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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 Uzair Adam Imam

The Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage is set to reconvene on May 23 to continue negotiations on a new minimum wage for workers.

This comes after the organized labor walked out of the negotiation on May 15, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s proposal of N48,000.

According to an invitation letter sent to labor leaders by the committee’s chairman, Bukar Goni, the government has agreed to shift its position on the proposed minimum wage.

The letter urged labor leaders to attend the reconvened meeting next Tuesday and to speak to their members about the new development.

The organized labor, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has proposed a minimum wage of N615,000, significantly higher than the government’s initial proposal.

The private sector, on the other hand, has proposed an initial offer of N54,000.

The labor leaders had expressed their anger and disappointment over the government’s offer, blaming both the government and the private sector for the breakdown in negotiations.

They have given the government a deadline of May 31 to meet their demands.

The minimum wage negotiations have been ongoing since January 30, when Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the 37-member tripartite committee to recommend a new national minimum wage.

The committee is chaired by the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Goni Aji.With the cost of living rising following the removal of fuel subsidy, calls for a new minimum wage have intensified.

Labor leaders argue that the proposed minimum wage of N615,000 is necessary to meet the needs of an average Nigerian family of six, given the current economic situation.

The resumption of negotiations next week offers a glimmer of hope for workers who have been waiting for a new minimum wage.

The government’s willingness to reconsider its proposal is seen as a positive development, and labor leaders are expected to approach the negotiations with renewed optimism.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze and thunderstorms across the country from Saturday to Monday.

According to NiMet’s weather outlook, dust haze is expected over parts of Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, and northern Adamawa on Saturday, while isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Bauchi, Kaduna, and Taraba.

On Sunday, sunny skies with patches of cloud are expected over the northern region, with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Taraba state.

The North Central region will be cloudy with chances of isolated thunderstorms, while the southern region will be mostly cloudy with prospects of isolated thunderstorms.

On Monday, a sunny atmosphere with patches of cloud is expected over the northern region, with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Jigawa, Bauchi, and Gombe states.

The North Central region will be cloudy with prospects of isolated thunderstorms, while the southern region will experience cloudy atmosphere with chances of isolated thunderstorms.

NiMet has advised the public to take adequate precautions as strong winds could precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

Airline operators have also been advised to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A US teenager died of cardiac arrest after participating in a social media challenge daring people to eat a single extremely hot tortilla chip, an autopsy revealed Thursday.

Harris Wolobah, a 14-year-old from Massachusetts, died in September after participating in the so-called “One Chip Challenge.” The challenge involved a single chip produced by Paqui dusted with Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers.

The dare has evolved over the years, with different peppers used each time.

The local chief medical examiner determined that Harris died of cardiac arrest after ingesting food with a large amount of a chilli pepper extract called capsaicin, according to the autopsy report seen by AFP. 

The autopsy also concluded that the teen had an enlarged heart, which could have contributed to his death.

Days after his death, Paqui removed the product—packaged in a coffin-shaped box with a red skull and marked ‘extreme heat’—from store shelves.

In California, three youths were hospitalized after taking part in the dare, and seven got sick in Minnesota for the same reason, according to media reports.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, to retract her litigation and petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) concerning the planned marriage of 100 orphaned girls in Niger State.

Malam Hassan Sani Indabawa, Chairman of the Kano State Chapter of MURIC, made this appeal on Thursday night in a statement, urging Nigerians to respect one another’s culture and traditions.

Indabawa noted that the marriage arrangement, sponsored by the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, is scheduled for May 24, 2024.

On Monday, the minister announced that she had approached a court to halt the speaker’s plan to marry off 100 prospective brides and had also petitioned the IGP regarding Sarkin-Daji’s intentions.

“We find the harsh and hasty decision taken by the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs over a matter that is entirely beyond the scope of her ministry. The minister’s attempt at media demonisation of marrying off 100 poor and orphaned girls, who were largely traumatised from losing both parents to brutal banditry and insurgency, shows her ignorance of the culture and traditions of the Muslim North. This elaborate media blitz was deliberately done to sway public opinion against the marriage institution and vilify Sarkin-Daji, who demonstrated genuine concern for his constituents’ needs,” Indabawa said.

He recalled that the speaker had explained his intention to support orphaned girls, especially victims of banditry attacks, following an appeal by religious and traditional leaders from his constituency.

Hon. Sarkin-Daji expressed surprise at the minister’s attempt to tarnish his reputation without conducting a background check or consulting him to hear his side of the story.

Indabawa also criticized the minister for her controversial public statements since her appointment, including a recent TV appearance where she suggested that children could be involved in producing toothpicks and sanitary pads, thereby promoting child labor, which her position should condemn.

“We, at MURIC, therefore, categorically and unequivocally call on Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye to immediately withdraw the legal case and the petition she filed with the IGP to avoid imminent embarrassment because, in this matter, no law has been breached and no coercion was established,” Indabawa noted.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has issued a serious alert to Kano State residents concerning the impending danger posed by the possibility of flooding in 14 out of the state’s 44 Local Government Areas this year.

Dr. Nuraddeen Abdullahi, the NiMET Kano/Jigawa Territorial Coordinator, disclosed the high risk of flooding during a Disaster Risk Management Stakeholders Coordination Meeting on Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook in Kano.

Abdullahi named the LGAs to include Rimin Gado, Tofa, Kabo, Madobi, Garum Malam, Bebeji, Rano, Dawakin Kudu, Warawa, Wudil, Sumaila, Ajingi, Kura, and Dala.

He added that five other LGAs—Karaye, Takai, Bunkure, Dawakin Tofa, and Makoda, were moderately prone to high-risk flooding.

Abdullahi said, however, that the remaining 25 LGAs were at low risk, naming them as Doguwa, Tudun Wada, Kibiya, Garko, Albasu, Gaya, Kiru, Rogo, Gwarzo, Shanono, Tsanyawa, Bagwai, Bichi, Kunchi, Danbatta, Minjibir, Gabasawa, Gwale, Fagge, Nassarawa, Kano Municipal, Tarauni, Ungogogo, Kumbotso, and Gezawa.

According to him, the meeting was to stimulate discussion and devise plans on the best ways to avert the predicted flooding across the state.

Abdullahi said, “The meeting, in collaboration with the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), became necessary to remind stakeholders of their responsibilities regarding the impact of climate change and the expensive nature of environmental disasters.”

He lamented that women and children are the most affected persons during the rainy season, calling on the people in the flood-prone areas to take all necessary preventing measures before.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has thrown a stern warning to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to distance themselves from corrupt individuals who contribute to the cause of bad governance in Nigeria.

Ola Olukoyede, The EFCC Chairman, made this disclosure in Abuja during a meeting with executives Conference of the Nothern States Civil Society Network.

He called on the CSOs to shun any form of collaboration or support that could undermine the fight against corruption and economic crimes in Nigeria. 

The meeting was said to have taken place at the EFCC headquarters, which has recently been the hub of anti-corruption activities and campaigns.

The venue was filled with representatives from various CSOs across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, all gathered to discuss the critical role of CSOs in promoting good governance and accountability in Nigeria. 

Olukoyede bitterly complained about the way some state governments deliberately set up and found CSOs to attack agencies set up to enforce anti-corruption laws. 

He emphasized that such tendencies are against progress and development and urged CSOs to play a more critical role in society’s development. 

In his words, Olukoyede was quoted to have said, “Whatever that is not expedient should be abhorred. It is appalling to see Civil Society Organisations veer off their mandate and be supporting bad governance.

“Please let them know that such tendencies are against the progress and development of the nation. Their platforms are not meant for such engagements,” he added.

The EFCC boss commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking crucial measures on Consumer Credit and the Students’ Loan Scheme, which he believes have great potential to curb corruption.

“50 per cent of my job would have been done by the time these policies come on stream. Imagine workers getting car loans and mortgage loans at 3, 4 and 5 per cent to be repaid in the next 30 years. It will reduce corruption to the barest minimum,” Olukoyede said.

He also commended the efforts of some CSOs in supporting the fight against lingering economic and financial crimes and urged them to continue playing a vital role in this regard.

“The CSOs are critical to the fight against economic and financial crimes. Some of the high-profile cases the Commission has prosecuted were made possible by the efforts of some of the promoters of these CSOs,” the EFCC boss added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, decorated 13 members of his management team with their new ranks on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the careers of the 5 Deputy Comptroller-Generals and 8 Assistant Comptroller-Generals who were promoted following the approval of their appointments by the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. 

According to the service’s spokesman, Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the appointments followed due process and adhered to the Federal Character Commission’s laws and principles of seniority.

The promoted officers were chosen for their dedication and commitment to the service. 

Before decorating the officers, CGC Adeniyi charged them to redouble their devotion and determination to promote the Nigeria Customs Service selflessly.

He urged them to intensify their contribution to the fight against smuggling, revenue generation, and trade facilitation. The customs boss also noted the importance of shared vision among the new heads of departments to fulfill the mandate for each department. The decorated officers include: – Suleiman Bomai, DCG/Commander Training and Doctrine Command- Bello Jibo, DCG in charge of Enforcement Inspection & Investigation- Beatrice Nwafor, DCG in charge of Excise, Free Trade Zone & Industrial Incentives- Caroline Niagwan, DCG Tariff & Trade- Baba Imam, ACG Board- Adekunle Oloyode, ACG Trade & Tariff- Sambo Dangaladima, ACG/Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘B’- Abdulrazaq Abdulazeez, ACG/Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘D’- Sai’du Yusuf, ACG Human Resource Development- NP Umoh, ACG Training and Doctrine Command- Charles Obih, ACG/Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘C’- Ciroma Sulaiman, ACG Strategic Research and Policy The Comptroller-General described discipline and setting a good example for junior officers as very important. He said, “I must emphasise, as usual, that this level of your placement in the service requires your utmost discipline at all times. You must conduct yourselves in a manner that sets a good example for the officers behind you.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A devastating explosion rocked a mosque in Gadan Village, Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, on Wednesday, leaving 24 people critically injured.

The blast occurred during the early morning Subhi Prayer, sending shockwaves through the community. 

According to the Kano Police Command, the explosion is believed to have been caused by a petrol bomb, although a full investigation is still ongoing.

The police were quick to respond to the scene, cordoning off the area and rushing the victims to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano for treatment. 

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed that 20 male adults and 4 male children were among the injured.

He also revealed that the principal suspect, Shafi’u Abubakar, aged 38, has been arrested and is currently in police custody. 

According to the suspect, the explosion was a result of a prolonged family disagreement over inheritance.

He allegedly targeted those he believed had cheated him, who were present in the mosque at the time. 

The police have assured the public that a detailed investigation is ongoing and that more information will be released as it progresses. 

The victims and their families are in the thoughts and prayers of the community as they recover from this devastating incident.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was injured in a shooting after a government meeting, the news agency TASR reported on Wednesday.

TASR cited parliament’s vice-chairman Ľuboš Blaha as saying Fico was shot and injured.

A Reuters witness said he heard several shots and that he saw a man being detained by police.

The Reuters witness said he saw security officials pushing someone into a car and driving away.

The government office could not immediately be reached for comment.

Source: Reuters.