’s attacks, but the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen blamed the Iran-aligned rebel group. There were no reports of casualties.

A source familiar with the matter told the Reuters news agency that the missile aimed at the eastern region was intercepted over the city of Dammam.

Shrapnel from the missile scattered over the Dammam Suburb neighbourhood, injuring two Saudi children, while 14 homes suffered light damages, the official SPA news agency said, citing a statement by the defence ministry. Earlier, the coalition also reported the interception of three explosive-laden drones headed towards Saudi Arabia.

The attacks come four days after a drone hit Abha International Airport in the south, wounding eight people and damaging a civilian plane.

Yemen’s Houthis regularly launch drones and missiles into the kingdom, including aerial attacks aimed at Saudi oil installations. An attack in September 2019 on two Saudi Aramco plants in the east temporarily knocked out half the country’s oil production.

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters there was no impact on facilities belonging to state-controlled oil giant Aramco on Saturday and that the attack happened outside of Aramco facilities.

“The Ministry of Defense will take the necessary and deterrent measures to protect its lands and capabilities, and stop such hostile and cross-border attacks to protect civilians, in accordance with international humanitarian law,” the ministry said in a statement according to SPA.

The Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015, backing forces of the deposed government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi fighting the Houthis.

The grinding conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, resulting in what the United Nations calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

While the UN is pushing for an end to the war, the Houthis have demanded the reopening of Sanaa airport, closed under a Saudi blockade since 2016, before any ceasefire or negotiations.

Before his death, senator Nuhu was in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), and elected to the Senate for the Niger North constituency of Niger State in 1999 and was re-elected in 2003 and 2007 under the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

A Kano-based Muslim group, Muslim Youth Forum, describes a report by Sahara Reporters, which equates the migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) with that of the self-identified Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho, as unethical, criminal and insensitive.

The controversial online news medium published a report by Afenifere, a pro-Yoruba organisation, comparing the two different journeys. In reaction to that report, the Muslim group urges all Nigerians to desist from making any utterance, which can create chaos, confusion and hamper the volatile nature of the country.

“Most Northerners have not known or care to know about Igboho and his criminal activities. However, it was on record that he spearheaded attacks on many innocent Northerners who reside in the South, just in the name of ethnicity, barbarity and criminality. He was praised and cheered by many ethnic jingoists and thugs in the country who see him as a champion of the Yoruba agenda. We didn’t mind what he was doing, though it was painful to see humans acting like animals and being applauded by other criminals”, the group says.

“We are surprised by the actions of Afenifere or whatever they are called who made the analogy. Are they representing an obnoxious, dissenting Christianization agenda? Are they representing evil Christians? Good Christians never say anything bad about any religion”, the group adds.

The group finally called on all well-meaning Nigerians and all Muslims not to take the law into their hands and call on the government and leaders to take action as this wrong move can throw the country into a state of anarchy. Muslims tolerate many things against their personality but not sacrilegious attempts to tarnish the image of their noble Prophet. This action alone can make Sahara Reporters lose value among the teaming followers it has laboured to gather over the years.

The move to ban the Bearue De Change was announced by the CBN governor, Mr Godwin Emifele. He added that the action was necessary and was taken due to the violation of the country’s monetary policies by the Bureau De Change operators in Nigeria.

Some experts commend the decision, saying it would bring sanity to the system, while others see it as another way to give others a chance and stop others.

But shortly after the ban was announced, the price of Dollar has already gone up, and many marketers are shocked at what may happen in the forex markets, which are primarily known as “Black Markets”.

South African problem is the exact replica of black man’s disease. It is the reason why black Africa will never develop. Look at North Africa; Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Algeria, they have infrastructure, mostly at par with Europe, some are even better than most European countries. They are not blacks. The Arabs, even with their deadly problems, are far ahead of blacks in terms of development. There is no black African success story as far as nation building is concerned. Some people mention Rwanda as a success story. I don’t know their standard of success. To me a country with no rail system, which has only seven 7 tiny airports, running an agrarian economy and presided by dictator, is not a success story. South Africa was built by the Whites. Zimbabwe had a wonderful headway until Mugabe chased away the whites and handed over the economy to blacks. But look at UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. They are developed peaceful societies with law and order per excellence.

The 79 years Jacob Zuma of South Africa was sentenced to prison to spend 15 months for refusing a constitutional court order to give evidence, at an inquiry investigating a high-level corruption during his nine years in office. Zuma is facing trial for corruption, fraud, racketeering and money laundering. What followed was total disgrace to Africa and black race. South African blacks and Zuma’s Zulu tribe went into violent protest in major cities of Natal, Durban, Johannesburg and other major provinces. They broke shops and looted the contents and set buildings ablaze. In the melee that followed, at least 79 people died with figures still counting.

Who, but African blacks, will go into riots to protest imprisonment of a corrupt leader on account of ethnicity only! The South Africans are not rioting because Zuma is innocent. They just don’t want him to be jailed no matter his crimes. Zuma defied court order. In any civilized society, defying court is tantamount to sleeping in prison. But see South Africa, arguably the most developed country in Africa, having the best infrastructure, best schools, functioning economy and a member of G-20, disgracing Africa, Africans and all blacks.

What kind of country do South Africans want if a leader can wreck the treasury and be above the law? Even with our myriads of problems I don’t see Nigerians behaving this way. Obasanjo was a former leader imprisoned for offences he did not commit but no one razed any shop or burnt down cities. Leaders will always have supporters but when they commit crimes, we should not give them ethnic refuge and fight their own battles. We should allow them to stew in the pot they arranged for themselves. That is the only way they will do the right thing in offices. As long as we allow them to commit crimes and run to ethnic and religious cleavages for protection, we will never develop as a country.

Alhaji Aliyu Nuhu

Is a social analyst based in Abuja

The Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano (YUMSUK) honours some prominent Nigerians who serve the country and assist in its growth and development of the nation.

The honour came during an opening ceremony of the First International Conference, 2021, organized by the university’s Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Humanities.

Attended by many personalities from within and outside the country, the event was lauded by several people, especially the organizers’ resolve to recognize the philanthropic gesture of some outstanding Nigerians.

Those honoured included the current Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa, Sheikh Yakubu Musa (Sautus Sunnah), Alhaji Sani Muhammad Lawan (Sani Samfo), Alhaji Auwalu Rano (A.A. Rano), Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Alhaji Murtala Garba Tafida (MGT) and Alhaji Aliyu Sa’idu Bebeji (Aliko Oil).

The awardees have contributed immensely in their various roles, positions, and capacities towards uplifting youth, poverty alleviation, and other forms of community services—all share one thing in common: helping the poor. The philanthropists among them donate their wealth freely for the welfare of the public. 

The MC read citations of the awardees as the participants registered their amazement at the humility, dedication and love for the country engraved in the hearts of the award recipients. They build mosques, boreholes; sponsor thousands of students to study in Nigeria and abroad, among many other humanitarian aids.

The university gave different titles of honors to these VIPs. The titles include “ambassador of peace”, “star of the youth”, “father of orphans”, “flag of religion”, among many others.