Education

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Kano State Government has expressed interest in partnering with Al-Qalam University, Katsina, to sponsor students for postgraduate studies at the institution.

A government delegation, led by Professor Auwalu Halliru Arzai, visited the university on Monday, February 3, 2025, where they were received by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Armaya’u Umar Zango.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Arzai highlighted the state government’s commitment under Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf to advancing education by providing opportunities for indigenes to pursue higher degrees.

Prof. Arzai noted that Al-Qalam University’s reputation for academic excellence and holistic education made it a suitable choice for the partnership.

Discussions between both parties are ongoing, with plans to formalize the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Senate of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has commended Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, CEO of Zinox Group and Founder of konga.com, for his generous commitment of fifty million naira to enhance the university’s IT infrastructure. The commendation was issued at the 34th Senate Meeting held on Thursday, 30 January 2025, in the Senate Chambers of the university. 

The Senate acknowledged the tremendous support and commitment of the IT boss and philanthropist, who is passionateabout education and technological development in the institution and the country at large. 

Chairman of the Senate and Vice Chancellor of FUBK, Prof. MZ Umar, informed the Senate that he, along with the Chancellor of the University, HRM Eze (Dr.) Cletus I. Ilumuanya, CON, the Obi of Obinugu, recently visited Dr. Ekeh in Lagos, where he reaffirmed his commitment to providing the university with essential IT resources.

FUBK Bulletin reports that Dr. Ekeh received an honorary Doctorate from the University at the maiden combined Convocation ceremony, held on 12 October 2024.

Meanwhile, the Senate considered the Examination Results for the 2023/2024 Academic Session after Dr. Mohammed Bashar Danlami, the director of examinations and registration, presented them.

By Hamisu Adamu Dandajeh, PhD

Recently, I have not encountered anyone more deserving of an Honorary Doctorate Degree globally than Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussaini Maiduguri CON. The 87-year-old global scholar and researcher has authored over 400 books and 100 conference papers in Arabic. 

Sheikh is a global mufti who currently heads the Supreme Council for Fatwa and Islamic Affairs in Nigeria (NSCIA). Throughout Nigeria’s history as a nation, no recognised Islamic scholar has made such remarkable contributions to the body of quality knowledge as the Mufti himself.

This renowned Sheikh embodies knowledge and humility and is a product of the Tsangaya System. Sheikh Sharif is, in fact, overly qualified. European universities established an Honorary Doctorate in the 15th Century to recognise exceptional individuals who have made substantial contributions to a particular field, society, and humanity despite lacking traditional academic credentials.

Sheikh Sharif has written extensively on nearly every facet of Islam, encompassing Quranic sciences, Hadith, Islamic law, history, philosophy, Islamic jurisprudence, linguistics, Islamic polity, Tauhid, Fiqh, Tafseer, Sufism, Arabic literature, Islamic law, inheritance, astronomy—indeed, astronomy—and the peaceful coexistence between nations.

While some universities worldwide have drifted away from the 15th-century original purpose of awarding Honorary Doctorates, instead prioritising celebrity appeal, fundraising, politics, diplomacy, and commercialisation, Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria remains committed to upholding the original intent, as evident in the recent award to Sheikh Sharif. 

Sheikh Sharif has spent his entire life teaching, learning, researching, and contributing to community development, which aligns with the exact purpose of universities globally. He has exemplified scholarship and knowledge sharing, promoted interfaith dialogue, and fostered a culture of peaceful coexistence. 

Sheikh Sharif has produced many scholars of global repute, including Sheikh Professor Ibrahim Maqari, now the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Nigeria. He is building one of the biggest Islamic centres (Markaz) in Abuja to advance international teaching and research.

Sheikh Sharif brings class, integrity, dignity, and prestige to the Honorary Doctorate. We hope that, going forward, the nomination, review, selection, and conferment processes will remain transparent and accountable. 

To know what is next for Nigerian universities after this remarkable award, here is what Abdulbasit Kasim, a friend and a postdoctoral fellow at the African and American Studies at Stanford University, USA, added: “After awarding Shayk an honorary doctorate, Ahmadu Bello University should proceed to the next phase of translating and incorporating his books into the University curriculum. If I can include Shayk’s work on history, politics, philosophy, and economics in my Stanford syllabus, there is no reason why Nigerian students in humanities and social sciences should study Antonio Gramsci and Karl Popper but not Sharif Ibrahim Saleh and Adam Abdallah al-iluri. While this honorary degree has aesthetic value, I hope Ahmadu Bello University will diversify and broaden the curriculum beyond [the] Western canon.”

Thank you, Ahmadu Bello University, for honouring an erudite scholar. Congratulations, Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussaini Maiduguri, on your well-deserved Honorary Doctorate in Law award.

Hamisu Adamu Dandajeh, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Fuels, Energy and Climate Change at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria – Nigeria.

By Hamza Almustapha Paki

Examination malpractice is regarded as any deliberate act of wrongdoing that violates examination rules intended to provide a candidate with an unfair advantage. Examination malpractice, also referred to as the unlawful actions students undertake during their exams to achieve good grades by taking shortcuts.

Exam malpractices, such as cheating, impersonation, and leakage of examination questions, have become a persistent and widespread problem among students in Nigeria. These malpractices threaten the education system and the country’s future. 

The phenomenon has infiltrated the education system, compromising the integrity and fairness of assessments, undermining efforts to foster a skilled workforce, and eroding public trust in the system. Examination malpractice, alongwith its disadvantages, has negatively impacted all facets of society.

The examination law and ethics state that the sanctions or penalties for candidates involved in examination malpractice in Nigerian tertiary institutions range from a warning letter to not allowing the candidates to sit the examination, suspension for two semesters, expulsion, and dismissal from the institution, depending on the degree of misconduct. 

According to the National Examination Council (NECO), it is estimated that the total number of students involved in various forms of examination malpractices was about 20,000 as of 2021.

On the other hand, 178 cases of malpractice were detected in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in the 2022 and 2023 batches.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) identified the malpractices as including “multiple registrations, manipulation of biometrics, collusion of some private CBT centres with parents, impersonation, deliberate disruption of the examination process, and syndicate of adjacent centres in examination.

It is depressing, regrettable, and shameful to engage in examination malpractices after all the energy expended by our respected lecturers or teachers.

In conclusion, examination malpractice could lead to a loss of confidence, self-esteem, determination, and indolence. 

It also acts as a source of future persistent sadness, which could cause psychological, emotional, and physical disorders in the victim. Therefore, it should be seen as the enemy of society and jettisoned.

Dear Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas, 

Although I doubt you could access this letter, I consider it necessary after two failed attempts to obtain relevant information from the office of the registrar of Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

After following this issue for over six months, expecting the school to do the needful, I am disappointed that this great institution continues to give the public room to question its integrity, especially when such involves deceiving a newly established institution by inflating figures and withholding surplus money belonging to students.

It has been alleged that the management of BUK inflated the figures of students’ school fees in the data shared with the National Education Loan Fund (NELFund). As a result, students applying for loans to pay their registration fees met higher amounts already pre-entered on their dashboards and submitted their applications since there was no option of altering the figures. Consequently, NELFund sent the pre-entered amounts to BUK to cover the students’ registration fees and expects each applicant to repay the same after graduation.

I know a student who needed N95,500 to pay his registration fees, but when he wanted to borrow from NELFund, he met N110,000 on his application dashboard. He submitted it like that, and his application was approved in June 2024. However, owing to pressure from BUK, he sought money and paid his registration fees, believing in the school to do the needful once it received money from NELFund.

Fast-forward to January 2025. The school refunded him N95,500 (the exact amount he paid as registration fees) without explaining the N14,500 surplus it received from NELFund. 

Another student who needed N101,500 was forced to borrow N105,000 from NELFund, with BUK keeping the extra N3,500. 

In addition to contacting these two students, I have read dozens of posts and comments by BUK students on social media (concerning this issue) between August 2024 and now, with no single student mentioning having information about their missing money. However, some students are afraid of victimisation, hence warning their mates to be careful with their expressions regarding the issue.

Sir, each of these poor students is expected to repay the exact amount BUK received on their behalf. As a consequence, it is absolutely wrong for the school management to keep the money.

I must mention that the BUK’s singular act of providing wrong data to NELFund could jeopardise the chances of a lot of other potential beneficiaries because the Fund could distrust other institutions henceforth.

I considered this letter necessary after taking some steps, notable of which are as follows:

On June 30, 2024, NELFund responded to my questions via X (formerly Twitter) as follows:

“All institutional fees on the portal were provided by the institution who (sic) themselves are autonomous under the law and not by NELFUND. Should you have any questions regarding your institution fees, kindly contact the competent authorities of your institution.

“According to the Establishment Act, NELFUND reserves the right to determine the interest payable on every loan. In this case, NELFUND have (sic) determined that the interest rate is zero.”

Also, on January 16, 2025, I emailed the registrar of BUK to seek clarification regarding the missing funds belonging to students. Fortunately, I received the following response about an hour later.

“Good morning Ishaka, 

Thank you for your email. I will review the issue you’ve raised and respond accordingly. 

Kind regards

Haruna Aliyu 

Registrar”

Nonetheless, after waiting for six days without receiving any feedback, I sent a reminder. However, at the time of writing this letter, I have still not received any relevant information.

An institution like BUK is supposed to be the epitome of accountability and transparency, so I humbly request that you consider doing the following as soon as possible.

Consider sending the surplus money to the rightful owners—the affected students. 

After that, explain the reasons for the wrong figures and the delay in disbursing the surplus to them.

Lastly, explain to NELFund why the school sent the wrong figures to represent the value of students’ school fees.

It is worth stressing that all of the above actions are necessary damage control strategies, so each should be carried out and openly communicated. In addition to helping BUK improve its public image, these strategies could help the authorities of the institution to avoid probable consequences of their unethical and illegal actions.

Yours sincerely,

Ishaka Mohammed

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Student union leaders from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria strongly disapprove of President Bola Tinubu’s distribution of rice palliatives to student leaders across Nigerian tertiary institutions. They call for more substantive reforms in the education sector.

In separate statements, the Student Union Government (SUG) Presidents of both universities criticised the gesture, highlighting that the rice distribution fails to address the deeper challenges Nigerian students face, particularly tuition costs and poor university infrastructure.

Damilola Isaac, the SUG President at OAU, emphasised that he had not received any rice palliatives and made it clear that he would not accept them, even if offered. Isaac stressed that his administration focuses on advocating for systemic change in the education sector rather than accepting temporary handouts that do not address the root causes of student hardship. He called on the government to prioritise measures that would reduce tuition burdens, improve university infrastructure, and generally enhance the quality of education across the country.

“While the government may have good intentions, it is crucial that efforts are directed toward addressing the real issues in education,” Isaac said. “We are committed to fighting for the interests of students and ensuring accountability in the education sector.”

Similarly, Ibrahim Nazeer, the President of the Students’ Representative Council at ABU, voiced his rejection of the rice palliatives. Nazeer, through his media advisor Abdulrazak Shuaibu, said he would not accept the rice unless it were ensured that all students at ABU received their fair share. He urged the government to focus on creating an environment where students can afford necessities like food without relying on sporadic palliative distributions.

Instead of periodic rice handouts, Nazeer suggested that the government focus on long-term solutions that ensure students have access to basic necessities year-round.

While some student leaders, including Fahad Abdullahi, the SUG President of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), confirmed receiving the palliatives, several other institutions, including Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), reported being unaware of the distribution.

The rice palliative, which allocated two 25kg bags of rice to each SUG President, has been criticized for being limited to student leaders rather than the entire student body. Many students expressed concerns over the perceived unfairness of the selective distribution, noting that all students, not just those in leadership positions, are affected by the country’s economic challenges.

Anas Abdulrahman, a student from UDUS, questioned why only student leaders received the palliative. He stressed that all students should benefit from government initiatives, as they are all citizens of Nigeria. “We all voted for this government, and we should all be considered for such palliatives,” he remarked.

The rice distribution is part of the government’s repeated efforts to alleviate the economic hardship exacerbated by the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira, leading to high inflation and food price increases. Despite these measures, inflation has reached 34.8%, with food inflation soaring to 38.94%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Many students and citizens are questioning the effectiveness of distributing rice as a response to the economic crisis, with some suggesting that more meaningful policy changes are needed to address the underlying economic issues facing Nigerians.

As Nigeria grapples with economic instability, student leaders are calling for a shift in focus toward lasting educational reforms, improved infrastructure, and sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by students.

By Uzair Adam

The 2022 graduates of the Mass Communication Department, Bayero University Kano (BUK), have celebrated their former level coordinator, Dr. Ummi Muhammad Hassan, in recognition of her recent PhD achievement.

The event, held on Tuesday at BUK’s new site, was attended by family members, alumni, and lecturers from the Faculty of Communication and related departments.

It featured a cake-cutting ceremony, an award presentation to Dr. Ummi, and speeches from invited guests.

Dr. Ummi’s PhD research focuses on the Challenges and Perceptions of Muslim Hausa Female Rap Artists in Kano and Kaduna States.

Speaking at the event, the students said the celebration was a way to honor Dr. Ummi as their “academic mother” and acknowledge her dedication to their success.

“We wanted to express our gratitude to Dr. Ummi for all she did for us during our time at BUK,” said Umar Isa Dandago, one of the event organizers.

He added, “She treated us as family, and this celebration is our way of giving back.”

In her response, Dr. Ummi expressed heartfelt appreciation. “When one of my students, Uzair Adam, informed me about this, I was speechless.

“I consider my students as my second family, and seeing them organize this for me melts my heart,” she said.

The Head of the Mass Communication Department, Dr. Gambo Nababa, lauded the students for their thoughtfulness.

He also encouraged Dr. Ummi to continue her academic journey and expressed optimism about her attaining the rank of professor soon.

Dr. Ummi’s husband, Dr. Musa Labaran, who also serves as the department’s examination officer, shared his pride and gratitude.

He noted that the gesture reflected Dr. Ummi’s devotion to her students.

Other notable attendees included the Head of the Information and Media Studies Department, Dr. Nura Ibrahim, as well as Dr. Hadiza J. Ibrahim, Dr. Ibrahim Siraj, and Dr. Muhammad Danja.

They described Dr. Ummi as a remarkable academic who has left an indelible mark on her students.

The celebration underscored the enduring bond between Dr. Ummi and her students and highlighted her contributions as an educator and mentor.

By Uzair Adam

A former deputy director of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Mr. Yisa Usman, has alleged that his life is under threat due to his efforts to expose corruption within the board.

Usman made the claim during cross-examination before Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae at the National Industrial Court in Abuja, where he is challenging his dismissal from JAMB, which he claims was unlawful.

Responding to questions from JAMB’s counsel, A. A. Owonikoko, Usman admitted writing petitions to various government agencies, including the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and anti-corruption bodies, alleging financial mismanagement under the current registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.

Usman also acknowledged receiving queries from the board and an invitation to appear before a disciplinary committee prior to his dismissal.

While admitting to responding to the queries, he stated that he rejected the composition of the committee due to alleged bias.

“My Lord, I informed the committee that I could not trust its fairness as it comprised individuals implicated in the infractions I reported,” he said, denying claims that he refused to appear before the committee.

He further testified that he informed JAMB’s directors of his concerns through an email message dated May 18, 2023, in which he reiterated his resolve to fight corruption within the organization.

“The fight against corruption and abuse of authority is a responsibility of every Nigerian. My determination remains unshaken, despite the threats and attempts to intimidate me,” he told the court.

Usman also alleged that he had reported threats to his life to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector General of Police, claiming that if anything happened to him, the registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, and the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Mufutau Bello, should be held responsible.

During the proceedings, Usman denied accusations that the criminal charges filed against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja were related to investigations into his allegations, stating that the charges were unrelated to the audit of JAMB’s finances conducted by the current registrar.

Justice Obaseki-Osaghae admitted several documents submitted by Usman’s counsel, Mohammed Shuaibu, as evidence, while reserving JAMB’s right to challenge their admissibility.

The court adjourned the case to February 27 for JAMB to present its defense.

It would be recalled that Usman has filed a N150 million lawsuit against JAMB, seeking reinstatement, full entitlements, and the nullification of his dismissal.

He has also requested a declaration that the disciplinary committee was improperly constituted and unable to guarantee him a fair hearing.

The case, marked NICN/ABJ/266/2023, remains ongoing.

By Muhammad Sabiu

Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim, a former Bayero University, Kano (BUK) staff member, has expressed deep concern over the challenges students and alums face in obtaining academic transcripts from BUK.

In a recent commentary on Facebook, Dr Ibrahim highlighted the plight of many former students who have missed out on opportunities due to delays in processing transcripts. “This is sad and embarrassing, especially as the problem is completely avoidable in this day and age,” he wrote, noting that the issue is prevalent in many public universities across Nigeria.

Dr. Ibrahim shared a personal experience, revealing his inability to assist a former student in obtaining her transcript despite his connections within the university. He described the situation as unfortunate and urged those responsible for transcript processing to act with empathy and diligence.

He also called on the university’s management to address the problem decisively, suggesting that any staff found guilty of causing unnecessary delays should face appropriate disciplinary actions. “Think about what a delay means to these people. Don’t ruin their chances at a scholarship or a job. Be empathetic. Fear God,” he appealed.

Dr. Ibrahim’s remarks resonate with affected students and alumni, who have long sought reforms to streamline administrative processes. This underscores the need for transparency and efficiency in accessing critical academic documents.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The governing council of Federal University Dutse through its secretary as well as registrar of the varsity, Alhaji Abubakar Mijinyawa, has announced the abolishment of the part-payment of 60 and 40 percent for first and second semester registration of undergraduate students.

The statement said that the fourth governing council of FUD has received in its third meeting the report and recommendations from the finance and general purposes committee on the management’s request for abolishing the 60 and 40 percent of registration fees for undergraduates with effect from 2024/2025 academic session.

Giving the reason of annulling the part-payment, the registrar said that, “the 60% and 40% adversely affect the functionality of the university’s portal and after due consideration of the proposal the governing council directed the school management to abolish the part-payment to maintain the stability in the university’s financial record and portal “.

The statement added that the introduction of NELFUND Student Loan Scheme by the federal government reduces the burden of payment of registration fees of the students in which the fund offers 100% payment of registration to the beneficiaries of the scheme.