Education

By Ishaka Mohammed

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kaduna State University (KASU) chapter, has suspended its indefinite strike action following an agreement with the state government.

The decision followed the congress meeting held on February 22, 2025 and the approval of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC). 

In a statement released on Sunday, the branch leadership headed by Dr Peter Adamu appreciated the Kaduna State government for demonstrating goodwill towards resolving the issues that prompted the strike. 

According to the statement, the government is releasing funds immediately to pay the 60% withheld September 2017 salaries and the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) supervision allowances for five sessions. It has also set a timeline for the payment of five months’ withheld salaries (May – September 2022), promotion arrears, Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), pension remittances from 2009 to 2019, as well as death benefits and Group Life Assurance.

The statement also featured the government’s commitment to implementing a wage award and granting full autonomy to KASU.

The Daily Reality last week reported the above issues as the causes of the strike.

The KASU chapter of ASUU praised Governor Uba Sani for deviating “from the dark days of the past where members [of ASUU] were victimized for participating in lawful strike actions”.

By Ishaka Mohammed

My employers often commended my efforts, increased my salary and gave me bonuses even when I didn’t see any significant impact of my tutelage as a private school teacher. I was worried about my studentsʼ poor comprehension, negative attitude towards learning, and low morals. I couldn’t even stop them from cheating in tests and exams.

Although it was safe to link my failure to a lack of formal teaching qualifications, I expected the impact of the workshops I attended. And to cap it all, most of the teachers I knew (with the required qualifications) weren’t getting any better results. I was frustrated; I blamed parents, society and inadequate facilities—in that order.

However, I was joyous to get a job with an international school in 2024. The school offered excellent educational facilities, teacher training, a six-figure salary, pension, heavily subsidised lunch, and transport and accommodation allowances, among other things. Everything about the school was promising.

Nonetheless, my first meeting with the students ended my excitement. I worked harder than ever before, but as each new week brought tougher challenges, I conceded that I could neither minimise nor tolerate the disruptive behaviour and utter disrespect of the children of politicians, diplomats, business tycoons, etc. They came to the school for two reasons: to have fun and build rapport with their future business partners or political allies.

I quit the job after a term. While I was leaving, some senior colleagues commended my courage to do what they had been unable to do for years despite facing the same challenges that prompted my resignation.

I became jobless but happier, and I didn’t wish to teach again. But a call from a school proprietor in a distant state changed my mind. The head of the department I resigned from recommended that I attend a school he believed would suit me.

This happened when I was already preparing to start a new position in a different industry. My prospective employer is notorious for delaying salary payments.

After weighing the salary factor and the state of education in Yorubaland, I chose to return to teaching, and bingo! My new students meet all my criteria, particularly regarding their morals. Even though they come from privileged backgrounds, they are humble, respectful, and eager for knowledge. 

There was a day when we didn’t have enough teachers to invigilate the tests, and I was the only one who seemed concerned. Two halls were left without invigilators, yet everything went smoothly. I was impressed by the students’ maturity and honesty.

My meeting with these students has reminded me of many things, one of which is the importance of being oneself. While I recognise the significance of adaptability, I still believe that some principles should not be compromised. I appreciate the gentleman who referred me to my new employer. I commend the parents and guardians of these learners, the school management, and all the staff for nurturing such remarkable members of society. Once again, I am optimisticthat Nigeria will be better in the future.

Ishaka Mohammed wrote via ishakamohammed39@gmail.com.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir 

Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has constituted a Task Force Committee to address challenges related to the production and issuance of students’ transcripts. 

The initiative responds to a recent outcry on social media from several former students and staff of the university. Its aim is now to convert all paper-based academic records into electronic format, thereby enhancing efficiency and accessibility.

The committee has scheduled a series of visits across various faculties, beginning with advocacy and sensitisation from January 17 to 21, 2025. 

Faculty-specific engagements will continue in phases until April 18, 2025, covering all academic units, including the College of Postgraduate Studies and Dangote Business School.

Ali Umar Yakasai, Chairman of the Task Force Committee, expressed confidence in the cooperation of faculty members to ensure a smooth digitisation process. 

The university management urges all stakeholders to support the initiative, which is expected to enhance students’ academic experience.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In a generous move to support education, AA Rano, on behalf of himself, his family, and the AA Rano Group of Companies, has announced a donation of ₦150 million to Bayero University Kano (BUK).

“We are confident that the university will utilize these resources to enhance its academic performance,” AA Rano stated.

The donation comes just days after BUK conferred an honorary doctorate on AA Rano in recognition of his philanthropic contributions to the state and the country.

University officials have expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that it will significantly impact academic and infrastructural development at the institution.

By Maryam Ahmad

The Kaduna State University (KASU) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike starting today.

In a statement signed by Dr. Peter Adamu, chairman of ASUU-KASU, and Dr. Peter M. Waziri, secretary, the union announced that the decision was approved by the National Executive Council (NEC) following a resolution by the branch congress.

The strike is in response to several unresolved issues, including the non-payment of withheld salaries from 2017 to 2022, earned academic allowances dating back to 2016, promotion arrears, and supervision allowances for the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). 

Other grievances include the non-remittance of pension funds from 2009 to 2019, lack of group life assurance for deceased members, and the failure to implement a 25% and 35% wage award.

ASUU-KASU also demands the restoration of university autonomy and has rejected promises from the Kaduna State Government, citing a lack of substance, specific details, and clear timelines for settling outstanding entitlements.

The strike action is expected to disrupt academic activities indefinitely until the demands are met.

By Fatimat Ibrahim Abedoh 

Students frequently justify their disappointing academic performance by claiming they intended to pursue a different course but ended up in another or that they dislike their current course. Kudirat Oyiza Abdulkareem has disproved this narrative by demonstrating dedication and a strong desire for success.

When Kudirat Oyiza arrived at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), in 2018, she was filled with uncertainty. She had applied for Medicine, but fate had other plans. She was offered Forestry and Wildlife Management, a course she had never even heard of. At that time, the only image that came to her was of lions.

Her mother was the only one who seemed familiar with the course, as her late father had been a forest officer. However, she was too young to remember what he did. Confused and unsure, she considered rewriting JAMB, but her sister advised her to give the course a chance.

Turning Uncertainty into Excellence

The first semester was tough. The weight of studying a course she had not chosen left her unmotivated. Yet, despite her doubts, she ended the semester with the highest GPA in her faculty with 4.72. Instead of celebrating, her sister reminded her that she could do even better. A friend encouraged her to set a higher standard for herself, grading her performance as though she were still in her secondary school, NIOMCO Staff Secondary School, where an “A” started at 80% instead of BUK’s 70%.

With this mindset shift, she achieved a perfect 5.0 GPA in her second semester at the 100 level.

Finding Purpose Beyond Grades

By the 200 level, she had started seeing Forestry and Wildlife Management beyond academics. She became curious about its real-world applications and how to use her knowledge to tackle climate change, food insecurity, and environmental sustainability. This curiosity led her to connect with forestry students worldwide, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore the impact of her field.

Her passion for the environment extended beyond her studies. She traveled across the country, attending various developmental projects and workshops related to her course, visiting six states. She also volunteered with over 10 organisations, mostly remotely, using her skills to address pressing environmental issues.

In addition to her academic work, she co-founded the Forestry and Wildlife Student Association of Nigeria, BUK chapter, where she served as the financial secretary in her final year.

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Resilient

Her journey was not without challenges. Financial struggles loomed over her education, and there were times when different individuals paid her school fees. Even her faculty stepped in to support her. To ease the burden, she applied to teach during school breaks to earn money, an experience she cherished as it aligned with her passion for teaching.

Time Management: A Key to Success

Despite all her engagements and travels, Kudirat Oyiza remained focused on her academics. Her secret? Time management. She was conscious of how she spent her time, balancing her studies, social life, and work commitments.

“I know my brain doesn’t retain half-baked information,” she admits. 

As a slow learner, she needed to review material multiple times to grasp concepts fully. While others might read something once, she would read it three to four times until it stuck. She also knew that her brain wasn’t efficient at night, so she developed a unique scheduled time for mainly reading mornings. 

She always set targets for herself and monitored her time carefully to meet them. During exams, she allocated time based on the number of questions and avoided dwelling on a single one, no matter how confident she was. This strategic approach to time management became her trademark.

A Grand Finale: Graduating at the Top

Fast-forward to 2025, she graduated as the best student in her department, faculty, and the entire university, which speaks volumes about her determination and resilience.

Looking back, she sees her success as a reward for hard work, not just a gift. 

She remains grateful to God, her siblings, friends, mentors, and everyone who supported her through the highs and lows.

But this is just the beginning. She is eager for the next chapter, ready to take on new challenges with the same grit and passion that brought her this far.

She says, “Do the things others aren’t willing to do, and you will get the things others will never have.”

Fatimat Ibrahim Abedoh, a Fellow PRNigeria, writes via abedohzahara@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A 94-year-old man, Pa Adedapo Idowu, has officially registered for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with the aim of fulfilling his long-standing aspiration of studying Political Science at the University of Ibadan.

Idowu, who registered at the JAMB Professional Test Center in Ibadan, Oyo State, expressed his excitement about the smooth registration process.

He shared that his initial fears about pursuing higher education at his age were dispelled after his seamless registration experience.

He commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for the efficient use of technology, such as integrating his National Identity Number (NIN), which simplified data collection and ensured a user-friendly process.

Idowu also praised the warm reception from JAMB staff, and added that he felt valued despite his age.

The nonagenarian encouraged the Board to maintain this positive trajectory to continue ensuring access to education for all, particularly the elderly, the underprivileged, and those with disabilities.

As the exam approaches, Idowu shared words of wisdom with fellow candidates and urged them to reject malpractice and prioritize professionalism and integrity.

He also reminded Nigerians that age and adversity should never hinder the pursuit of dreams.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Bayero University, Kano (BUK) celebrated a significant milestone on February 15, 2025, by conferring honorary Doctorate Degrees on Colonel Sani Bello, former Military Administrator of Kano State, and Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, CEO of A. A. Rano Group of Companies, during its 39th Convocation.

The honorary degrees recognised their exceptional contributions to education and socio-economic development in Kano State and Nigeria. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad Sa’id, praised the honourees and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to human capital development through education.

BUK’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, highlighted the graduation of 3,400 students, including 295 from the Dangote Business School and 275 PhD graduates, with 176 achieving First Class Honours. 

Pro-Chancellor Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna encouraged graduands to uphold the university’s reputation, noting BUK’s recent ranking of 43rd in Africa by the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, inspiring them to strive for excellence and service to humanity.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Bayero University Kano (BUK) celebrated its 39th Convocation by conferring Emeritus Professorships on Professor Garba Dahuwa Azare, Professor Julius Afolabi Falola, and Professor Musa Borodo for their significant contributions to academia.

The ceremony featured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by Minister of State for Education Professor Suwaiba Ahmad Sa’id. Before her appointment, Sa’id was also a member of the Bayero University, Kano, staff.

Tinubu congratulated the honourees and graduates, emphasised the importance of education in fostering national progress, and assured ongoing support for the education sector to boost global competitiveness.

BUK Vice Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, praised the awardees as influential figures in shaping the nation and celebrated the graduation of 3,400 students, including 176 who achieved First Class Honours.

Pro-Chancellor Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna encouraged graduates to become ambassadors of the university, noting BUK’s recent ranking of 43rd among African universities. The conferral of Emeritus Professorships reaffirms BUK’s commitment to honouring excellence in education.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Bayero University, Kano, celebrated its 39th Convocation Ceremony, during which Kudirat Oyiza Abdulkarim from the Faculty of Agriculture was honoured as the Overall Best Graduating Student. 

With a remarkable Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.92, Kudirat’s exemplary academic performance has made her a standout figure at the institution.

In her remarks, Kudirat shared insights into her journey, emphasising the dedication that fueled her success. “From my very first year, I was resolute in my goal to graduate with distinction. It was never an easy road, but I remained focused, dedicated, and consistent. Today, my dream has become a reality,” she stated.

Kudirat expressed heartfelt appreciation to Almighty Allah, her lecturers, and her parents, acknowledging their crucial support. “Their encouragement played a vital role in my success,” she added.

Looking ahead, Kudirat aspires to become a researcher, aiming to make significant contributions to agricultural development. She believes that Bayero University has been a life-changing institution for her and vows to represent it proudly.

Kudirat Abdulkarim inspires her peers, proving that excellence is always attainable with determination and hard work. As she embarks on her next chapter, her story serves as a motivational beacon for aspiring students everywhere.