National

By Muhammad Sulaiman Abdullahi

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government’s effort to forcibly uplift and upgrade Lagos State shouldn’t surprise anyone who knew or read about Nigeria’s history. The military initiated the idea of the creation of Abuja as the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria in the late 20th century, precisely in the late 70th. The idea was well thought out, well planned and well executed in good faith by successive military governments. 

The actualisation of Abuja as the capital city of the federation was one of the few tasks inherited and continued by more than one regime of governance. A Wikipedia article says that; “it is a planned city built mainly in the 1980s based on a master plan by International Planning Associates (IPA), a consortium of three American planning and architecture firms made up of Wallace, Roberts, McHarg & Todd (WRMT – a group of architects) as the lead, Archi systems International (a subsidiary of the Howard Hughes Corporation), and Planning Research Corporation. The Central Business District of Abuja was designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. It replaced Lagos, the country’s most populous city, as the capital on 12 December 1991.”

It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the whole world, not only in Nigeria or in Africa. “According to the United Nations, Abuja grew by 139.7% between 2000 and 2010, making it the fastest-growing city in the world. As of 2015, the city is experiencing an annual growth of at least 35%, retaining its position as the fastest-growing city on the African continent and one of the fastest-growing in the world.” This is Abuja for you. 

Everything about Abuja was well-planned by intellectuals of repute in the world. Its strategic location, terrain, weather and, above all, compatibility to all, comfort and suitability as the capital city of this complex combination. There are so many planned cities in the world, and they are done for a purpose. Right from the beginning of the amalgamation, those who perpetrated it had known that it would be so complex to manage. They, therefore, according to their expectation, helped in realising where the leadership would be easier for all. Thus, the idea behind the planned city of Abuja. And this shows how disciplined and committed the military were to the general development and progress of the country. If it were these set of politicians of today, such a momentous task would never be accomplished.

History recorded that the Yorubas vehemently rejected the idea of Abuja’s formation. The “biggest” opposition to the formation of Abuja was the then Yoruba chieftain and presidential candidate, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Awo pledged and promised to his people that if elected, he would hire the American Walf Disney Corporation – an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate, to convert the current site of Abuja into an amusement park. Perhaps Chief Awo’s dream is quickly becoming a reality under Tinubu’s administration.

Awo lost the election, and it was reported that one of the first works of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, when he assumed power, was to accelerate and lay the foundation of Abuja and push for its early completion. Successive governments took over from him, and the trend continues until these days when we see the reversal in quick gears.

I contested the supremacy of Lagos over Kano a long time ago, but later, when I visited the state in 2013, I concurred and agreed that Lagos state is so blessed and looks like other well-developed foreign cities, if not because of the roughness and ruggedness of some its people. The state is both naturally and artificially endowed. Its intellectuals also support it at the expense of all others. They are the kind of people who love themselves more than anyone else. We started seeing the manifestation of this love so early in this Tinubu-led government.

It is undoubtedly clear to anyone who pokes his nose into Nigeria’s issues that Lagos is by far more prosperous than all the 36 federation states combined. You may not be wrong if you call Lagos a country of its own. That’s why I find it weird when public structures are shamelessly moved to Lagos in the name of convenience, proximity and all other silly excuses. These flimsy excuses can look strong from the surface, but some hidden weaknesses may be uncovered after a deep X-ray.

I once asked a knowledgeable friend about the issue of population between Kano and Lagos. Those who promote Lagos promote it even where others are better. Almost all the time, I see conflicting and contradictory reports on the issue of population. He explained to me in layman’s language that Kano is the most populous city in Nigeria, and there is no doubt about this. But Kano’s population is a dispersed population while that of Lagos is the most densely populated city in Nigeria. 

Then, in the actual number of people living in the two states combined together, Kano is the most populous state in Nigeria. Even this, many people do not care to know. Back to the Federal Republic of Lagosia! The state has been leading in terms of infrastructural development, IGR, investment, inventions, entrepreneurship, companies and all that the world counts as the indices of development. This, no one can deny. Maybe Kano can only be ahead of Lagos in terms of decorum, legitimate earnings and legal dealings. But Kano, being the Centre of commerce, has for long been hijacked by many powers beyond an ordinary imagination to comprehend.

Recently, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been reported to have moved some of its key departments to Lagos. Why? It was said that close to 60 per cent of Nigeria’s wealth revolves around Lagos state only. Then, why should CBN sit far away from the Center of money? In this respect, one should salute the courage and foresight of CBN to relocate. Those of you shouting, what do you bring to the CBN’s table to make the CBN move the headquarters to your state? 

FAAN also moved its key offices and officers and even issued a statement that they have done so for the good of the country. It was said that the former aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, was the one who forced them to be in Abuja. 

In the statement issued by FAAN, its PRO Obiageli, it is said that they don’t have enough space/offices to accommodate their personnel in Abuja. Whether this is true or false should not matter, as truth is so expensive in Nigeria, and lies are so cheap. Whatever may happen, they moved out, pending when there would be enough space for them. They would form a committee to start looking for whether they could move back to Abuja. But one important thing that Obiageli mentioned was the issue of 60% of Nigeria’s flights hovering around Lagos. This singular statement is heavier than all the other flimsy and silly excuses given. This holds water!

Abuja was not ordinarily built without any thinking. It was strategically chosen, located and designed. Abuja was one of the purposely well-planned cities in Africa, as explained. It was designed to be in the centre to ease everything for everyone. When it was established, as is the norm, many companies, government agencies, embassies, foreign establishments and above all, the seat of the government were all transferred to the location. This is how Abuja was made.

Today, under the Asiwaju’s government, silly excuses are forwarded, and some government agencies headed by Yorubas are taken back to Abuja without even consulting the two houses of assemblies. I thought such a decision must be backed by law. They should first take the issue to the National Assembly for consent. But even the movement is systematic. They started by saying we are moving “some offices”, maybe to outsmart Nigerians. Many other movements might have been shrouded in secrecy.

The preferential treatment given to Lagos state sends terrible signals to the remaining states. Yes, Lagos generates revenue, but don’t forget that many of Nigeria’s population resides in the North. Lagos is made to be a necessary location for all Northerners or their goods to pass through. To compound issues and systematically actualise this, the Northern land borders are shut. Therefore, everyone is systematically forced to carry his fate, money and energy to Lagos. The import and export solely rely on Lagos. Why all this centralisation? Something is fishy here. Are Yoruba’s up to something? Only time will tell.

Lagos state is rich enough to have its own Central Bank. It shouldn’t take everything away from the rest of Nigerians with the support of the president. Already through the shrewdness of its technocrats, more than half of what is supposed to be shared by all Nigerians is given to her alone, in the name of its ports and other cover-ups. If we go by the statement of proximity and suitability as issued by FAAN and CBN, then the Ministry of Defense should be relocated to Zamfara or Borno, NNPC to Rivers or Bayelsa, Mining and Solid Minerals to Zamfara, Borno or Yobe, among many others. 

Let Abuja be either disbanded for all Nigerians to take their share or be retained as it is. Developmental projects should be distributed evenly throughout the country. You have already forced so much of Lagos on all at the expense of all. Lagos has snatched away the lion’s share of the country’s earnings, and no one says anything. It is another country in Nigeria, so everything about her is different. The train, the power, the companies, and now Nigeria’s CBN, FAAN, among many others. Haba! Why all these? A stitch in time…

By Professor Abdussamad Jibia 

Those of us from Jibia LGA of Katsina state have been mourning for the past ten days. Last week, bandits launched an attack on the Kukar Babangida community of Jibia LGA. The infamous guests had visited Kukar Babangida many times, but this is probably the worst. They killed the ward head, Alhaji Haruna, along with nine others. 

Kukar Babangida is located about 15 kilometres from Jibia on the Jibia-Katsina highway. It was called Kukar Zaure until sometime during the administration of General Babangida when he launched the annual tree-planting campaign at the village. On that occasion, the then Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Usman, renamed it Kukar Babangida. Of course, for a local community to be validly renamed, it must have the blessing of the emirate. In its case, Kukar Zaure was renamed by the Emir himself. The annual tree planting campaign was a very good practice of military regimes that politicians have abandoned for no apparent good reasons.

Magaji Zaure, which is his traditional title, refused to relocate to either Katsina or Jibia as many of his colleagues have done. He has always stated that abandoning his people and running away would be a breach of trust. This time around, he paid the supreme price. If you have been following my writeups for the past eight years, you would understand the kind of frustrations our communities have been subjected to with respect to insecurity. Lives have been lost, women and girls disgraced, people kidnapped for ransom, farmers displaced from their farmlands and communities occupied.

This introduction would only tell you how badly in need people like me are for a solution to the problem of insecurity. That is why my curiosity was piqued when I came across a video clip yesterday.

The clip, which is obviously a news item from a Hausa service of one of those big foreign radio stations, is about the launching of a vigilante group by the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Association. The activity, which took place in Nasarawa state, featured a parade by the new recruits in their uniform, a fashion parade by Fulani youth and an interview with the President of the Miyetti Allah group, one Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Bodijo. Very senior police officers also graced the occasion.

According to Alhaji Bodijo, the aim of establishing the group is to assist regular security forces to “peacefully” arrest criminals without killing the innocent. Asked whether or not they have obtained Government approval to establish the group, he only expressed hope that the Federal Government and its security forces would give them the necessary recognition. “We shall also help Nigerian Governors to tackle the problem of insecurity”. 

In Nasarawa state alone, Alhaji Bodijo stated they will recruit 4,000 members. First, they have already screened 2140 selected from different (Fulani) families. He promised to end the security problem in Nasarawa state in six months. While stating they have their traditional sticks, Alhaji Bodijo pledged to seek Government approval to obtain weapons allowed by law.

First, let me commend the Miyetti Allah group for their concern about the insecurity problem bedevilling Nigeria and, for the first time, admitting the contribution of their kinsmen to the problem. That most of the bandits operating in the North West and North Central states are Fulani is not debatable. This became well known during the time of Buhari when he directed Governors in the North West geopolitical zone to dialogue with bandits. All the bandits’ leaders that met with Governor Masari were Fulani, and they are well known, with some of them still moving unscathed even when the Federal Government is spending billions of Naira of taxpayers’ money on insecurity.

With the resolve and non-cowardly nature of Fulani, I do not doubt that if the all-Fulani group decide to face their criminal kinsmen, banditry will come to an end in a very short time. But are they ready to do it?

Miyetti Allah Kautel Hore group has itself been criticised for aiding and abetting criminality on several occasions. Perhaps the best known for this accusation is the immediate past Governor of Benue state. We can also recall that at a point in time, a Zamfara state commissioner of Police issued a warning to the Miyetti Allah group to bring an end to banditry in the state or face the wrath of the law.

The tone of Alhaji Bodijo does not suggest that the Miyetti Allah group is ready to face the criminal elements among their kinsmen, fire for fire. In fact, he mentioned the name of a hardened criminal in the North West and stated that they are ready to partner with people like him to end insecurity. But Alhaji Bodijo has a reply for me if he wants it. What is news about partnering with bandits if the Government, with its security forces and an obligation to protect lives and property, has dialogued with them several times? 

But come. Why Nasarawa state? Does the Governor have any interest in the new Miyetti Allah project? Politicians can be unpredictable. Many of them have been accused of using ethnic militia for their political agenda. Governor Abdullahi Sule should come clean on this.

Or does the Nasarawa project have anything to do with the “innocent” herdsmen killed by the military sometime in 2022? We are aware that the Horijo, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, visited both President Buhari and President Tinubu to seek compensation for his tribesmen even though he has never done so with respect to the many innocent people killed by criminals suspected to be of Fulani descent. How are we sure that this project is not about revenge?

Assuming revenge is not the first idea. If an incident like the one in question happens again, can we rule out a confrontation between an armed Miyetti Allah vigilante group and the Nigerian Air Force? If the group has branches in all states of the Federation or at least the Northern states, would that not be a major disaster?

By the way, this is Nigeria, a multiethnic and multireligious nation. Any security outfit to be recognised by the Government at the state or Federal level must not be ethnically biased. While Fulani herdsmen (Fulanin daji as they are called) have a very good knowledge of the forest because of the nature of their occupation, the collaborators of forest-based bandits are usually hidden in the cities. The victims of banditry are mostly people in the villages, and they can tell the different ways in which bandits attack.  All these mean that an unbiased vigilante group must be composed of different categories of people, not just people with knowledge of the forest.

My advice for MACBAN is to modify their approach. Reach out to other interest groups and form an all-inclusive vigilante group. Government should do the screening with inputs from Miyetti Allah Kautel Hore and other law-abiding groups. 

Recognising the new group without modification is a potential disaster for Nigeria.

Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote from Kano. He can be reached via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Mr. Olusegun Adesokan, Secretary of the Joint Tax Board, initiated discussions with the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, on January 16, 2023.

The purpose of the visit was to forge collaboration, focusing on critical areas such as system integration and finalising the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Joint Tax Board. 

Mr. Adesokan, during the meeting, stated the necessity of a robust partnership between the Tax Board and Customs, placing particular emphasis on the issues of system integration and the pending MOU.

The discussion also touched upon a proposed technical training session designed to fortify the collaboration. 

Comptroller General Adeniyi stressed the pivotal role of engaging stakeholders in achieving effective tax management.

Acknowledging the collaborative imperative, he expressed his commitment to coordinating with the Human Resources Department to explore the suggested technical training session.

He also directed the legal teams to expedite processes leading to the finalisation of the MOU. Providing insights, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernization, Kikelomo Adeola, highlighted advancements in integration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

This integration aims to register only vehicles that have paid the correct customs duties, contributing significantly to efficient tax management. 

The collaborative efforts between the Joint Tax Board and the Nigeria Customs Service underscore the commitment of both entities to fostering synergy.

Their joint focus on addressing critical issues related to tax management and system integration reflects a proactive approach to navigating the complexities of revenue collection in the country.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar attributed the surge in kidnappings and insecurity across the country to pervasive poverty and hunger.  

In a statement shared through his official handle on Tuesday, Atiku expressed concern over the distressing level of violence, particularly in Abuja, the nation’s capital. 

He highlighted the correlation between worsening poverty and the escalation of kidnapping and insecurity.  

Atiku criticised the government’s failure to fulfil its constitutional duty of safeguarding citizens’ lives and property, asserting that such negligence creates an open invitation for criminals to operate freely, leaving citizens vulnerable to abductions. 

Lamenting the unchecked reign of terror by kidnappers, Atiku urged authorities to urgently address the deteriorating security situation to rebuild the trust of the Nigerian people.  

He drew attention to recent tragic incidents, including the abduction and subsequent murder of Nabeeha and 13-year-old Folorunsho Ariyo in the Sagwari Estate Layout in Dutse, Bwari Area Council of the FCT. 

Expressing condolences to the families of the victims, Atiku called for immediate action to curb the rising violence and lawlessness.  

He affirmed the need for the government to fulfill its duty in protecting citizens, praying for comfort to the bereaved families and eternal peace for the departed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Nigeria Customs Service orchestrated a strategic meeting on Monday, January 15, 2024. 

This is contained in a joint statement signed by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Maiwadah, and Ismail OmipidanMedia Aide to Honorable Minister, Marine, and Blue Economy on Monday.

According to the statement, key figures present included Hon. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; Hon. Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali; Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR; and a virtual attendee, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria. 

The focal point of this consequential gathering was to devise and implement initiatives fostering cooperation, trade facilitation, and operational efficiency within Nigerian seaports. 

The statement partly reads, “The primary thrust of this collaborative venture was to deliberate and actualize initiatives that would not only open up ports but also foster seamless cooperation and trade and facilitation. A key focal point of discussion was the strategic integration of the Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT) to bolster operational efficiency in Nigerian Seaports.

“Acknowledging the pivotal role of NIIT in actively decongesting ports, the meeting entrusted the Comptroller General of Customs with the mandate to champion and prioritize cargo scanning over traditional physical examination methods.

“Immediate action was endorsed to rectify and optimize all existing scanners at prominent ports such as Apapa, Tincan Island, Onne, and PTML. Simultaneously, the existing mobile scanners will be strategically deployed to facilitate expeditious cargo inspections.”

The statement added that in a cohesive effort, the meeting mandated the Comptroller General of Customs to prioritise cargo scanning over traditional physical examinations, recognising the pivotal role of NIIT in decongesting ports.

Plans were unveiled for efficient container evacuation from Port Harcourt to Aba, with future extensions envisioned for Onne Port. 

Considering rail track construction, the NRC agreed to bypass the fixed scanner at Apapa, ensuring unhindered scanning processes during crucial infrastructure development.

The meeting also advocated exploring public-private partnerships for scanning technology installation and maintenance to sustain efficiency and foster innovation in cargo inspection processes.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dusted off long-dormant corruption cases against 13 former governors, with a staggering N772 billion hanging in the balance. 

This comes amidst investigations into an additional N81.6 billion allegedly looted from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, revealing a renewed determination by the anti-graft agency to tackle high-profile financial crimes. 

Sources within the EFCC confirmed the agency’s renewed focus on these high-profile cases, some dating back over a decade. 

Among the ex-governors under scrutiny are prominent figures like Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose (also of Ekiti), Bello Matawalle (current Minister of State for Defence), and Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu State. 

These cases involve a web of alleged financial misdeeds, including money laundering, fund diversion, and misappropriation of public funds. 

A senior EFCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “I want to assure you that, as far as the commission is concerned, nobody is above the law. What the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has done since assuming office is that he has reviewed all the high-profile cases he inherited.”

The EFCC’s renewed drive extends beyond ex-governors. The agency is also investigating a separate $2.2 billion scandal involving individuals like former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki, the late media mogul Raymond Dokpesi, and ex-governor Attahiru Bafarawa. 

These individuals are accused of diverting and misappropriating funds meant for arms procurement during the fight against terrorism, raising concerns about national security and accountability. 

This aggressive anti-corruption push appears to be a marked shift under the new EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa. Since taking office in 2021, Bawa has pledged to tackle corruption head-on, regardless of the individuals involved. 

The reopening of these high-profile cases is a potent signal of his intent, promising a potentially seismic shift in the fight against graft. 

Whether the EFCC can successfully navigate the legal complexities of these cases and secure convictions remains to be seen. 

However, the agency’s renewed focus on tackling high-level corruption offers a glimmer of hope for Nigerians yearning for accountability and a more transparent governance system. 

The coming months are likely to be pivotal, with close scrutiny on the progress of these investigations and the ultimate fate of the ex-governors and other individuals implicated in these multi-billion-naira scandals.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The appointment was disclosed in a statement Friday by the Special Adviser to the President ( Media & Publicity), Chief Ajuri Ngelale.

President Bola Tinubu has given his nod to the appointment of Ali Nuhu, aka the King of Kannywood, and ten other distinguished individuals to spearhead various agencies under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy.

The appointments could be seen as a strategic move to foster growth and innovation in the arts, culture, and creative economy sector.

The recently appointed Chief Executive Officers are set to bring a fresh wave of leadership and expertise to their respective roles:

1. Tola Akerele: Takes the helm as the Director-General of the National Theatre.

2. Dr. Shaibu Husseini: Assumes the role of Director-General at the National Films and Censors Board.

3. Mr. Obi Asika: Appointed Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture.

4. Aisha Adamu Augie: Steps into the position of Director-General at the Centre for Black and African Arts and Culture.

5. Ekpolador-Ebi Koinyan: Appointed Chief Conservator of the National War Museum.

6. Ahmed Sodangi: Assumes the responsibility of Director-General at the National Gallery of Art.

7. Chaliya Shagaya: Takes on the role of Director-General at the National Institute of Archeology and Museums Studies.

8. Hajiya Khaltume Bulama Gana: Appointed Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria.

9. Otunba Biodun Ajiboye: Assumes the position of Director-General at the National Institute for Cultural Orientation.

10. Ali Nuhu: Takes charge as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation.

11. Ramatu Abonbo Mohammed: Assumes the pivotal role of Director-General at the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Nigerian Army has revealed ongoing efforts to revamp its training methods as part of a proactive strategy to curb the activities of insurgents, bandits, and other armed groups causing unrest in the country.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen T. A. Lagbaja, conveyed this message through the Chief of Training, Army, Major Gen SG Mohammed, during a 5-Day Doctrine and Training Conference held at the Headquarters of the Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army in Minna, Niger State.

Lt. Gen Lagbaja emphasized that the updated training approaches would specifically target contemporary security challenges within a Joint Environment.

He urged all commandants of Army Training Schools to actively engage in discussions at the conference and ensure the full implementation of the new strategies in their respective schools.

The Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. K. O. Aligbe, explained that the conference aimed to set an agenda for all Nigerian Army Schools and Divisional Training Schools.

The goal is to draw inspiration for courses and training activities throughout 2024 to effectively address the prevailing security challenges in the country.

Aligbe highlighted the importance of training, stating, “Without training, you cannot fight.” He emphasized the need for increased training to enhance operational effectiveness, ensuring that adversaries do not continue to threaten law-abiding citizens.

The conference will also focus on applying the Nigerian Army Doctrine 22 to enable effective training and operations, aligning with the goal of liberating the country from insecurity.

The commander acknowledged gaps in previous operations and stated that all training in 2024 would concentrate on addressing these gaps to achieve operational effectiveness.

By Salihi Adamu Takai

The case of culpable homicide has become a daily report case in Kano State. The crime is a rampant nuisance that disturbs the whole country today. This is horrible in a state like Kano, which is the most populous state in Nigeria.

The rampancy of the crime is not only confusing but also the human, physical, and emotional proximity of the parties that are involved in the commission of the crime. The case of the rampancy of the commission of the crime is abnormal considering how it has been in records in police stations and contained in many cases of laws.

Most of the reported culpable homicides in Kano show the relationship and social proximity of the parties involved in it. The accused persons of the reported cases had proximity to the dead persons. This started – (as I have noticed it) – from the Hanifa’s case. Hanifa was kidnapped and killed by her teacher. There was a human proximity between the dead person and the accused person.

The Chinese man who killed his girlfriend had human proximity to the dead person engaged in courtship, and he eventually killed her. The recent case of Hafsa is also a case that confuses lots of people in Kano. The accused person had proximity to the dead person, and she killed him. Yesterday, it was reported that a person raped and killed his sister in Kano.

Therefore, this rampant nuisance in the report of the cases of culpable homicide in Kano is not a mere thing of crime inconsistent with the Penal Code; it’s beyond human perspectives and avoidable. What a relationship that puts people into a dilemma! Son kills his mother, and mother kills her son!!

It’s a collective responsibility of the Kano State community to engage in the proper investigation of the causes of these crimes. Islamic scholars shall always deliver sermons to admonish people on such offences, and the life of the Prophet (SAW) shall be part of the sermon so Muslims can always remain in touch with it.

By Muhammad Sani Usman

It is not just in Togo or Cotonou; mushroom universities are widespread in Asia, especially in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and even some parts of core Europe.

The incident with this Cotonou one-year degree made me curious to discuss the issue with a student in Germany. He told me about the presence of substandard schools even in Germany. If such universities can be found in Germany, I wonder, where is safe? Most often, our federal universities in Nigeria, in comparison, seem to offer a more reliable education.

The significance of university rankings becomes apparent, particularly in the West, during job hunting. Employers often emphasise the importance of your university’s ranking in their consideration for an interview.

That’s why you’ll see graduates from places like Sudan or Cyprus facing challenges in passing medical and dental council exams in Nigeria due to the issues associated with their questionable degrees and institutions.

The situation in India is the worst one, and our best Nigerian students are often directed to these quack private universities, which are not on the accreditation list globally.

You’ll be seeing celebrities flaunting their graduation pictures and certificates obtained from Cyprus private universities while we know they are here in Nigeria shooting “Izzar So” and whatnot. How and when they studied still remains a mystery to all.

While not intending to generalise, our thirst for foreign certificates poses these challenges. Until we go for the best, our education and leadership will go nowhere.

Our government did an excellent job on these Benin and Togo degrees/certificates, until a system is established to check and authenticate these universities, the proliferation of quack PhD holders, which can indeed be detrimental to our growth will surely be the order of the day. Investing in our own institutions and striving for excellence globally should be our main priority and concern.

Muhammad Sani Usman can be reached via muhdusman1999@gmail.com.