Education

By Abdullahi Khairalla

I am not a huge fan of reviewing books that come my way because of personal reasons, but this time around, I felt compelled to share some major lessons and takeaway from a book I personally found rich in ideas for building and shaping leadership journey of any aspiring leader across different sectors.

“Lead Disruption” is a book written by Dr. Akin Oke with thrust and focus on providing a guide for exceptional leadership performance in this era of turbulence and uncertainty.

To begin with, the author began by establishing the fact that, the world today is faced with all kinds of disruptions, chaos occasioned by the accelerating rate of change and uncertainty in our hyperkinetic environments caused fundamentally by three seismic events:

• Global Health Pandemic(Covid-19)
  *Global reorganisation of work due to the adoption of new technologies and
• The ongoing geopolitical transformations across the globe (east/west tension).This according to him, summarises our world into VUCA meaning– Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous.

Additionally, recent predictions about the advance of the fourth industrial revolution indicate that the speed of change, uncertainty and disruption to businesses will continue to increase. The world will have to brace up for potential global economic recession and the effects of climate change due to the continued depletion of ozone layer. This rapid change taking place, will invariably displace the old order and that will require leaders who are well-packed and positioned with requisite skills to transit their businesses and societies into prosperity in line with the new realities.

It is not a matter of conjecture that the Covid-19 has taken the world by surprise and has shifted and dismantled many old conventions, practices and ways of doing things that had previously existed during the pre-Covid era in our business space, industries, government halls and social realm. One thing that stood out is the complete migration of human race into a technological world, work from home, a situation he terms as the “new normal”

To effectively provide effective leadership in light of the current precarious reality of our fast-paced world, the book outlines among other themes and concepts such as self-awareness, resilience, innovation quotient, empathy and effective communication as critical elements for leaders to navigate through the tough and murky waters of the VUCA world.

I will touch briefly on each of the concepts for the sake of time. Self-awareness is the bedrock of effective leadership. This is because effective leadership, begins with good self-leadership. For a leader, knowing yourself and staying true and authentic to oneself is one of the salient assets you need, to be able to lead others in times of uncertainty. Asking yourself how well do you know your personal traits, your strengths, weaknesses, values and preferences? are very critical for a leader that aspires to lead his people even in times of turbulence. Dr. Akin Oke gave an analogy of a dangerous turbulence called “clear-air” by aviators that airplanes face which occurs when the plane has stabilised and in the cruising altitude and is always difficult to predict as radars cannot signal it in advance.

At this point, pilots are not too concerned about it, because the body of the plane itself has the ability to come back to its original planned position based on the inherent strengths of the plane itself. “Aeronautical engineers call this ability positive stability and pilots will tell you that the secret lies within the complex technical configurations at work in-between the wings of the plane and the in the belly of fuselage. This is the same way ‘self-awareness works for a leader. Leaders should have this capacity within them-they must build that resilience within them, that positive stability. And you cannot do that without having a good configuration of yourself (you morality, integrity, honesty, etc)”

Again,self-awareness is very important as there is a strong nexus between private morality and public morality of a leader because his personality is molded by these two realities. Though, this assertion has met stiff criticism by some leaders who try to separate public morality from their private morality. Unfortunately, these two intertwined. While it’s true a leader is human like everyone else and is entitled to private life outside the public role, the reality is that the leader’s private life can have serious consequences on the larger society especially in terms of public perception or behaviour. A bigoted leader, for example, is unfit to lead a company or plural society made up of people of diverse inclinations, backgrounds and idiosyncrasies. This is because his professional sense of judgement will be affected. A bad father , would not be the ideal person to lead or speak to other about fatherhood or parenting,especially if his private life as a failed father is a matter of public knowledge.

Another key element highlighted in the book is of course ‘resilience ‘ which is about the ability of a leader to respond in a positive and constructive way to uncertainty. It is about adapting to a prompt change and capacity to bounce back after a setback. A leader is required to be resilient even in the face of towering threat and dilemma and do everything to emerge out of it. This of course led the author to introduce me to a concept previously unfamiliar to me ‘antifragility’ which is a notch higher than resilience. While resilience rests on the capacity to bounce back after a setback, antifragility has to do with not only bouncing back but how to learn to thrive in the face of adversity and uncertainty. Simply put ‘a resilient leader resists shocks and stays the same, the antifragile leader gets better”.

Equally, the author looks at the central role of innovation in propelling one to be an effective leader in times of disruptions such as the covid era. Innovative leadership lies in the ability of a leader to provide solutions that lead to improvement in the life of an organisation or society, using new ideas. Covid era is a referral case in point, with Zoom coming to the rescue of mankind at its most critical point of need. As a leader, your ability to generate breakthrough ideas that help and transform society at a time of needs and despair, speaks volume of you. Voltaire was right to say “no problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking”

The last but not the least, among the tips reeled out by the author is “empathy”. This is about a leader putting himself in workers’ or subjects’ shoes to understand their emotions and feelings while ultimately providing solutions to them. He interestingly demonstrated how a leader with no empathy may receive vitriolic backlash by his subjects or workers. The case of Adams Osiomole in 2013 was cited when he was begged by a widow illegally selling wares by the roadside, where he told her to, “Go and die”.

Although Oshiomole’s outburst stemmed from his frustration as a leader trying to enforce street trading laws in a bid to make the city better, his unguarded utterance was met with widespread condemnation. He had to organise a highly publicised reunion with the widow barely a month later to apologise.

The book reached its climax on stressing the invaluable role of ‘communication’ in engendering effective leadership. Effective leadership communication is about transferring message in such a way that it can be understood by all the parties involved. The leader should take into the audience’s level of understanding and ability, especially by enhancing the clarity and unambiguousness of the every message transmitted to them.

Without effective communication, nothing gets done in a society especially in hours of uncertainty. An example of former governor of New Yoke Mr. Andrew Cuomo was drawn especially his daily Covid-19 briefings viewed globally via CNN which were source of information, direction and vision casting without leaving his subjects second-guessing on every next move. It enabled New Yorkers to have clear vision of the impact of the Covid Pandemic on the state of New York and probably America at large.

As far as I am concerned, Borno state governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum is also a shining example of effective leader even in moments of fear and despair. This could be seen during his frequent state-wide broadcast during the pandemic in English, Kanuri and Hausa respectively which provided hopes, empathy, details of infection rates, estimated death toll, that way, the people of Borno were able to make informed decisions towards slowing down the spread of the virus by complying the with Covid protocols and appreciate the need to endure tough lockdown restrictions. This is the essence of leadership communication.

Finally, providing tips for building effective communication in leadership by the author is just “an icing on the cake” these are; Affirming words or communication with action(behaviour of the leader), Demonstrate and Provide stories, anecdotes that inspire and motivate action, Communicate relentlessly, Active Listening and encouragement of inputs, Clarity, and simplicity in communication.

Abdullahi Khairalla writes from Maiduguri

By Nusaiba Ibrahim

For over a year, I have been working alongside other creatives in my department after I assumed my role as a content writer and website manager with a higher education institution. The department in which we work is formally referred to as the Media and Communication Department, but somehow, maybe before I joined, it became known as the Creative Department.

Whenever we attend a meeting, we are termed the creatives. Only along my journey did I realise that two or three of the team members had undergone degrees in disciplines that had little or no bearing on the creative industry. The team—a social media manager, a content writer or website manager, a graphic designer, a motion designer, and a creative support staff member—has one thing in common: we possess skill sets that are within the creative industry. Yet, we all have degrees.

During our usual chitchats, I realised that the social media person I had met was a history graduate with a second degree in the same field. He’s doing wonderfully well today in Lagos because of his exquisite skills as a brand marketer and manager. The new staff member who assumed the role is a biology graduate; the motion designer studied industrial design; the graphic designer and I studied mass communication; and the creative support staff studied quantity survey and obtained a postgraduate diploma in the same field.

From the faculty to operational staff to even students, the creative department comprises geniuses skilled in producing exceptional creative pieces that would be admired by the university’s community and beyond. Hence, the department is admired by many. Simple casual discussions with students and staff, whether in or out of the office, never ended without passionate statements like “I will stop by to learn one or two things” or “I’ll come to learn a few things.”

When I was putting this piece together, a faculty member, a friend of the creative department, had come in to drop a request. While going out of our office, he was tempted to read the title of the article. He read it carefully and said, “I think I disagree with you. I am of the opinion that skills are better than degrees.” I turned and tried to explain that the topic didn’t mean degrees were superior to skills or vice versa. They could be used to complement each other when necessary.

This particular faculty member only left me with more thoughts about the debate. He’s a faculty member with a B.Sc. and Master’s degree in International Relations and is very much appreciated by the institution due to his expertise in teaching. He is yearning for a skill set. I understand he must not have realised he could do well as a public speaker, as that is what he’s most notable for. Hence, he didn’t value his proficiency in public speaking, which is now widely applauded. Later that day, he came into our office to further explain his passion for learning graphic design or motion design.

With these current debates, which have awakened people’s desire to invest more in skill sets, I think we are on the path to building the future we’d envisioned to be far. We are getting closer to a better Nigeria. Nonetheless, you might still need a solid foundation from degrees that will familiarise you with values and etiquette that will propel your career.

I’d say this regarding the book title by Prof. Pantami, ‘Skills rather than Just Degrees’, that stirred the Arewa atmosphere a week ago (which I haven’t read). I’m only saying this based on the evident experiences of the revered scholar and the book title. Sheikh Pantami possesses three degrees: a B.Sc., an M.Sc., a Ph.D., and other academic qualifications. He is also a distinguished Islamic scholar who has been lauded adequately due to his skills in teaching Islamic education through his exceptional preaching.

To showcase the relevance of having both, the Sheikh used his wealth of technology experience to serve as a minister and accepted a professorial award (which has generated so much back-and-forth). In the process of serving as one of the ministers under former President Buhari, he definitely acquired more administrative and political skills, making his career stronger.

So you see, the title wouldn’t have become a bone of contention if people had realised the Sheikh was writing to explain the benefits of obtaining both, but just a little bit of emphasising skills. But works of art unleashed on the world are open to criticism. This is something authors and artists cannot control; hence, the Sheikh faced reactions due to his publications.

One of the things I’ve learned amid other creatives is skills and academic upgrades. I tell you, we’ve learned so much from each other. We often see ideas from similar perspectives when it comes to designs, motion graphics or writing. Three out of four yeses is always a pass for any content. We have become part of one another’s journey and a great team. Despite our skill-based engagements, we’d encourage one another to further our degrees.

Whether you have skills or degrees or both, use what you have to get what you want in life. With degrees, you can pursue a particular area of interest and gain something extraordinary. Likewise, with skills, you can also realise your potential. So, the big idea is to use any of the two to gain something beneficial for yourself.

Nusaiba Ibrahim Na’Abba wrote from Kano. She can be contacted via nusaibaibrahim66@gmail.com.

By Murtala Sani

The story of Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo cannot be narrated without weaving greatness with success and mixing niceness with kindness, for he is a character of dignity and simplicity. His life is a hub of imagination and determination, creativity and possibility, humanism and activism because he is a master of generosity and hospitality. Gwarzo’s life style is full of optimism, strength, zeal, courage, tolerance with no iota of hopelessness and laziness as seen in his commitments and achievements.

Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo is an origin of Gwarzo Local Government, Kano State, pursuance of knowledge took him to France where he obtained all his degrees. He held Bachelors degree in French, Masters of Arts in French, PhD in French Linguistics, and then PhD in High Education. This gave him a room to become a Professor of Modern European Languages and also a Professor of Leadership. Obtaining dual Professorship is a feat that only a genius can attain.

Gwarzo became a Professor in his early fourties, coincidentally; he was the President of Protection Rights of Journalists of Africa (PRJA) in his early thirties when he was active in the field of Journalism. At the young age he fought for the rights and freedom of Journalists across Africa.

His passion for business and entrepreneurship opened doors for him to get opportunities in France where he made a huge success. He was the first person that founded bilingual University in Niger Republic, Maryam Abacha American University, Niger (MAAUN) in 2013. Seven years later, Gwarzo founded Maryam Abacha American University, Nigeria, (MAAUN) at Kano in 2021 after two years he founded two more Universities in Nigeria, Franco-British international University, Kaduna and Canadian University of Nigeria, Abuja the former is the first Franco-British University in Nigeria.

Therefore, within ten years, Adamu Gwarzo founded four universities making him the first and youngest man that founded four universities in Africa.

Gwarzo is the pioneer President of the Association of African Private Universities due to his dedication to the development of education in Africa. Considering his outstanding contributions to education sector, International Union of Universities in collaboration with Association of African Private Universities gave him an award which serves as commendation to his tireless effort in uplifting education within the African continent.

Again, noticing Gwarzo’s impact on the education sector, International Academic and Management Association (IAMA) inducted him as the Member of its Advisory Board. For the same reason, World Education and Ed Tech 2 awarded him as Innovative Leader in New Delhi, India. These are few out of the numerous awards and honors Gwarzo received from various governmental and non-governmental organizations, national and international associations institutions, schools, communities and students.

The generosity of Adamu Gwarzo led him to establish a foundation with which he can easily touch the lives of many people that are in need of assistance, therefore, Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo Foundation was initiated. The philanthropic activities of the foundation revolve around education health, entrepreneurship, empowerment and provision of infrastructural facilities to communities.

For instance, the foundation donated 66 seater bus to Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil (ADUSTECH), 60 seater bus to Bayero University Kano (BUK) , 66 seater bus to Al-Istiqama University Sumaila, 60 seater bus to Kaduna State Polytechnic and 60 seater bus to Niger University. The foundation also constructed more than one hundred boreholes in Gwarzo Local Government area and some areas within Kano State that were in dire need of water. Again, the foundation undertakes the tasks of giving skills and capital to orphans and masses in order to make them self – reliable considering the economic hardship and the rate of unemployment within the country.

Adamu Gwarzo is an enigma. If you see him dining with the elites today, you may see him feasting with the masses tomorrow. His down-to-earth joyous interactions with the masses make him the hero of the commoners. His capacity gives him the opportunity in rubbing shoulders and shaking hands with African, Arabian and European Presidents despite his young age. No wonder Chinua Achebe said a boy that washes his hand well dine with the elders.

His fluency in Hausa and Yoruba languages, plus his mastery of French and English languages speaks volumes of his intelligence. He is peaceful and tolerant because he is he is neither a racist, nor a tribalist, nor a religious jingoist. Muslims, Christians and Jews have no problem with him as seen in his constant navigation to almost every continent of the world. In his entourage, there is no separation between Sunni and Shi’ite believers, therefore, Qadiriyya, Tijjaniyya, Shi’ites and Izala followers work closely with him without segregation. He embraces the actors, musicians, footballers and all sorts of celebrities or legends that swarm around him without stigma.

Adamu Gwarzo is heterogeneous, as a Pan- African, he named MAAUN’s Senate Building after Nelson Mandela, the former South African President and activist that fought against the subjugation of the black people under Apartheid system of government. He named MAAUN’s President Building after Thomas Sankara, that revolutionist that served as the President of Burkina Faso. He named MAAUN’s Deanry Block after Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana and nationalist who fought for the independence of the country. He named MAAUN’s Library after Murtala Ramat Muhammad, the patriotic Nigerian General who was assasinated on power.

Furthermore, as an advocate of girl-child education, he named MAAUN’s Social Centre after Magajiya Danbatta, the legendary female singer who promoted girl-child education in her songs. As a Philanthropist, he named MAAUN’s School of Health Sciences after Aminu Alhassan Dantata, a legendary business man and iconic philanthropist. As a non-partisan, he named MAAUN’s school of Social and Management Science after Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice president of Nigeria and former Nigerian Presidential candidate under PDP. He named the Association of African Private Universities (AAPU) Secretariat Building after Senator Rabiu Musa Kwakwaso, the former Governor of Kano state and former Nigerian presidential candidate under NNPP. He named MAAUN’s School of Law Building after Remi Tinubu, the First lady of the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, who became President under Apc. Reciprocally, streets, buildings and schools were named after him by the communities, institutions and schools that benefitted from his philanthropic gestures.

In appreciation of Adamu Gwarzo’s friendly and kinship relationship with people he interacts with, Sarkin Hausawan Turai, a leader of Hausa community living in Europe turbaned him as Wazirin Sarkin Hausawan Turai. A Hausa community living in Agege, Lagos, turbaned him as the Sarkin Zumunchi of Agege. In Niger Republic, African Aminci Cultural Association Niger crowned him as the Sarkin Yaki da Jahilci na Afrika. This is in tune with his ambition where he stated that his ambition is to sponsor the education of one million people.

Currently, Maryam Abacha Amercan University Nigeria (MAAUN) is the 4TH best private University in Nigeria, 17th in Africa and 854 in the world, according to the AD Scientific Regulatory Ranking Body for global Academic Institutions. The ranking is based on capacity in Research Inputs /Outputs, Quality Teaching Aids (Faculties and Facilities), Conductive Atmosphere of Learning, Internalization and Collaborations, Students /Staff (Academic and Non – Academic), Positive Interpersonal Relationships, Community Services and Support, Human and Infrastructural Developments that fit with global standard.

Murtala Sani writes from Gwarzo Local Government of Kano State. He is also an academic staff of Kano State Polytechnic, Department of Basic and Remedial Studies.

By Kassim Isa Muhammad

I am writing to bring to your attention the concerning situation at Yobe State University, where various violations of the university’s regulations are taking place.

As the governor of Yobe State, I urge you to intervene and address these issues promptly to ensure the integrity and compliance of the institution.

Specifically, one of the major issues that require your immediate attention is the tenure situation of the university Registrar, Dr. Kalli Gazali.

It has come to light that Dr. Gazali has purportedly continued to occupy the office of the Registrar despite retiring in September 2023 after serving for 35 years, not 65. This contravenes the university (Miscellaneous) Act 2012 on the retirement of non-academic staff.

The violation of such regulations governing the university raises serious questions about the adherence to established procedures and laws.

Furthermore, six months ago, an interview was conducted for the position of Bursar at Yobe State University. However, despite the passage of time, the results of this interview have not been announced.

This delay has created a sense of uncertainty and unease among the candidates and the university community.

Subsequently, it has come to our attention that another interview is being called, allegedly to favor a candidate who is rumored to be related to you, specifically your brother.

This development is viewed as a clear violation of the university’s laws and regulations, which are designed to ensure a fair and transparent selection process based on merit and competence.

Moreover, this is a clear violation of the oath of office and the Constitution, which you swore to uphold.

You took an oath that: ‘I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions; I will do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favor, affection or ill will.’

If it is true that you are allowing your brother, who is already a Bursar in another institution in Yobe State, to be brought to the state university and staging another interview just to pave the way for him, it is rather disgusting.

For example, the favoritism can be seen from the advert for the post of the Bursar; in the first advert, the qualification required is that the candidate for the post must: ‘…be a practicing Deputy Bursar with at least one-year minimum experience on the post in a recognized University….’

In the second advert, that criteria was completely deleted because the anointed candidate has not been a deputy bursar in a recognized university but is presently a substantive Bursar.

The question is, why is a substantive Bursar interested in becoming a Bursar in another institution? Perhaps to serve as a conduit pipe for those who are doing everything possible to ensure he becomes the Bursar.

Again, under the Experience in the first advert, the criteria are: ‘candidate must have a minimum of fourteen (14) years of prudent university financial management and administrative experience,’ whereas in the second advert, the word ‘university’ was removed to mean 14 years of prudent financial management because the anointed candidate did not possess 14 years of university experience.

The university’s laws and regulations are in place to uphold the integrity of the institution and ensure that all appointments are made fairly, transparently, and without bias.

The actions taken so far appear to be in contravention of these laws, undermining the trust and confidence of the university community and the public at large.

I, therefore, call on you to investigate the delay, ensure transparency, prevent nepotism, and announce the result of the already conducted interview.

Also, instruct the university governing council to immediately advertise for suitable candidates to apply for the already vacant office of the university registrar and appoint, in the interim, the most senior deputy registrar in an acting capacity to oversee the affairs of the office.

These are misconduct or irregularities within the university that merit investigation and corrective action.It is pertinent to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness in the administration of educational institutions to safeguard the interests of students, staff, and the reputation of the university.

We believe that addressing these concerns will reinforce the integrity of the appointment process and restore trust in the governance of our esteemed university.

We have full confidence in your commitment to justice and fairness, and we trust that you will take the necessary steps to rectify this situation.

Kasim Isa Muhammad wrote from Damaturu, Yobe State.

By Mutalib Jibril

With ten awards and a CGPA of 4.88, Abdulsalam Ibrahim recently emerged as the best-graduating student of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, for the 2022/2023 academic session. In this interview with Mutalib Jibril, after the Induction ceremony held on May 10, 2024, he speaks about his educational journey and how he achieved this feat.

Who is Abdulsalam Ibrahim?

Abdulsalam Ibrahim was born to the family of Alhaji Hussaini Abdulsalam and Hajiya Bashirah Ibrahim Abdulsalam in Minna, Niger state. I hail from Zungeru, Wushishi L.G.A of Niger State. I’m the fifth child of a family of six. I had my Primary and Secondary education at Minna before proceeding to the then School of Matriculation Studies, UDUS. I was admitted to study pharmacy at the most prestigious faculty of pharmaceutical sciences, UDUS.

With a Grade Index of 4.88, you emerged as the 2022/2023 best-graduating student of the faculty of pharmacy. How was this possible?

Alhamdulillah for the blessings of Allah upon me. Emerging as the best-graduating student is only possible because Allah has destined it to be so. Numerous factors contributed to this being a reality. Many of which are external and beyond my control. It couldn’t have been the hard work or the consistency. Many of my classmates were more hard-working and consistent. In summary, pray to the Almighty Allah always, try your best in a healthy manner and leave the rest. What Allah wishes for you will always prevail whether you like it.

Why did you choose to study Pharmacy?

 I never chose pharmacy. Allah chose pharmacy for me. After completing the school of matriculation studies, UDUS (2016/2017 set). I was admitted to study medicine and surgery at the university. However, due to some challenges the university faced with JAMB, some of our admissions had to be changed to other courses. It was a bitter experience for me because I wanted medicine. After attending some lectures on the History and Ethics of Pharmacy, a course offered at 100 level. I became interested in the profession and decided not to write another JAMB. The rest is history.

Would you say you knew you were going to be the best–graduating student?

Not until some days before the induction did I know. Of course, the chances were high because I always had one of the best results in my class right from 100 level. The class was competitive with many hardworking, consistent, outstanding and intelligent scholars. Hence, the name “Mavericks” class of 2022”. The environment was encouraging because everyone contributed, and there was always much to learn. Alhamdulillah

What was your reading schedule like?

I don’t have a specific reading schedule. Pharmacy is overwhelming, with extended hours of lectures and practicals. The time available is always not enough. You keep studying even when you get tired. To pass a course with 50% as the pass mark is not for the lazy. Some courses even require a minimum of 60%. So, I was able to adapt to the system. The time at my disposal always determines my reading schedule for that particular time, except for my 100-level days when there was ample time to study during the day and sleep at night.

Which area of the course did you find most interesting?

Clinical pharmacy (therapeutics) and pharmaceutical microbiology.

How many awards did you receive? Please list them

10 awards, Alhamdulillah. These are:

– PCN award for the best-graduating student.

– Nigerian Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA) award for the best graduating student.

– The faculty of Pharmaceutical sciences, UDUS award for best-graduating student.

– Award for the best-graduating student in clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice.

– Board of Fellows of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria award for the best graduating student in clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice.

– Award for the best-graduating student from Niger State.

– The faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences has a UDUS certificate of distinction.

– PSN, Kebbi state cash award for the best-graduating student.

– Centre For Advanced Medical Research and Training (CAMRET) cash award for the best-graduating student.

– Bioraj Pharmaceuticals cash award for the best-graduating student.

Did you engage in extracurricular activities or take up leadership roles during your stay at the university?

Yes, there were some leadership roles. I served as the Asst. Sec. Gen., Pharmaceutical Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (PMSSN). I also served as deputy Ameer, PMSSN. I was part of the Imams at the Masjid in Amanawa Hostel for two sessions. I served as deputy Ameer Association of Muslim Health Students(AHMS).

I was Organizing Secretary NANISS Health wing (National Association of Niger State Students). I served as Sec. Gen., PANISS (Pharmaceutical Association of Niger State Students). And also President PANISS.

What was your best and lowest moment while in school?

My best moment was at the 200 level, when I passed all my courses with distinction, while my lowest moment was at the 300 level.

What are your future aspirations in your field?

I want to be a specialist in cardiovascular therapeutics or psychiatry. This will help me give back to society in a community or hospital setting. If Allah so wishes, I would like to be a researcher and teacher in clinical pharmacy or pharmaceutical microbiology.

What would be your advice to students aiming to attain academic excellence?

Restrict yourself from toxic situations. Know your limits. Maintain your physical and mental well-being. In academic settings, the brain does the work. You can easily achieve a lot in little time with a healthy lifestyle. 

Secondly, you need to start strong and be consistent throughout. Your academic performance is a cumulative result of your effort from the 100 level. Additionally, always start reading early to grasp the concepts efficiently. This also allowsfor repetitive study. Proper understanding always saves the day. 

Finally, always pray to Allah in everything you do. Eat well, sleep well, work hard, and trust in Allah.

By Saifullahi Attahir Wurno 

The word success always carries a nostalgic feeling throughout history. It’s a word that everyone wants to associate with, and it can be seen as fulfilling one’s desire to live a happier, easier, contented life.

Many people ask what causes success. The only answer is hard work, but is hard work really the answer to success? We daily encounter people who are more hardworking than us but who are a hundred times below us in terms of success or living a comparatively easy life.

This article is based on Malcolm Gladwell’s book The Outliers: The Story of Success. The author tries to gather all the apparent and hidden factors that led to the monumental achievement of a few individuals, including athletes, footballers, artists, businessmen, prominent law practitioners, scientists, doctors, and more. 

Outlier is an English word that means someone outside the normal frame, people who have achieved tremendous success and fortune beyond average individuals. Examples include Lionel Messi in football, Bill Gates in computer, Dr Ben Carson in medicine, Usain Bolt in sports, outstanding political leaders in history, writers, etc.

The author concluded that outliers are those who have been given opportunities and who have had the strength and presence of mind to seize them. Most outliers are products of history, of the community in which they were born and raised, of opportunity, and of legacy.

Here is a story:

Ahmad was born in 1995 to a low-income family in Kafin Hausa town. His father’s sources of income are peasant farming and radio repair. His mother was a housewife who mainly depended on her husband for her daily needs and those of her children.

This family of 7 was completely dependent on their father’s meagre income and the small farm that Ahmad always accompanied his father to whenever he went on holidays. This taught Ahmad the habit of hard work early in life.

His father had a primary school level of education, while his mother had good Islamic knowledge but had not attended Western education. This motivated Ahmad to be very passionate about studying higher and becoming someone later in life. 

Ahmad lacks the luxury that may distract his attention; his father’s constant advice and natural ingenuity make him a bright child in primary school. He surpasses his classmates. He finishes top of his class and is admitted into the prestigious Science Secondary school Kafin Hausa.

At school, Ahmad met other young, ambitious, and bright students from all over the state, giving him the opportunity to network, learn, and challenge himself to further academic excellence.

In 2013, at 18, Ahmad graduated from GSSS Kafin Hausa with seven credits in his WAEC result (including all five science subjects). Luckily enough, the government of that period under Alhaji Sule Lamido requested students who have five credits and above in WAEC to submit their papers for scholarship screening.

To cut the story short, Ahmad got a Scholarship to Study Aviation Engineering in Egypt. He graduated successfully and secured a job with a big Airline company in Lagos. From then on, his life and destiny changed forever.

 Using the above story, let us analyse some of the factors that lead to young Ahmad’s success;

Studies have shown that family background plays a critical role in how people are raised and what they end up becoming. Despite his parents’ lack of deeper knowledge of Western education, they have inculcated a strong desire for their children to excel.

Another advantage of the family background was the lack of luxury, which helped Ahmad be less distracted and more focused on his studies. Imagine if he had been born into an affluent family surrounded by television, watching cartoons or comedies daily, or his father had been into the habit of buying them mobile phones and other game gadgets. Definitely, that would have distracted his attention, making him less energetic and determined to escape the poverty line.

Good networking was essential for attaining success in life. Ahmad’s interaction with other boys with similar interests, ambitions, and determination while studying at GSSS Kafin Hausa played a monumental role in catapulting him higher on the ladder of success. If he had been brilliant enough but had graduated from one local and poorly equipped secondary school, the story might have been different.

Right timing was also an important factor; had it been Ahmad graduated a year or two before Lamido started awarding the scholarship, no matter how brilliant or the excellence of his SSCE, he might have ended up studying in one of the local colleges of Education or polytechnic.

Of course, success occurs most often when preparation meets opportunity. God has guided Ahmad to prepare well for his exams and classes, reading the extra mile, reading past questions, and networking with the right people. So, when the time for the WAEC and the Scholarship exam came, he was unaware, so he excelled.

Many people only wish to succeed but never prepare ahead of time. In the end, remember that Success is Ultimately THE GRACE OF GOD, whose benevolence gathers all the above factors to work for you when he decides for you to succeed at something.

Saifullahi Attahir Wurno is a medical student at Federal University, Dutse. He can be reached via saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com.

By Halima Ibrahim

Sheikh Ali Isa Ibrahim, also known as Pantami, a former Nigerian minister, called for a debate over his books. In response, Ibrahim Bello-Kano, a Professor of English from Bayero University Kano, called Pantami a “poor writer”. The rejoinder, as obtained by The Daily Reality, reads:

Now, I have a few points to make about Mr Pantami wishing or asking to debate his critics. But before my first point, let me say this. If the forwarded message on this platform is really from, or written by, Pantami, then it’s clear that he’s a poor writer and a shoddy thinker to boot.

Look at the poorly written prose and the ample indicators of the writer’s low critical thinking acumen.

So, back to my first point: millions of books and papers by living authors are reviewed across the writing and publishing world daily, but I’ve never heard of any serious writer or author asking to debate his or her reviewers or commentators on his or her book. Pantami’s demand to debate his critics is pretty odd for any sound academic or scholar.

Second, Reviews have a world of their own and are not personal or personalised pieces or responses.

Third, Pantami can respond to his critics in writing. This is quite acceptable. His quip that his critics should rather write their own books is powerful evidence of his being an alien to academic culture.

Fourth, the debate on skills versus degree qualification is an old one, since the 1950s. It was an old credo of American Pragmatism from William James to John Dewey (see, on this, Richard Rorty’s “Consequences of Pragmatism”, 1989). So, Pantami isn’t saying anything new. He’s, again, not conversant with the topic in Education, Pedagogy, or Teacher Training.

Fifth, Pantami is the typical semi-educated person who’s pained by ASUU’s rejection of his illegal Professorship and is desperate to soothe his badly bruised ego.

Sixth, his or the claim that his book is being translated into many other languages is either a lie or just an attempt to pass off his questioned erudition. Let him or his defenders mention or give evidence as to the languages that his book has been translated into. Just how many? It’s rare to see an author literally begging to debate his critics or reviewers in the immediate moment.

Finally, Pantami can have his dubious “bragging rights”, but that’s where his case properly belongs — bragging rights for a man whose ego and scholarly claims have been badly and justifiably bruised.

Indeed, the whole debate on skills and not just degrees was misconceived. Richard Rory in his book, “Consequences of Pragmatism” shows how skills as such and theoretical understanding or epistemic capacity cannot ever be separated. Pantami’s book was a cowardly critique of University academics in general. As a person, Pantami has had deep inferiority complexes relative to his more intellectual colleagues. That became worse after his illegal Professorship debacle, which was heavily criticized by many groups. The Latinate word TECHNE says it all. You learn to root knowledge in the very act of doing.

Conceptual thinking is always present, even in the so-called skills. Take a mechanic who has had long years of learning by doing. Yet that mechanic cannot now know about changes in technology in which one has to follow diagrams, instructions, and manuals to install an electric circuit or new nozzle equipment in a new model car. The best doctors or mechanics are those who keep abreast of theoretical or conceptual developments in their field. Skills are not enough. Theoretical understanding prepares one to adapt to a situation. Pantami is just flogging a dead worse.

Again, he’s not well versed in the very philosophy of action that he wrongly thinks comes before the episteme. Finally, what would Pantami say about a cutting-edge science called THEORETICAL PHYSICS?

By Sabi’u Abdullahi

Shaykh Isah Ali Pantami, an academic and author, has challenged the critics of his book “Skills Rather Than Just Degrees” to a debate at a location of their choice.
 
This challenge comes after some academics took to social media to criticise the book without reading it, according to a Facebook post by Yakubu Sani Wudil, a close associate of Prof. Pantami.
 
In the post, Wudil wrote: “Some indirectly criticise without reading the book and, ironically, also go ahead and make recommendations the same with the advocacy of the book.”
 
He added that Prof. Pantami is ready for an intellectual debate on any campus in Nigeria, saying: “The author will be available for the intellectual debate as early as tomorrow in sha Allah, if the venue is not too far from Abuja.”
 
Wudil invited critics to nominate three representatives for the debate, which will be coordinated by a team of academics including himself, Adeolu Akande, El-Bonga, Dr. Adamu Tilde, and Realoilsheikh.
 
He stated that the venue, date, and time will be chosen by the critics, as he was quoted as saying, “The floor is yours to choose the venue, the best among the critics to be adopted by the consensus of all of them, just specify the date & time.”
 
Prof. Pantami’s book “Skills Rather Than Just Degrees” is currently being translated into other international languages.
 
According to Wudil, “Praises and thanks are due to the Almighty. Among the 5 books authored by @ProfIsaPantami in the last 2 years, #SkillsRatherThanJustDegrees has been the most popular and impactful by far.”
 
The debate challenge has sparked excitement in academic circles, with many eagerly awaiting the intellectual showdown.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A lecturer from the Department of English and Literary Studies at Federal University Lokoja was apprehended today for alleged sexual harassment.

According to a source, the lecturer had been scrutinised by university management for some time.

However, his actions were exposed when the parents of a female student set up a trap after receiving messages from the lecturer to their daughter.

The student, who is in her 300 level, disclosed that the lecturer had failed her three times and threatened to fail her again in the upcoming examination.

After discovering the inappropriate messages, the matter was promptly reported to the university authorities.

Following this, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Durotimi Akinwumi, handed the lecturer to the Department of State Services for further investigation and possible prosecution.

By Ishaka Mohammed

In a recently published article in The Daily Reality, one Muhammad Isyaku discussed the harsh reality of being a private school teacher in Nigeria. Despite arguing the inhumane attitudes of many school proprietors towards their employees (teachers), the writer admitted that there are still good school owners.

I have seen and heard about bosses being cruel to their subordinates in many private organisations, including schools. However, much as I wouldn’t want to completely rationalise the ill-treatment of any human being, I have to mention that some cases of maltreatment are simple reactions. Some workers break agreements without expecting any consequences. So, any attempt by a boss to implement a penalty could easily be considered as cruelty.

Nonetheless, I understand that some bosses take advantage of their subordinates by presenting them with seemingly unrealistic terms of contract. It’s unfortunate that desperation or economic realities force many people to sign some ridiculous conditions of service without a thorough examination.

For instance, as a secondary school teacher with over 24 lesson periods in a week and an average class size of 40 students, it would be unrealistic for one to prepare lesson plans and notes, deliver lessons effectively, give students a task after every contact and mark their books before proceeding to the next topic.

It would also be ridiculous for one to be expected at work by 7 a.m. and be prohibited from eating until the close of work (usually after 2 p.m.). Some people would sign but violate such seemingly impractical conditions and then demonise their employers for applying penalties.

A colleague of mine once lamented a deduction (for lateness) from his salary and threatened to resign. I found his outrage irrational because, despite the fact that we signed 7.30 a.m. in our conditions of service, our principal gave us a ten-minute grace. In addition, the first three violations in a month are pardoned. So, I wondered what that colleague really wanted.

Aside from the above, there are workers who hide their violations from their employers. Some go as far as telling lies to avoid penalties. I once went to work late and signed in after 7.40 a.m., but I was shocked when I later noticed that an older colleague, who arrived after me, falsified the time and signed in as if both of us had arrived before 7.40 a.m. Where is our integrity? Imagine what this colleague would have said about the organisation if the violation had been reported and penalised!

Things aren’t always what they appear on the surface. Just as many tenants are fond of demonising their landlords, many private school teachers vilify school proprietors by telling incomplete stories.

My views on this topic have made some people mistake me for a school owner. No, I’m not. In fact, I’m still a private school teacher.

I’ll share my thoughts on private school teachers’ salaries in another article soon, God willing.

Ishaka Mohammed can be reached via ishakamohammed39@gmail.com.