President Bola Tinubu addresses world leaders at UN General Assembly

By Muhammadu Sabiu

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria is set to make his debut appearance on the international stage as he takes the podium at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. 

The President is scheduled to deliver his address at 6 pm local time (11 pm Nigerian time) during the high-level general debate. The theme of his speech, “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all,” highlights the critical issues he intends to discuss. 

President Tinubu’s speech will encompass various topics, including sustainable development, climate change, global cooperation, and the urgent need to address inequalities and global humanitarian crises. 

President Tinubu’s arrival in New York two days prior to his address was marked by a modest reception, with only a handful of officials greeting him at the airport.

The welcoming party included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande; and Dangana Allu, Nigeria’s Defence Attache, Washington, D.C. Notably, the majority of Nigerian officials were stationed at the UN Plaza Millennium Hilton Hotel to welcome the President upon his arrival.

There, he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Amb. Uzoma Emenike; the Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Lot Egopija; and the Consul General in Atlanta, Amb. Amina Samaila. Several Nigerian state governors were also present to support President Tinubu on this international platform, including Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, and Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara, among others. 

As President Tinubu prepares to address world leaders at the UNGA, his speech is anticipated to shed light on Nigeria’s stance on critical global issues, emphasising the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and cooperation on the path to a more equitable and peaceful world.

Group deradicalises, empowers 30 women linked to Boko Haram in Borno

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

In an effort towards ensuring transitional justice and reconciliation, the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, an indigenous non-governmental organisation, announced the successful deradicalization and reintegration of 30 women associated with Boko Haram in Borno State. 

At the inaugural meeting of a media forum on transitional justice and reconciliation in the state, Executive Director Hamsatu Allamin revealed the foundation’s commendable achievement.

The women were not only deradicalised but also empowered and reintegrated into society as part of the foundation’s new programme aimed at fostering peace and reconciliation in Borno. 

Mrs. Allamin emphasised the importance of this new programme in facilitating transitional justice in the state, particularly following the mass surrender of Boko Haram members.

She underscored the crucial role of the media in creating awareness about transitional justice and the responsibilities of various stakeholders in ensuring its success. 

“The objective of this forum is to engage media professionals in vital conversations concerning the promotion of transitional justice and reconciliation efforts within Borno State and the broader North-Eastern region of Nigeria,” stated Mrs. Allamin.

She highlighted the media’s influence in shaping public discourse and framing issues, emphasising its role in fostering a development-oriented approach to transitional justice and social cohesion. 

In response, Abdulkareem Haruna, Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Borno Chapter, expressed gratitude for the foundation’s collaboration with the media in promoting reconciliation.

He reiterated the commitment of journalists in Borno to work towards peace and normalcy in the state. 

The successful deradicalisation and reintegration of these 30 women represent a positive step towards healing and reconciliation in Borno State, as efforts continue to bring an end to the conflict and secure a peaceful future for the region.

Niger Coup d’État: The gale of change and the balance of global power 

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin

What initially appeared as rumours of a coup attempt in the Niger Republic gradually and eventually proved true. Even when the leader of the coup d’état, Presidential Guard Commander General Abdourahamane Tchiani, announced the overthrow and proclaimed himself the leader of a new military junta, there remained a doubt in the air due to the exclusion (or so it seemed) of the Nigerien Chief of Army Staff. However, all traces of doubt cleared when the military declared their support for the coup. They cited loyalty to avoid casualties from internal military clashes. Since then, news and developments have dominated the public discourse hourly. Small and major national and international media outlets pinched their tenths on this event. 

The Nigerien coup has drawn significant attention compared to other recent similar operations. For instance, in Conakry, Chief of Army Mamady Doumbouya ousted his authoritarian leader Alpha Condé. In Mali, the junta overthrew its transitional president a few months after their appointment. In Niger’s neighbouring Burkina Faso, the junta toppled another transitional government they had installed months earlier. 

The reasons for the global condemnation of the Nigerien coup differ among various blocs. France and its allies might be concerned about the potential loss of influence over their former colonies. The U.S. stance is partly rooted in their role as self-appointed global police guardians of democracy. It is also due to their military base housing thousands of soldiers within the country. Russia, on the other hand, seems to be benefiting from the situation. However, for organisations like the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the coup posed a direct threat to democratic leadership, reaching an alarming level. So the ECOWAS bigwig Nigeria, which not only shares proximity with Niger but also has its president as ECOWAS leader, tends to overreact. Bola Ahmed Tinubu was fighting from a dual role. 

The Nigerian coup came as a surprising shock, sudden and unexpected. Unlike many similar military strikes, this coup lacked potential factors pointing to its occurrence. Such factors often include internal crises, insecurity, tension, hardship, prolonged presidential tenure, crackdowns on the opposition, and suppression of dissent. The renowned Ghanaian coup leader Jerry Rawlings once noted that the success of his coups was owed to the ripe situation in his country. He likened the atmosphere for coup success to a saturated atmosphere filled with gas, waiting for ignition to burst into flames. However, in the case of Niger, none of those factors seem to be in play. 

One plausible theory regarding the reason behind the Niger coup has been put forward by a friend who also serves as an elder brother figure. This theory revolves around the wave of change sweeping through Francophone Africa. The leadership of France appears to be faltering due to its neo-colonial approach toward its former colonies. This approach doesn’t align with the interests of the affected countries, leading to increasing unrest. Both civilians and the military are discontented with this interference, creating an environment conducive to a coup. This theory gains weight considering the surge of support that followed the coup. The military cut all ties with France to bolster this perspective and sought to shift their allegiance towards Russia. But wait! President Basoum’s public statements aligned with this shift. His videos, circulating on social media, included threats to sever remaining ties with France gave rise to the conspiracy theory as the reason behind the coup. But with the current unfolding, the question arises: Is Basoum genuinely committed to this path, or is he merely putting on a facade? 

Russia appears threatened by Western encroachment, mainly through proxy conflicts in its neighbouring countries. The most recent instance of this is the situation in Ukraine. However, suddenly, Russia found a windfall at the doorstep: developments in Africa. Aggrieved African countries with the West swiftly shifted their allegiances towards Russia as a rival to Western powers. This scenario offers an alternative to the dominant Western influence—a sort of counterbalance. The concept of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), akin to NATO or perhaps a stronger G7, also garners mass interest in joining. Six countries, namely Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt and Ethiopia, joined this movement in January 2024. Such a development holds promise for rebalancing global power dynamics. It provides other developing countries with an alternative.

Those who previously leaked atomic technology to Russia would be very happy with this development. After the United States successfully developed and detonated nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, effectively ending Second World War II, some of the bomb’s developers had worries: the disruption of the global power balance. As a result, according to reports, they leaked the technology to their arch-rival, the USSR.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin is a Doctoral candidate in Chemical Engineering at ABU Zaria. He is also a social and political affairs commentator and science writer.

Yobe Assembly appeals to FG to rehabilitate bad roads

By Muhammad Suleiman Yobe.

Yobe State House of Assembly has appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to rehabilitate dilapidated federal roads in the state. 

The House made the plea in a motion presented by the majority leader of the House, Hon. Nasiru Hassan Yusuf, on behalf of all members. 

Presenting the motion, the majority leader of the House said the federal roads constructed over the years are now dilapidated and need to be built for effective and efficient transportation within the state. 

Hon Nasiru Hassan Yusuf said most of the bridges and culverts at the federal roads that linked Potiskum to Jakusko, Babbangida to Bayamari, Buni Yadi to Gulani and Gujba to Ngalda was destroyed in last year’s flood and need federal government intervention. 

The majority leader of the House, who spoke at length on the importance of the roads to the development of the economy, said the poor conditions of the federal roads have affected the state’s commercial activities. 

In their separate contributions to the motion, the members representing Geidam, Damaturu,  Mamudo, Gujba and Machina constituencies described the motion as apt and timely. 

They expressed dismay over the delay in completing some federal roads awarded over the years in the state. 

Presiding over the sitting, the speaker of the House, Rt Hon Chiroma Buba Mashio, appealed to members of the National Assembly representing Yobe to present the matter at the upper chamber for quick response by the federal government.

Tinubu appoints 18 aides to support “renewed hope” agenda in VP’s Office

By Muhammadu Sabiu

In a move aimed at driving the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the Tinubu administration, President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the appointment of 18 Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to serve in the office of the Vice President. 

These appointments are expected to play a crucial role in advancing the Federal Government’s objectives across various sectors of the economy. 

The newly appointed team is composed of six Special Advisers and twelve Senior Special Assistants, each bringing a unique set of skills and expertise to their respective roles.

Their diverse portfolios cover critical areas such as economic matters, climate change, political affairs, investment, and more. 

Here is a breakdown of the appointments in the Vice President’s office: 

  1. Rukaiya El-Rufai – Special Adviser (SAD) to the President on NEC & Climate Change.
  2. Tope Kolade Fasua – Special Adviser (SAD) to the President on Economic Matters.
  3. Aliyu Modibbo Umar – Special Adviser (SAD) on General Duties.
  4. Hakeem Baba Ahmed – Special Adviser (SAD) on Political Matters.
  5. Jumoke Oduwole – Special Adviser (SAD) to the President on PEBEC & Investment.
  6. Sadiq Wanka – Special Adviser (SAD) to the President on Power Infrastructure.
  7. Usman Mohammed – Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration & Office Coordination.
  8. Kingsley Stanley Nkwocha – Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications.
  9. Ishaq Ahmed Ningi – Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media & Emergency Management.
  10. Peju Adebajo – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Investment & Privatisation.
  11. Mohammed Bulama – Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political/Special Duties.
  12. Kingsley Uzoma – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Agricbusiness & Productivity Enhancement.
  13. Gimba Kakanda – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Research & Analytics.
  14. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Job Creation & MSMEs.
  15. Nasir Yammama – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Innovation.
  16. Zainab Yunusa – Senior Special Assistant to the President on NEC.
  17. Mariam Temitope – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Regional Development Programmes.
  18. Bashir Maidugu – Deputy State House Counsel (Senior Special Assistant to the President).

These appointments reflect a commitment to addressing various challenges and opportunities facing the nation, with a focus on economic development, climate change, political stability, and innovation.

As the team takes up their roles, they are expected to contribute significantly to the realisation of the “Renewed Hope” agenda set forth by the Tinubu administration.

Academic performance determines your results

By Aliyu Zainab Lawal

Students’ academic performance is measured based on their results. Poor academic performance is primarily attributed to the lack of commitment and preparation in and outside the classrooms. Academic results measure students’ understanding and skill in a particular subject or course. As said by Dr Adama Adamu, the current H.O.D of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, exams and tests remain powerful instruments for assessing students.


Academically, results reflect students’ knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. They equally depict how well a student has better grasped the concepts and principles imparted to them in classrooms. High grades denote strong comprehension.


Reportedly, results assess how students can apply their problem-solving knowledge and skills. This is apparent in how they demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical skills, and practical applications of theoretical concepts.


Moreover, several existing factors influence academic performance, encapsulating students’ preparations and readiness. They include effort and time investment, active learning, time management, and consistent revision. Developing These elements equitably would inevitably positively impact student’s results.


Also, academic results serve as feedback for improvement and consolidation. They enable the students to identify their strengths and weaknesses. By subjecting their results to analysis, students can focus on areas that need improvement and further develop strategies to enhance their academic performance.


The Department of Mass Communication and many other departments within Ahmadu Bello University stick to the conventional way of result release by pasting them on boards in a public place for all the students to witness. This is also the act many of the students I interviewed despised, as they believe that results are everyone’s confidential treasure. By extension, they are not supposed to be made public. Therefore, students should have their transcripts privately.


However, Dr Kabiru Danladi, a lecturer from the Mass Communication Department of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, shed more light on the issue when he said, “It is a law to paste results in a public place as soon as they get approved by the Senate as they now become public property”. He added that any department giving transcripts without first pasting the results violates the law.

Aliyu Zainab Lawal wrote via aliyuzainablawal442@gmail.com.

Tinubu’s appointments lopsided, favours mainly Yorubas and Christians – MURIC

By Abdurrahman Muhammad

An appeal has gone to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that all regions, faiths and sections benefit from political appointments made by his government while no ethnic group or faith is seen to be favoured above others. 

Making the appeal on Monday, 18th September 2023, was the Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola. The head of the Islamic human rights organisation added that appointments made so far by Tinubu are lopsided because they favoured mainly Yorubas and Christians. He advised the president to ensure balance in coming appointments. 

The full text reads:

“We are shocked to our marrows that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been appointing Christians and Yorubas mainly to key positions since the inception of this administration at the expense of Muslims. For instance, five out of eight security chiefs appointed earlier are Christians. Ministerial posts have not been different.

“All five key appointments made by President Tinubu to revive the economy were given to Christians and Yorubas mainly. These new appointees include the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; the newly nominated CBN Governor, Dr. Michael Cardoso, Hon. Zacch Adedeji; Acting Chairman, FIRS; the Chairman, Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele and Mr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser on Economic Affairs.

“Many competent Muslims who campaigned and voted for Muslim-Muslim ticket during the presidential election were ignored. It is interesting to note that some of those Muslims are eminently qualified to hold key political offices since there are professors, engineers, medical doctors and holders of doctorate degrees among them.

“To add salt to injury, one of the best Muslim ministerial nominees, the man who championed the Muslim-Muslim ticket and mobilised the whole North behind Asiwaju, has been jettisoned. Also, Professor Ali Isa Pantami, who took the communication and digital economy to enviable heights during the last administration, was ignored. Where, then, is our Muslim president taking Nigerian Muslims?

“MURIC rejects this trending narrative that makes competence the raison d’etre for concentrating appointments in any particular tribe, religion or group. Government’s tentacles should be spread nationwide in the search for competence. Neither should the need for skills be used as a cover for the marginalisation of some sections of Nigeria. 

“We assert clearly, emphatically and unequivocally that competence is not the monopoly of any tribe, faith or group. Talented Nigerians are to be found everywhere if sincere searches are conducted. 

“Besides, government should take the lion share of the blame if competent hands cannot be found in any section, creed or group for certain assignments. It means the government has not, ab initio, allowed educational and training facilities to be fairly and evenly distributed, or that the government has failed to consciously integrate all segments of the Nigerian society. All sectors must therefore have equal opportunities to participate in governance.

“This regime must be wary of allegation of nepotism, which the previous regime was accused of. Nigeria is a vast country with talented men and women in all nooks and crannies. The government must not just pick the low-hanging skills or those on the water surface. It must send its underwater swimmers to dive below the surface in order to bring the gems to dry land.

“Our message to President Tinubu is this (and we want the president’s handlers to take this to him) the cacophony of voices of dissatisfied Muslims has reached an unbearable crescendo such that MURIC is now constrained to speak up. People are complaining, particularly Muslims from the North and South West, and they can only be ignored at the risk of foregoing 2027. 

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is our Muslim brother, but that should not stop us from criticising him if he does the wrong thing. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Help your brother when he is wronged and even when he is wrong…”

“Traceable as well as well-known authors on social media are exchanging lopsided lists either tilted in favour of Christians who did not vote for the Muslim-Muslim ticket or in favour of Yorubas only. Such lists raise questions of nepotism and that of marginalisation of the same Muslims who stood behind Asiwaju and voted massively for him. 

The pervading hunger everywhere in the land may force some regions to seek a pound of flesh in 2027 if they are denied political appointments where it matters. In particular, President Tinubu should ensure that the North, which was his strategic ally in the 2023 presidential election, is not stinted of political appointments. Otherwise, he will destroy the thin veneer of solidarity which currently exists between the North and the South West.

“We remind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that all regions, faiths and sections deserve political appointments. The Tinubu administration must not be the exclusive preserve of the Yorubas at the expense of other tribes, nor the monopoly of Rome at the expense of Madinah. No region must be sentenced to hunger, starvation and political isolation. 

“Tinubu’s next appointments must see a shift in body language. All regions, faiths and sections must benefit from political appointments made by this government, while no ethnic group or faith is seen to be favoured above others.

“Meanwhile, we in MURIC accept full responsibility for the dilemma facing Nigerian Muslims as their Muslim-Muslim ticket has turned into a ‘Christian majority government’. We admit being in the forefront of the campaign for a Yoruba Muslim presidency which has become a bone in the throat of Yoruba Muslims in particular and Nigerian Muslims in general. 

“With heavy hearts, we tender unreserved apology, first, to the former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, for what we led him to even though he showed no interest at the beginning, and to other Nigerian Muslims, particularly those who have been accusing us of misleading them. 

Bad news for Nigeria as France banned iPhone 12

By By Muhammad Ubale Kiru

The recent decision by France to ban the iPhone 12 due to concerns about its radiation emissions has sent shockwaves across the tech world. While this move may seem drastic to some, it reflects a growing global awareness of the potential health risks associated with certain electronic devices. China, too, has taken a stand against iPhones in official capacities, citing national security concerns. 

France’s decision to bar the iPhone 12 from its market underscores its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its citizens. The government’s primary motive appears to be ensuring that the radiation emitted by these devices does not pose any risks to public health. 

Similarly, China’s decision to restrict the use of iPhones by government officials stems from concerns over data security. The Chinese government has long been cautious about potential espionage activities by foreign entities, and it views certain American technology companies with suspicion.

The big question now is: where will these banned iPhones end up? For many, the answer seems to be Africa, particularly countries like Nigeria. In Nigeria, consumer demand for iPhones remains high, and concerns over radiation emissions are often secondary to the allure of the brand. Additionally, a significant portion of the population may not fully understand the potential health risks associated with radiation.

To shed light on the issue, let’s briefly delve into what radiation is and how it can impact health. Radiation is the emission and propagation of energy in the form of waves or particles through space or a medium. In the context of iPhones, we’re talking about radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted when the device connects to cellular networks or Wi-Fi. 

Radiation can affect health in several ways:

1. Thermal Effects: RF radiation can cause the heating of body tissues, particularly when a device is held close to the body for extended periods.

2. Non-Thermal Effects: Some studies have suggested potential non-thermal effects of RF radiation, including changes in brain activity, sleep disturbances, and alterations in cell function. While the evidence remains inconclusive, these concerns warrant further research.

3. Cancer: Radiation has been associated with a potential risk of cancer. It can cause DNA damage, mutations in genes, uncontrolled cell growth, and eventually lead to tumor formation. Brain cancer, in particular, has been studied in relation to mobile phone use.

While it may be challenging to change consumer preferences overnight, it is vital to raise awareness about potential health risks associated with certain devices. People should consider their health when making choices about the technology they use daily. 

Furthermore, governments in African nations, including Nigeria, should play an active role in monitoring and evaluating the safety of electronic devices before they enter the market. By adopting stricter standards and conducting thorough assessments, they can better protect their citizens from potential health hazards associated with radiation-emitting devices.

Muhammad Ubale Kiru is a tech enthusiast, social activist and freelancer. He can be reached via muhdujkiru@gmail.com.

Abba Kabir frowns at dilapidated conditions of state-owned teaching hospital

By Uzair Adam Imam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has expressed his deepest displeasure over the dilapidated conditions of Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, a government-owned and one of the busiest hospitals in the state.

The Governor showed dissatisfaction concerning the state of the facility when he led other top government functionaries on an unscheduled visit and on-the-spot assessment of the hospital over the weekend.

Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the state’s Chief Press Secretary, made this disclosure in a statement he signed and made available to journalists on the weekend.

Dawakin-Tofa quoted the governor to have said, “As a teaching hospital for training medical professionals and provision of tertiary medical care, the hospital needs to be overhauled and expand its services, especially maternity services and care for the children.

“It is disheartening to meet the hospital that caters for the medical needs of thousands of patients daily in a condition uncomfortable for human inhabitation, a situation that needs to be checked and corrected,” Governor Yusuf stressed.

“I do instruct the management of the hospital to, as a matter of urgency, forward the request for rehabilitation and expansion of the hospital for immediate action to restore the lost glory of the gigantic health facility,” he added.

The Daily Reality, in an investigative report last year, recounted the monstrous condition of another state-owned hospital, Sir Muhammadu Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Yankaba, where patients were living miserably without water and light.

Our reporter visited the hospital and met some patients in dire situations, fighting excessive heat with their hand fans, which has thrown many of them into a dilemma.

The Daily Reality learned that all the taps in the hospital were not working, except one borehole, which the patients said works for less than one hour every day.

Recounting their experiences, some patient sitters complained that they used sachet water, alias pure water, to bathe, flush toilets, make ablutions and wash their dishes.

They also complained about the lack of electricity, which they said was responsible for many problems in the hospital.

Hike in registration fee in Nigerian varsities: A result of FG’s negligence

By Najeebullah Lawan

It becomes a new normal that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embark on a strike to press demand on one issue or another almost every year in Nigeria. This menace has been here since 2009, with each year’s strike becoming worse than the previous one. The feud between ASUU and the Federal Government (FG) has badly, as it is clear, affected the education system in Nigeria.

The battle corners include revitalisation of the universities, providing infrastructure, enhancing research conducts, and reviewing lecturers’ salaries and allowances, among others, as contained in the MoU signed by the Nigerian government and ASUU.

It is essential to note that ASUU is a union of Academic Staff of Universities consisting of [except a few] lecturers from the Nigerian public universities.

These lecturers have wives, children and relatives in the schools they teach nationwide who are under their sponsorship from their hard earnings.

I believe these people will never do anything that could temper with the system because their close relatives and children benefit from it.

Moreover, our lecturers spent decades without substantial review of their salaries despite all the hikes in the price of foodstuffs and other necessities in Nigeria. It is heartbreaking that a university professor earns less than the salary of some government appointees – SAs and PAs.

It is unbecoming to leave these people alone fighting the government that leaves them without the good welfare their counterparts enjoy, even in many African countries. This fight is for all of us.!

In 2020, ASUU stood up to fight for their rights and the students in general, which led to the total closure of all universities in Nigeria. However, the coronavirus pandemic also contributed immensely to the longevity of this strike, making it one of the worst and longest strikes ever in the history of Nigerian universities.

Unfortunately, the Nigerian government did nothing to stop the strike. It betrayed the university lecturers, leaving them and their students stranded amidst a dilemma.

Again, in 2021, there was another strike by the university lecturers who demanded FG to fulfil its promises made in 2012 and 2020. This strike lasted eight months, and the lecturers were not paid a single kobo. As I write this, FG still owes lecturers months’ salaries and areas.

For all the struggle by ASUU, they were doing this for the betterment and standardisation of higher institutions nationwide. However, they got nothing from most of the students and parents in return except insults and mocks.

As of that time, ASUU warned students and parents that if FG defeated them in that fight, there would be a serious problem for students and parents that not everyone could bear.

Defeating ASUU, the Federal Government deliberately refused to fund its universities with enough funds.

As a result, in 2023, there was an increment in registration fees by many universities, such as the University of Maiduguri, University of Benin, University of Lagos, ATBU, ABU and a host of others. However, the one by Bayero University, Kano (BUK), brought a loud noise in the entire north, probably due to its status. Here are some clarifications:

1:- We heard that the university Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Abbas, made an explanation concerning the situation of the universities in Nigeria, saying that everything related to running the administration of the university is costly.

2:- Recently, ABU extended the resumption date for students due to an outage by the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KAEDCO) over alleged millions of Naira debt, which ABU owes KAEDCO.

3:- The monthly budget for running Bayero University is close to N100m. This money is spent on KEDCO for power, diesel, water and security.

4:- The FG is giving only N11m, which represents only 1% out of 10% BUK is spending every month, and the management of the university manages to utilise the system with the little they are getting from the government.

5:- The current economic situation of Nigeria and the Federal Government’s manner towards universities has left the management of Bayero University, Kano, with no option but to increase the central registration fee for students.

Despite these, BUK remains the cheapest Federal University in the entire north except for a few varsities currently in the second semester, and a review of their registration fees could be seen as something inevitable.

Regarding the just concluded points, we can say that ASUU does not hate education, and its fight is for the system’s revival. Also, the increment of university registration comes from negligence by the Federal Government. Meanwhile, without this kind of increment, the system will undoubtedly collapse.

Najibullah writes from Kano, Nassarawa Local Government. He can be reached via najeebullahlawan@gmail.com