Education

By Muhammad Ibrahim

Muhammad Sani Umar Rijiyar Lemo’s recent promotion to professor at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), is a moment of pride not only for the institution but also for the broader academic and Islamic scholarly communities in Nigeria. This achievement is a testament to his unwavering dedication, intellectual rigour, and remarkable contributions to education, scholarship, and the Muslim community.

Prof. Rijiyar Lemo is a scholar of exceptional depth and influence, particularly in the fields of Islamic studies, particularly Hadith and the Qur’an. Over the years, he has distinguished himself through insightful research and community engagement. His ability to bridge the gap between traditional Islamic knowledge and contemporary educational practices has earned him admiration from colleagues and students.

His excellence extends way beyond academia. In recognition of his contributions to education, religious scholarship, and national development, Prof. Rijiyar Lemo was conferred with a prestigious national honour, the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), by former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. This honour highlights his role as an academic and as a figure of influence and positive change in the wider Nigerian society.

Prof. Rijiyar Lemo’s contributions to the Muslim community are equally remarkable. He has been a prominent voice in promoting peaceful coexistence, understanding, and moral reawakening among Muslims.

As a preacher, he has delivered lectures across Nigeria and beyond, addressing contemporary issues facing the Muslim ummah. His emphasis on theology, education and ethical leadership has left a lasting impact on communities outside the university.

This promotion is also significant because it underscores BUK’s commitment to recognising and rewarding academic excellence. In an era where other pursuits sometimes overshadow the value of the scholarship, such acknowledgement serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring academics and students, reminding them that hard work and integrity do not go unnoticed.

Moreover, Prof. Rijiyar Lemo’s rise to this esteemed position inspires younger generations, particularly those from his home state of Kano. It demonstrates that one can attain great heights while making meaningful contributions to society with perseverance, dedication, and a genuine passion for learning.

Professor Muhammad Sani Umar Rijiyar Lemo is set to impact his field, mentor future scholars, and advance knowledge at Bayero University. His promotion symbolises personal achievement and a celebration of academic excellence for all.

May Allah continue to guide and protect Malam for us, amin.

Muhammad Ibrahim wrote from Kano, Nigeria.

By Isma’il Alkasim

Since the Jigawa State government announced a 100% increase in scholarship allowances for state students, it has served as a beacon of hope and high expectations. This timely intervention comes amid the economic hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the subsequent increase in registration fees at tertiary institutions. 

The government emphasised that Governor Umar A. Namadi understands the challenges students face. To support their education, the state’s scholarship board was instructed to disburse scholarship payments before the start of each academic session. This directive has undoubtedly restored hope and brought joy to the students.

The State Executive Council approved a series of memos and tags to supplement the payment, but only to a few institutions. Although the state government boasts of having paid all students, over eighty percent of institutions have not received any payment from the board. We have repeatedly read that the government approved a substantial sum for the payment, but to no avail. This has engendered mistrust and left a deep scar in our memory, raising concerns that heartless and corrupt opportunists may have stolen the funds.

Moreover, in an interview with Radio Jigawa, the Senior Special Assistant on Students Matters to the Executive Governor of Jigawa State claimed that the government had given scholarship allowances to all Jigawa State students. This claim either demonstrates his inability to represent his office truthfully or suggests his complicity in misappropriating public funds intended for student support. 

Furthermore, to strike a balance and provide an honest treatment of this issue, we attempted to reach Ambassador Muhammad Salisu Seeker, the SSA, to clarify his ill-founded assertion. However, despite our numerous text messages, he arrogantly refused to answer our calls. He did not even have the courtesy to respond. This arrogance is unbecoming of a public servant who represents the government in students’ eyes. 

As a concerned student, I find the SSA’s claim offensive and insulting. To date, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria students have not received any payment from the Jigawa State Scholarship Board. The Senior Special Assistant has abused the trust bestowed on him by the Governor, demonstrating sheer incompetence and a monumental failure in public service.

Finally, as a concerned citizen of Jigawa State, I call upon Governor Umar A. Namadi to investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that anyone found guilty faces the full force of the law. I also urge him to address the misconduct of his Senior Special Assistant on Students Affairs, Amb Muhammad Salisu (Seeker), who has demonstrated a pattern of abusing his office through gross incompetence.

Isma’il Alkasim is a student at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. He writes from Garki Jigawa State and can be reached at kogasgarki@gmail.com.

By Amina Muhammad Sani

When I first stepped into university life, I thought it would be a breeze compared to secondary school. I assumed that financial burdens would be minimal and that I could coast through with ease. But reality quickly set in.

As a young adult, I realised I needed to take charge of my finances. That’s when I ventured into the egg business—sourcing eggs from farms and selling them to shop owners. The business initially showed promise, but I soon encountered a major hurdle: getting paid on time.

The delayed payments took a significant toll on my mental well-being. As a student entrepreneur, I relied heavily on the income from my egg business to cover essential expenses like transportation, handouts, and saving for next year’s school fees. With the uncertainty of when I’d receive payment, I found it challenging to focus on my studies. The constant worry and stress began to affect my academic performance. It was then that I decided to pivot and explore a new business venture – making samosas.

Initially, my samosa business took off, and I was thrilled to have finally found a reliable source of income. However, success comes at a cost. Making samosas was labour-intensive and time-consuming, requiring me to wake up at night to prepare for the day. The exhaustion was overwhelming, and I often dozed off during lectures. Despite the high demand and timely customer payments, I realised that the business was jeopardising my academic performance. The very reason I started the business – to support my education – was now being undermined. I knew I had to make a change again. This time, I decided to switch to making buns and doughnuts.

Making buns and doughnuts proved to be a more manageable venture, as I could prepare them in advance. However, I soon faced a new challenge: declining demand. Students lost interest in my baked goods, preferring samosas instead. The economic climate didn’t help, as the rising prices of snacks made it difficult for students to afford my products. As a result, sales dwindled, and I was left relying on the kindness of friends who purchased my snacks out of sympathy. But I knew I couldn’t sustain a business based on charity. I needed a more reliable solution. Having always been self-sufficient, I decided to explore alternative options for supporting myself financially. This led me to take on a job as a sales girl at the market.

Landing a job as a sales girl at the market was a dream come true. The pay was good, and I was finally on my way to becoming a successful, independent businesswoman – a goal I’d always been passionate about. As a final-year student in my final semester, I had a flexible schedule, with lectures only on Mondays and Thursdays. This allowed me to dedicate the remaining days to work, as agreed upon with my boss.

However, my new role came with its own set of challenges. My early morning departures and late evening returns raised concerns at home. In my community, it’s deemed improper for a female child to stay out late at night. My mom would often call me, suggesting that I quit my job, as it was deemed more suitable for men. The real issue, though, was the difficulty I faced in finding transportation after closing work at 6 PM. The location was far from home, and the rush of workers leaving at the same time made it challenging to find a ride, often leaving me stranded until 7 or 8 PM.

My experience as a salesgirl taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and determination. However, juggling this role with my academic responsibilities proved incredibly challenging. The physical and mental exhaustion were constant companions, and convincing my mom to allow me to continue working was an ongoing battle.

Through this journey, I’ve come to realise that becoming a successful businessperson requires unwavering dedication. Business and education are two distinct paths that demand individual focus. In my opinion, it’s unrealistic to expect someone to excel in both simultaneously.

I struggled to balance these two aspects of my life, and I firmly believe that students should prioritise their studies. Entrepreneurship can wait until after graduation, or students can explore business ventures that complement their academic schedules without compromising their studies. By focusing on one goal at a time, individuals can give their all and achieve success.

Amina is a level 400 student of Mass Communication, and she writes from Bayero University, Kano

By Uzair Adam

Bayero University Kano (BUK) has announced the promotion of 66 academic staff to the esteemed ranks of Professors and Associate Professors for the year 2024.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Deputy Registrar/Head of Public Affairs Directorate, Lamara Garba, on Tuesday.

The Daily Reality reports that 44 academic staff members were elevated to the rank of Professors, while 22 others achieved the status of Associate Professors.

The statement noted that this achievement reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to promptly recognizing and rewarding academic excellence.

“Among these recent promotions are the backlogged cases from 2023, ensuring that all deserving staff members receive due recognition,” the statement added.

Promoted to the Professorial cadre were the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmed, Suleiman Mainasara Yaradua, and Muhammad Sani Umar Musa, among others.

The Management reassured the university community that all eligible individuals would be promoted in line with the institution’s promotion guidelines, while urging staff and departments to strictly adhere to these guidelines to uphold the integrity and transparency of the promotion process.

By Adamu Isah Babura

I want to congratulate Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad on her promotion to the exalted rank of Professor by the Governing Council of Bayero University, Kano.

Prof. Suwaiba is a pioneer. After 20 years in academia, she became the first female professor from Babura, Jigawa State. She progressed from Graduate Assistant to Professor, holding leadership roles like Head of the Science and Technical Education department and Director of the Gender Studies unit.

Her expertise extends beyond the university. She served as the Provost of Jigawa State College of Education. Currently, she holds the esteemed position of Minister of State for Education, Federal Republic of Nigeria, leveraging her vast experience to shape the country’s education landscape.

Prof. Suwaiba, the current Nigerian Minister of State for Education, is an exemplary academic and a shining star in the field of science education. Her unwavering dedication, unrelenting passion, and uncompromising commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students, colleagues, and the academic community at large.

As a renowned scholar, Professor’s contributions to her field of Science Education have been groundbreaking, insightful, and profoundly impactful. Her research has not only advanced our understanding of critical issues in the education sector but has also informed policies, practices, and innovation.

Prof. Suwaiba, a gifted teacher and mentor, inspires generations of students to pursue excellence and cultivate a love for learning. Her rare ability to connect with, listen to, and guide students nurtures their growth and earns her deep admiration and gratitude from all who learn from her.

Throughout her illustrious career at Bayero University, Kano, and outside, Professor Suwaiba has demonstrated remarkable leadership. She collaborates with colleagues, institutions, and communities to advance the cause of education, promote social justice, and foster a culture of inclusivity, equity, and excellence.

As we celebrate Prof. Suwaiba’s achievements at this incredible milestone, we honour her remarkable accomplishments,character, values, and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in education. She is a true treasure, a beacon of hope, and an inspiration.

Adamu Isah Babura wrote from Bayero University, Kano, via adamubabura@gmail.com.

By Abba Ado

I believe the Ministry for Science, Technology and Innovation is not a graveyard ministry where no development or policies will bring positive and sustainable achievement to our state or country. I learned that many people think science and technology are not among the portfolios that can contribute immensely to economic development and growth. 

The Ministry is designed to promote education, scientific research, and development at the state and national levels and evaluate their impact on society. Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) play a significant role in addressing issues such as agriculture, sustainability, food security, climate change, healthcare, and education. 

Recently,  Kano State Governor Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf announced his cabinet reshuffle, changing the commissioner for Higher Education to the Ministry for Science and Technology. Some people were mildly upset, while others mocked the commissioner and even underestimated the ministry for political reasons. 

Nigeria has a massive gap in STI policy, and we need to address it to achieve sustainable economic growth. We alsoneed to start relying on technological innovations to solve our existing problems. 

We need an effective policy to help our scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs develop and commercialise their products. With this, we can start exporting our products, and at the same time, our currency will add value.

I hope the newly assigned commissioner for the Ministry for STI will work hard and implement the “Triple Helix” concept, a collaborative model between industries, academia, and government to promote technological innovations and economic growth. As a commissioner, his duties are to facilitate knowledge from the universities to the industries and eventually to progress it to the society for commercialisation. 

Since 1949, China has focused on Science and Technology, and its economic development has been remarkable. The country has implemented effective policies to exploit local innovation and facilitate its commercialisation. 

Domestic companies like Moonlight Communication should not be taken for granted. We urgently need to optimise their efforts, and the government needs to engage heavily and provide strong networking, which can transform our sustainable development. 

Afri Venture Capital is another opportunity to leverage as a commissioner for STI to establish networking and investment; interestingly, this company has launched its funding opportunities in Kano State.  

I advise the newly appointed commissioner to ignore any discouragement from the naysayers who think his assignment to the Ministry for STI has downgraded him. He should focus on providing a suitable platform for huge investment in research and development in our domestic institutions in Kano State and translating this research into a usable product. 

It might not be easy, but it is possible with hard work and perseverance. As an economist who can think critically, I believe he can easily integrate STI with economic development to help Kano State. This new role will undoubtedly contribute to solving the state problems of energy, climate change, agriculture, and healthcare.

Abba Ado wrote via abbaadomusa0@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Rumfa College Old Boys Association (RUMFOBA) Class of ’94 commemorated its 30th anniversary in Kano on Thursday, urging the state government to establish community-based database centres.

The centres, proposed to be managed by village heads, aim to provide vital household data for effective planning, decision-making, and project execution across Kano State.

Professor Ibrahim Sani Madugu, the Chairman of RUMFOBA Class ’94, underscored the significance of these centres in enhancing security, fostering community development, and supporting small-scale industries.

He noted the potential of these initiatives to address critical challenges and drive sustainable growth.

In support of their alma mater, the association has already undertaken key projects, including ensuring water availability in essential areas and installing a CCTV surveillance system.

Following discussions with the school principal, additional initiatives were identified.

These include the installation of solar-powered security lights in sensitive areas such as the NCC computer centre and laboratories, the provision of carpets for the school mosques, the replacement of non-functional solar batteries, and the settlement of outstanding allowances for security personnel.

Madugu also advocated for the state government to expand the use of renewable energy solutions, such as solar power, to mitigate electricity challenges.

He praised the government’s progress in establishing the Kano Hydro Electricity Development Company (KHEDCO) and the power projects at Tiga and Karaye dams.

As the leader of a research team on Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) at Kampala International University, Madugu highlighted the need for innovative solutions to combat climate change and enhance sustainability in Kano.

During the event, three individuals were honored for their contributions to education and their support for Rumfa College.

The awardees included former Governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar-mata, and another distinguished recipient. Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar-mata, Kano State Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, lauded RUMFOBA’s dedication to educational advancement.

He advised the association to focus on executing one significant project annually while bringing other issues to the government’s attention for resolution.

By Tordue Simon Targema

Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo is, yet again, under lock and key as a result of industrial actions embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on the 5th of December 2024, and all other labour unions in the University subsequently to press home germane issues that bother on effective running of the institution and welfare of its staff.

Ordinarily, this would not have been a hopeless situation completely, as industrial actions could be resolved as soon as they start if well handled. But with the rather harsh and brutal response of the Taraba State government, a solution to the present strike is not in sight.

What are the issues in contention, by-the-way? ASUU-TSU outlined six key demands upon commencement of the strike as follows: (1) absence of pension scheme for staff of the University, (2) non-payment of four months salary backlog, (3) failure of the state government to constitute a Governing Council for efficient running of the University, (4) non-payment of accumulated Earned Academic Allowances, (5) repeated exclusion of the University from minimum wage implementations, and, (6) inadequate funding as provided by the Law establishing the University.

Simple as these sound, all diplomatic approaches by ASUU to prevail on the state government to address them have failed, leaving the Union with no option but to embark on strike. Sadly, the response of the state government clearly indicates that the strike will linger longer than expected.

A quick rundown on the major responses as highlighted by the Chairperson of ASUU-TSU Branch, Dr Mbave Joshua Garba thus far confirms this hunch: first was a statement from the Office of the Special Assistant (to the State Governor) on Media and Digital Communications, Mr. Emmanuel Bello requesting the Union to call off the strike immediately and return to the negotiation table, to which the Union queried: which negotiation table? The same “table” that government officials abandoned since June 2024, and have consistently evaded the Union’s advances for engagements?

Besides, the struggle at this point has passed the stage of “negotiations” but instead, requires appropriate actions on the part of government: do we need negotiation to enact a Governing Council for the University, implement a pension scheme, pay salary arrears/EAA, or implement the national minimum wage for the University? One thus wonders what exactly the SA wanted to negotiate with the Union again.

The second response as reported by the Chairperson came through the Commissioner of the then Ministry of Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, who told the Union that the Governor has two options for them: to call off the strike immediately and have his audience once he returned to the state, or remain on strike while government takes ALL the time it requires to compute and work on the demands of the Union. ASUU opted for the latter, for who is in a hurry to return to a classroom that holds no hopes for him, both now and in future anyway?

Then came the last move that clearly portrayed government’s confusion regarding TSU and her intractable issues: the (re)creation of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, which hitherto existed in the state but was scrapped by the current administration, and which was there during the past administration, yet could not resolve the stalemates that befall the University.

Clearly, the state government lacks the sincerity of purpose required to resolve the issues in dispute, and this is most unfortunate for an administration that has made access to education its mantra. For instance, one wonders if ASUU must embark on industrial strike before government is moved to constitute a Governing Council without which the University is handicapped in the discharge of its administrative mandates. Yet, ASUU has consistently engaged the government on this issue since the last Governing Council was dissolved in 2023 to no avail.

What about a pension scheme which has become a dirge that staff of the University chant every day, but which all other tertiary institutions in the state have? Today, many staff of the University have put in about fifteen years of service without a penny as pension. When a staff of the University retires, s/he walks home with nothing after years of enslaving but meritorious service to the state.

The most distressing moment is when a staff dies: his family is entitled to a paltry 50,000 naira as death benefit which is recently increased to N70,000. Yes, that is our worth in death without gratuity. Indeed, many staff of the University have switched from other institutions or agencies with functional pension schemes to TSU. Sadly, once they assume duty in TSU, they as well kiss the final “goodbye” to pension and gratuity.

While ASUU’s engagements with the state government towards amicable resolution of these issues hit a stalemate, the final straw came that completely broke the camel’s back, namely: the blatant and cruel exclusion of the University from the N70,000 new national minimum wage implementation in the state. Yes, as I write, TSU staff are being paid using the grossly outdated 2009 salary template for Nigerian Universities! Last year, the state government implemented the N30,000 minimum wage for workers without effecting the consequential adjustment for staff of the University, even as other tertiary institutions in the state were captured which showed the resentment of the government to staff of the University. Then came the FG/ASUU 25% and 35% salary award which was also ignored by the state government with impunity.

The peak of this cruelty has just manifested with the conspicuous exclusion of the University from the 2024 N70,000 national minimum wage implementation in the state in November. Afterwards, all concerned stakeholders put up evasive postures to ignore all efforts by ASUU to push for inclusion of the University.

ASUU Chairperson reported, shockingly, that at a meeting with government representatives, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Sarah Enoch maintained that the University is not entitled to the new national minimum wage, even as she admitted, funny enough, that there is need for consequential adjustment. This position betrayed, first, the level of confusion that pervades the corridors of power regarding issues in TSU, and secondly, the cruel disposition of critical state actors to the plights of the University’s staff.

Few questions beg for answers arising from the Commissioner’s disposition: if tertiary institutions in the state are not entitled to the new minimum wage, why implement it for the State Polytechnic, College of Education, College of Agriculture, School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Health Technology? Why jettison the submission for the University which was computed by the same minimum wage committee in the state? Again, why question the report of a committee that had all relevant stakeholders on board, including from the Ministry of Finance? Does this mean that the Commissioner’s personal judgement supersedes the position of the committee made up of experts from all relevant ministries?

Unfortunately, government has chosen the vindictive path, and has weaponised hunger to chastise the Union back to the classrooms, a strategy that is counterproductive and had repeatedly failed in the past. For instance, November salary was immediately withheld to cow the Union into submission, then came December salary. It is shocking that not even the commemoration of the birth of Christ could move the state government to bury its vindictiveness and release December salary to staff of the University to celebrate the Yuletide with their families and loved ones.

To TSU staff, this is but a familiar maltreatment, a repeat of what happened in 2020, 2022, and now 2024 when staff had to celebrate Christmas without salaries. The tale is same for the Muslim brethren, who can hardly recall when last they celebrated either Eid-el-fitir or Eid-el-Kabir with their salaries paid. This is a dehumanising act that we are already used to, the more reason why the brutal approach is doomed from inception.

Indeed, this is time for all stakeholders in the state to act. TSU is core to Taraba State’s socio-economic advancement, no wonder its motto: “Harnessing Nature’s Gift”. Within the short period of its existence, every sector in the state is a testimony to its profound impact on human capital development. It is, therefore, time for all those who mean well for the state and its progress to speak out and prevail on the government to stop playing the ostrich and do the needful.

Government must, at this point, put on the toga of sincerity towards frantically addressing the lingering issues that constantly ignite industrial disharmony in the University once and for all without further ado. There is no better time to act than now.

Tordue Simon Targema is a Visiting Postgraduate Student in the School of Social and Political Science, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom and teaches in the Department of Mass Communication, Taraba State University. He can be reached at: torduesimon@tsuniversity.edu.ng

By Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB)

From a young age, I have been deeply fascinated by politics and dreamed of actively participating in it one day. Growing up in Kano State, I listened to political programs on local FM stations and national media, which nurtured my passion and understanding of the political landscape. This enthusiasm carried over into my academic journey at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), where I discovered opportunities to channel my political ambitions.

Upon gaining admission to BUK, even before lectures commenced, I visited the Students’ Union Government (SUG) Secretariat with a friend in his second year. At that time, the SUG President, fondly known as Third Man, led a vibrant administration. Observing the activities at the Secretariat left a lasting impression on me. I resolved that, despite the challenges ahead, I would one day participate in student politics.

However, during my first and second years, the school management suspended SUG elections and replaced the union with a caretaker committee (CTC). To stay involved, I joined my local government students’ association and other student unions, which allowed me to gain valuable experience and insights.

In 2023, during my third year, the school management reinstated SUG elections, and I seized the opportunity to run for the position of SUG Departmental Senator. Around the same time, my department, the Mass Communication Students Association (MACOSA), was preparing for elections. Since the position of Departmental Senator was part of the SUG elections, MACOSA executives decided to conduct a primary election to streamline the process. The winner of the primary would automatically secure an SUG election form.

I was one of three candidates vying for the position, determined to represent my department in the Students’ Representative Assembly (SRA). Financial challenges posed significant hurdles, but I remained optimistic. My campaign strategy focused on building genuine relationships with students across all levels. From my first year, I had shared resources like past question papers, handouts, and PDFs with my name attached, ensuring I was remembered. Additionally, I provided timely updates about school affairs and assisted newcomers in settling into university life. These efforts resonated with students and garnered their support.

The campaign period was intense. While my opponents distributed campaign materials such as hand fans and handouts, which I couldn’t afford, I relied on the unwavering support of my friends and team members. A close friend, Sa’ad Abubakar, even purchased my election form. My campaign team, including Hajara Abdullahi, Benjamin Jacobson, Umar Farouq, Junaidu Shehu, Abubakar Sadeeq Yahaya, Raheela Usman Buhamas, Sani Labaran and Abdulrauf Abdulrazak Rugu Rugu, worked tirelessly to mobilise voters.

The night before the election, we conducted a face-to-face campaign, visiting hostels such as Sa’adu Zungur (Blocks A, B, and C), Yar’Adua Block, El-Kanemi, Dantata, Dangote, and Ramat. We engaged students directly, explaining our vision and soliciting their support. Influential friends like Al-amin Musa Muhammad, Musa Rabiu and the current MACOSA President, Abbas Ynbs,  played pivotal roles in reaching key student areas with contribution of Fateemah Dabo, Anas Abbas, Alhassan Alhassan Gidan Kara, Khadijah MakkahSanda, Anwar Usman, Abdullahi Mohammed Abubakar, Uzair Adam Imam, Sadi Sada, Yusuf Aminu Yusuf and Adamu Muhammad Dan Hajiya.

The election results were a testament to the power of grassroots engagement and genuine relationships. I emerged victorious, securing the automatic ticket to represent my department in the 24th SRA. I initiated projects that strengthened our department’s presence in the university’s political landscape during my tenure.

Encouraged by this success, I later contested for the position of Faculty Senator and won unopposed, representing the Faculty of Communication in the 25th SRA. This journey was made possible through the unwavering support of friends like Abubakar Ibrahim Shehu, the President of the Department of Information and Media Studies, and the contributions of Distinguished Senator Abdullahi Yunusa Alkah of Law and distinguished Senator Ahmad Mijinyawa of Computing.

Reflecting on my journey, I attribute my success in student politics to a genuine commitment to helping others and fostering meaningful relationships by prioritising the needs of my peers, sharing knowledge, and maintaining mutual respect.

This experience has fulfilled my dream of participating in politics and equipped me with valuable lessons in leadership, collaboration, and perseverance—qualities I intend to carry forward into broader political endeavours.

Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB) is a Senator Representing the Faculty of Communication 25th Student Representative Assembly SRA-SUG-BUK.

By Nasiru Tijjani

Human society is intricate, comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds and social classes who interact. For society to thrive, it is essential to maintain peace, order, transparency, unity, teamwork, discipline, accountability, sanity, tranquillity, and justice.

However, when corruption, injustice, and criminal activities become rampant, society is bound to collapse. Good leadership, followership, a sense of togetherness, and patriotism are crucial to addressing these issues. 

Established in 1956, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has played a significant role in Nigerian politics. It advocates for students’ rights and participates in protests for educational growth.

To ensure a brighter future for Nigerian politics, it is essential to revive the spirit of patriotism and collective responsibility among students, leaders, and citizens. We can build a more prosperous and equitable society by promoting transparency, accountability, and justice.

Frequent student demonstrations and unrest have plagued Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions for years. These protests have often turned violent, destroying public property and resulting in arrests, injuries, expulsions, suspensions, and even the loss of lives. Despite these efforts, students usually return to the same conditions that sparked the protests, with their demands left unaddressed.

Students must form associations and unite under a common banner to address these issues effectively. By doing so, they can discover their strengths and attributes and develop resilience and assertiveness. A well-organized student union allows students to express their opinions, take independent positions, and ask questions on critical issues.

As Jega (2003) aptly noted, students’ unions play a vital role in helping students develop essential organisational skills and strength of character. These skills prepare students for greater responsibilities in their future endeavours.

In its heyday, students’ unionism in Nigeria commanded respect and inspired awe in governments, students, and institution administrators alike. These unions were built on strong ideologies, fostering a culture of intellectual debates and resistance against oppressive government policies and institutional administrators. They fearlessly expressed dissenting views to authorities when necessary, enjoying broad support from the student community.

The primary objective of these unions was to promote and defend the welfare needs of their members. To achieve this, they engaged in constructive dialogue with governments on policy matters and with institutional authorities to secure essential services. These efforts aimed to create a conducive environment for teaching and learning, ultimately enhancing the academic experience.

A Students’ Union is an organised association of students within an educational institution governed by established rules and regulations that guide its operations. According to Isah (1991), the primary objective of a Students’ Union is to promote and defend the collective interests of its members, aligning with the broader societal context.

This underscores the intrinsic connection between education, students, and society. Students can be viewed as raw materials, shaped and refined by institutions of learning. Through this process, they transform, ultimately emerging as finished products, equipped to contribute positively to society.

Students’ union and the future of Nigerian politics

The state of students’ unions in Nigeria is alarming. The desire for leadership positions is no longer driven by a passion for public service but rather by personal gains and fame. This trend is worrying, as it suggests that Nigeria’s future leaders are more interested in self-aggrandisement than in serving the people.

The situation is further compounded by the fact that some student leaders have become professional beggars, presenting awards to undeserving individuals based on their financial contributions rather than merit. The embezzlement of funds generated from such programs is also common.

This decay in students’ unionism poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s future, as many of these leaders will eventually become politicians. If they already exhibit corrupt tendencies, these habits will likely continue in their future careers, perpetuating a cycle of corruption and poor governance ¹.

To break this cycle, students’ unions must return to their core values of promoting the welfare of their members and advocating for positive change. Student leaders must be selfless, transparent, and accountable, demonstrating the moral values and character essential for effective leadership.

The future of Nigerian politics hinges on the quality of leaders from students’ unions. If these leaders prioritize personal interests over service, the country will struggle. Revitalizing students’ unions for their original purpose offers hope for a brighter Nigeria.

Nasiru Tijjani writes from Gwaram Tsohuwa, Jigawa state and can be contacted via tijjaninasiru@gmail.com.