Many students go to university without any dream – Abdullahi Abubakar Lamido
By Aisar Fagge and Ahmad Hassan
Many students who go to university do not have the awareness and motivation to understand the need to have a personal vision and proper training on managing their time effectively.
Malam Abdullahi Abubakar Lamido of the Department of Economics, Bayero University, Kano, made this observation while presenting his papers in a lecture series organized by Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila (AUSU). Speaking about the first paper titled “My Mission in Life,” Lamido said:
“Well, essentially, the essence is to help the students with the necessary tools with which they can plan and organize their life, from developing their personal life vision; what they want to achieve in their own life, and what they want to achieve in the university.
“When we say vision, we mean how to help them develop a multi-dimensional vision that covers all the essential aspects of their life – spiritual, religious, social, economic, financial, political, family and educational life,” he added.
Lamido’s second paper was about how students manage their time where he said:
“One of the greatest assets that one needs to move towards greatness is to master the art of time management. I gave them some tools that can help them pragmatically in organizing their time. We use the “Big rock concept” and Brain Tracy’s “Eat that frog and so on.”
When commending the management style of the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqama, Lamido commented thus:
“When I heard about the appointment of Prof. Salisu Shehu as the VC of Al-Istiqama, I concluded these people are serious. Because whoever knows Prof. Salisu Shehu knows him as a man of seriousness, a man of vision, a man of commitment, a man of dedication, a man of mission, a man of good character, a man of scholarship and an accomplished administrator.”
Two students attending the event explained the impact the lectures had on them.
Ibrahim Bashir, a student of Medical Laboratory Science, said, “My mission as a student of Al-Istiqama is to become a medical laboratory scientist and memorize Holy Qur’an.”
Fatima Muhammad from the Department of Nursing said, “Today’s activities are very motivating and educative as well. I have learned the difference between the vision and mission in life and how to use time accordingly.
“As a student of Al-Istiqama University, my vision is to become a professional nurse that is going make a difference out there – someone who is going to help the society and also the people from my state, women especially.
“People are complaining in the hospital that the nurses lack good manners, nurses harassment and others. I know showing sympathy to people in need of medical services is good.”
Other scholars who presented various papers related to their fields include Eng. Bashir Adamu Aliyu, Barrister Ahmad Yarima Misau, Dr Abubakar S. Usman, Dr Halima Rabiu Abdullahi and Dr Muhammad S. Usman from their respective institutions.
Many academics, religious and traditional leaders, as well as members of the Muslims Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), graced the occasion.
Twitter has met only 10 conditions FG sets – Lai Mohammed
By Hussaina Sufyan Ahmad
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammad, has explained why the suspension of Twitter has not been lifted adding that, the company has met 10 out of the 12 conditions attached to it.
Speaking fluently in French, Muhammad made the clarifications while responding to a question from a participant at the Nigeria International Partnership Forum in Paris on Wednesday afternoon, November 10, 2021.
He said: “I want to categorically say that Twitter was not banned by Nigeria; it was only suspended. So, Twitter was never banned; it was suspended.”
“Also, the suspension has nothing to do with President Muhammadu Buhari.”
“The correspondences between us and Twitter have reached [an] advanced stage. I want to say that the correspondences and the exchanges have been fruitful.”
“Though, we have [a] few more issues to resolve. Out of about 12 conditions, Twitter has been able to meet 10. But very soon, all issues will be resolved in a way that will be good for both our country and Twitter.”
Five persons confirmed dead in Bauchi auto crash
By Muhammad Sabiu
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Bauchi has disclosed that five persons have been confirmed dead in a deadly auto crash on Wednesday along Bauchi-Jos road.
Commander of the road safety corps in Bauchi, Mr Yusuf Abdullahi, told journalists Thursday that nine other people sustained severe injuries when the vehicles involved collided.
The vehicles were identified to belong to Adamawa Sunshine and Gombe Line transport companies.
He was quoted as saying, “Fifteen people, 13 males and two females, were involved in the crash.
“Five died on the spot, and they were all males. Nine others sustained injuries, among them were eight males and one female; the only person that escaped unhurt is a female.”
He added that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the Toro Local Government General Hospital mortuary.
He also warned motorists against reckless driving and that they should always ensure their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on a journey.
Civil Society Organizations need central regulatory body – Ibrahim A. Wayya
By Aisar Fagge and Uzair Adam Imam
Comrade Ibrahim A. Waiya, President, Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF), made the observation while presenting a paper at a one-day review workshop organized by Mambayya House, Kano, for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Northwest Zone with support from MacArthur Foundation.
The workshop held at Mambayya House, Kano, on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, was themed “Towards Improving Internal Accountability for sustainable Anti-Corruption Efforts.”
Comrade Waiya said, “With the proliferation of many political civil society organizations masquerading as activists, there is the need for a national regulatory body that will be monitoring the activities of CSOs. The only thing most CSOs are doing now is self-regulatory, while Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has the record of board of trustees.”
Waiya added that another factor slowing down CSOs’ efforts to mitigate corruption in the country is the lack of proper knowledge.
He said, “It is a known fact that some civil society organizations have the zeal and commitment to fight corruption in the system, however many of such organizations lack the basic knowledge to appreciate the provisions of certain protocols, which need to be applied under certain circumstances to effectively, achieve the desired results.”
He further added that “Some of these protocols may include the use of the FOI [Freedom of Information] Act.
It is basically significant for CSOs to have basic information required to be used as a tool in the fight against corrupt practices. And the absence of such vital information may lead a person into committing a certain crime such as deformation of character and the rest, and may as well jeopardize one’s mission,” he stated.
“It is high time for CSOs to start looking for local donors such as Dangote, BUA and A. A Rano to fund their activities,” Waiya concluded.
The event had in attendance Prof. Ismaila M. Zango, the Director, Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies, Bayero University, Kano, Mabayya House; Aqibu Hamisu Garko, CEO, African Center for Transparency and Advocacy; Dr Bello Ibrahim, Deputy Director, Training, Mambayya House; Abdullahi Usman K/Na’isa, M & E Officer, MacArthur Project, Mambayya House; Dr Samaila Suleiman, Program Officer, MacArthur Project, Mambayya House and many more important personalities within the country.
Pantami: The Return of Professorship Debate
By Zayyad I. Muhammad
The Federal University of Technology, Owerri chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) inaugurated a five-person probe panel on September 22, 2021, to assess the procedures used to appoint the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami, as a Professor of Cybersecurity. The panel said due process was followed by the governing council and the management of the university in the appointment. The report by the panel is an interesting one considering the heated public debates generated by the appointment.
Most of the people who criticized the appointment were academics. As expected, the majority of those who supported the critics were Pantami’s political adversaries. Pantami’s appointment supporters were either some academics, his political supporters, and those who sat on the fence.
The verdict by the five-person probe panel certainly gives Pantami and FUTO some respite. His political supporters will be delighted, while opponents of the appointment will fire more because the majority of them are academics. Tenacious criticism on issues that concern knowledge is an attitude of academics.
During the first debate, Pantami’s ‘friend’ Professor Farooq Kperogi said: “There are basically three legitimate ways to become a professor: by climbing the professional ladder in a university; by being appointed to the position from outside academia in recognition of vast and varied industry experience or artistic wizardly in a field; and through a courtesy appointment. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami’s record does not qualify him for any”.
However, Prof. Tukur Sa’ad, a former Vice-Chancellor, said, countering Kperogi, “A University can decide to appoint an individual to a position either through promotion or straight appointment based on the criteria they set up independent of the National University Commission (NUC).”
Pantami’s political allies and supporters are delighted with the report of the ASUU panel because they see Pantami as a potential vice presidential candidate with many advantages. To all Pantami’s supporters, his professorship is a big addition to his credentials which his potential rivals don’t have. They believe that Patnami is young, highly educated with a PhD. from the United Kingdom (UK) at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.
These supporters add that politically, Pantami is a good ‘material’ to balance a presidential ticket. He is from North-East Nigeria; he fits into the agitation for the northeast to present the vice-presidential candidate in 2023. Moreover, he is a household name in the North-west. They will feel at home with him – he is their cousin.
Additionally, he is an Islamic scholar with vast cult-like followership nationwide. Pantami is Buhari’s strong confidant and ally. The general belief among Pantami’s promoters is; Pantami from the northeast as vice-presidential candidate with any presidential candidate from the south, especially the southwest, will balance a presidential ticket and serve as a strategy for the APC to retain the presidency in 2023.
Nevertheless, academics and oppositions against Pantami’s professorship will continue to hit hard while his political rivals will clap for them. So Pantami and his supporters should be well-prepared for the game.
Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja. He can be contacted via zaymohd@yahoo.com.
Again, Nigerian military engages ISWAP terrorists in Borno, kill 4
By Muhammad Sabiu
Nigerian soldiers combating the insurgents terrorising the northeastern part of Nigeria have again succeeded in eliminating some members of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) in Ngwom community under Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State on Tuesday.
A source whose identity has not been revealed disclosed that the military acted swiftly by mobilising troops of 195 Battalion Operation Hadin Kai in Jere to engage the insurgents.
The source was quoted as saying, “We have counted four corpses of the invaders and still pursuing others using the track of blood in the bush.
“After our clearance operation on their escape routes, detailed updates can be provided.”
This is not the first time Nigerian soldiers engaged insurgents, who usually in recent times suffer a heavy casualty.
2023 Presidency: North-East youth declare support for Yahaya Bello
By Sumayyah Auwal Usman
As group of north-east youth has urged the Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, to contest in the 2023 presidential election, assuring him of their support and loyalty.
The group under the auspices of GYB Awareness Project disclosed this at the end of the its Zonal Meeting in Gombe that was attended by representatives from Gombe, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Taraba and Bauchi States. The group said: “Governor Yahaya Bello has all it takes to lead Nigeria, and we are ready to give him overwhelming and necessary support in 2023″
In his remarks, the national coordinator, GYB Awareness Project, Saifu Bawa Kajuru also noted that Governor Bello has shown himself as a man of integrity and a loyal APC party member to the core, whose efforts and contribution to the party has produced good results over time.
Gunmen murder AVM Maisaka in his house
By Hussaina Sufyan Ahmad
The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the killing of Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Maisaka (retd.) by unknown gunmen at his residence in Ragasi, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna, in the early hours of Tuesday, November 9, 2021.
Police spokesperson for Kaduna State Command, ASP Muhammad Jalige, confirmed the murder.
Jalige said: “The corpse has been evacuated to the hospital, and the gateman has since been rushed to the hospital for treatment.’
“The Commissioner of Police, Mr Mudassiru Abdullah, has since directed the Divisional Police Officer and the Area Commander to immediately proceed to the scene.”
National Conference on Reading: Bayero University offers Advanced Diploma in Reading
By Muhammad Sulaiman Abdullahi
It has been widely confirmed and unanimously agreed by academics and other educational stakeholders that the culture of reading is fast dying across the globe, especially in Nigeria. This may be the reason why Bayero University, Kano, in collaboration and support of Florida State University, USA, established “The Nigeria Centre for Reading Research and Development” at Bayero University, Kano.
The Centre’s main aim is to encourage, support and upgrade the nature of reading and revive the reading culture, which, according to experts, is the only way and key to development of any nation.
The Director of the Centre, Professor Talatu Musa Garba, disclosed this development today during the opening ceremony of the 3rd National Conference on Children’s Book and the Teaching of Early Grade Reading in Nigeria.
Garba added that “It is my pleasure to announce that the Centre is now focused to develop various courses, in collaboration with the Department of Education, Bayero University, Kano, following the expiration of its collaboration with Florida State University earlier this year.
The Postgraduate Diploma in the Teaching of Reading approved by the university and advertised on the BUK official website has already commenced this academic year, which opened last week, on 1st November, 2021. The Centre has also concluded arrangements to offer the Certificate in the Teaching of Reading beginning in July 2022″.
BUK Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, revealed that the Nigeria Centre for Reading, Research and Development is now entirely under Bayero University, Kano. He further added that “We in the management pledge to support its operation fully. In this regard, I am pleased to inform the conference that the construction of the permanent building for the Centre has reached an advanced stage, as the physical structure is currently being furnished and equipped, accordingly. What remains is the landscaping, and the university is making provision for that before the end of the year.
The conference is still ongoing, and it will dwell and deliberate on “Children’s books as tools for the effective teaching of reading skills in the early grade in Nigeria”.
Al-Azhar University to make Al-Istiqama center for Arabic sign language – Prof. Salisu Shehu
By Aisar Fagge
On 3rd November, 2021, a delegation from the Al-Azhar University, Egypt visited Al-Istiqama University Sumaila (AUSU) for partnership, staff training and establishing a centre for Arabic sign language that no any Nigerian university has. Explaining to the Daily Reality about this development, The VC of Al-Istiqama University, Prof. Salisu Shehu said:
“You know universities in the world thrive on partnership and collaborations. You need to come to abreast with international best practices in university education. And it is only through collaboration and partnership you get that. You need to mutually interdependent on one another. And it is on this basis we get some form of partnership with Al-Azhar University. As it were, Al-Azhar University is over one thousand years old. It is our big mother.”
“We are moving towards a memorandum of understanding with Al-Azhar University, and they are going to help us in a number of ways: one of which, for example, is that we want them to give us training, to train some of our staff on Arabic sign language.”
There is a problem with Muslim deaf people when it comes to Arabic language and reciting Qur’an especially in their prayers. Lamenting about this lingering issue, the VC affirmed that:
“Muslim deaf people in Nigeria don’t read Arabic, they don’t read the Qur’an, they pray in English. Because what is taught in our school is only English sign language. So even when you write Hausa to them they don’t understand, let alone the Arabic language.”
“So we need to get Arabic sign language and, we want to make Al-Istiqama University, insha Allah, a center for the production of deaf people that are literate in Arabic sign language so that they will be able to read Arabic and Qur’an. Not the usual English they are taught.”
“So we have requested Al-Azhar University to support us in terms of training so that can establish a center for Arabic sign language in order to promote braille literacy,” he concluded.