Corruption

By Umar Sani

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s tenure in Kano State has been marked by a series of controversies and challenges, with the most recent scandal surrounding the Ramadan feeding program shedding light on broader issues of governance, priorities, and accountability. As we delve into the intricacies of these matters, it becomes evident that there are systemic failures that need to be addressed urgently to restore public trust and ensure effective governance in Kano.

The Ramadan feeding program scandal serves as a microcosm of the larger issues plaguing Governor Yusuf’s administration. This program, which is meant to provide essential support to the less privileged during the holy month of Ramadan, has instead been tainted by allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and inhumane practices. Reports indicate that resources allocated for the program have been misappropriated, with food meant for the needy ending up in the hands of those who are already well-off. Furthermore, there have been disturbing revelations of substandard food being distributed, posing health risks to the recipients.

Such egregious mismanagement not only squanders public funds but also undermines the intended purpose of welfare programs, which is to alleviate poverty and provide a safety net for society’s most vulnerable members. It reflects a blatant disregard for the welfare of the people and a failure to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in governance.

However, the issues plaguing Governor Yusuf’s administration extend beyond the mismanagement of specific programs. There are deeper underlying problems related to governance, priorities, and political dynamics that must be addressed comprehensively.

One key issue is the misplacement of priorities. Despite the pressing need for investment in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, resources have been diverted towards superficial endeavours associated with Governor Yusuf’s political agenda. The phenomenon of Abba Gida Gida, characterized by flashy projects and grandiose gestures, has overshadowed genuine efforts to address the socio-economic challenges facing Kano State.

The emphasis on political symbolism over substantive governance reflects a fundamental disconnect between the government and the governed. Instead of focusing on initiatives that have a meaningful impact on people’s lives, Governor Yusuf has prioritized activities that serve his political interests and consolidate his power base. This shortsighted approach not only undermines the credibility of the government but also exacerbates the suffering of the ordinary citizens who bear the brunt of poor governance.

Moreover, Governor Yusuf’s close association with the Kwankwasiyya political movement has further complicated governance in Kano State. While political alliances are a common feature of Nigerian politics, the tight grip of Kwankwasiyya on the state’s affairs has stifled dissent and marginalized opposing voices. This monopolization of power has created a culture of impunity where accountability is sacrificed at the altar of political expediency.

The entrenchment of Kwankwasiyya in Kano’s political landscape has also fueled factionalism and polarization, undermining efforts to foster unity and inclusivity. Instead of governing for the collective good, Governor Yusuf has been preoccupied with consolidating his grip on power and silencing dissenting voices within his own party and the opposition.

Furthermore, the lack of effective checks and balances has enabled corruption and malfeasance to thrive unchecked. The absence of independent oversight mechanisms has emboldened corrupt officials to exploit public resources for personal gain, exacerbating the state’s economic woes and widening the gap between the rich and the poor.

To address these challenges and chart a path towards genuine reform, Governor Yusuf must demonstrate a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance. This requires a paradigm shift away from political patronage and towards evidence-based policymaking that prioritizes the needs of the people above partisan interests.

In addition, there is a need for robust institutions and mechanisms to curb corruption and hold public officials accountable for their actions. This includes strengthening anti-corruption agencies, empowering civil society organizations, and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability across all levels of government.

Moreover, Governor Yusuf must prioritize investments in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure to improve the quality of life for all citizens. This requires prudent resource management and strategic planning to ensure that public funds are utilized efficiently and effectively to address the most pressing needs of the population.

Furthermore, Governor Yusuf should endeavour to build bridges across political divides and foster a spirit of inclusivity and cooperation in governance. This means reaching out to opposition parties, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to solicit their input and support in addressing the state’s challenges.

Ultimately, the road to meaningful reform in Kano State will require courage, vision, and a genuine commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and social justice. Governor Yusuf has a historic opportunity to leave a positive legacy by addressing the root causes of the state’s problems and charting a new course towards prosperity and progress for all its citizens. However, this will require bold leadership and a willingness to challenge the status quo in pursuit of a brighter future for Kano State.

Umar Sani wrote via umarhashidu1994@gmail.com.

By Sani Bello Hamza

The popular Hausa adage “kyaun Ɗa ya gaji ubansa” is what prompt me to start this column. Humble Thought’s Foundation was laid by my father more than two decades ago on the now defunct Pointer Express; a weekly Newspaper wherein he dissect public issues ranging from politics, education, skills/entrepreneurship and other contemporary issues. I decided to pick the baton and continue with the pace to contribute my own quota to the development of our community and country at large. I believe with my consistency spiced up with your unwavering support and prayers, we will have an easy ride and convey my message with ease and touch the lives of many–as he did. You can always reach out to me through my email or phone number set out hereunder. I’m looking forward to hear from you and read your constructive Criticisms. Enjoy and be safe!

CORRUPTION: BETTA EDU AND THE REST OF US

In mid 2019, Boko Haram insurgency, banditry and kidnapping were on the rise. Families were displaced, schools were closed and businesses were shutdown. As a result, President Buhari through an executive order announced the creation of a new ministry and mandated it to develop humanitarian policies and provide effective coordination of national and international humanitarian interventions; ensure strategic disaster mitigation; preparedness and response; and manage the formulation and implementation of fair focused social inclusion and protection programs in Nigeria. The former president appointed Sadiya Umar Farouq as the first minister of the newly born ministry.

The ministry got a warm welcome from Nigerians as they were “assured” by the former president that the ministry will work tirelessly to mitigate disaster and provide succur to Nigerians affected by Natural or man-made disaster. The first minister Sadiya Umar Farouq also swore to discharge her duties in line with the extant rules and provisions of the Constitution–without prejudice.

Few months after the creation of the new ministry COVID-19 Pandemic surge in and became the major problem of Nigeria and the world. Donations began to pour in from governmental and non governmental organizations to aid in mitigating the spread of the virus as well as cater for the affected victims. However, there were series of allegations and mummurring regarding the financial management of the ministry. There were also unrealistic calculations and assertion by for the minister. For example;

The minister said she mandated the disbursement of COVID 19 palliatives across all the states of the federation. Few months later, the palliatives were found stacked in various states warehouses–untouched and undisbursed. This led to a serious chaos; youths all over the country were seen breaking the warehouses to take their shares from the palliative to cater for themselves and their families.

Again, the former minister also claimed to have spent more than 500 million naira to feed the “non-existent children” in their homes in Abuja and Lagos when schools were locked down in 2020.

The NPOWER scheme also loosed its significance under the minister as beneficiaries were owed for several months without payment.

In spite of the above and other allegations, Former president Buhari form a deaf ear and shun all the allegations without launching an investigative panel to look into the matter.

Ironically, Mrs. Farouq spent four years in office and vacated after President Buhari’s tenure, and today, she’s under intense investigation for alleged laundering of more than 37 billion Naira when she was in office. The former minister is under EFCC’s watch and mandated to report daily to the office.

Are we done with the Humanitarian ministry? No!

As expected, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Mrs. Betta Edu to steer and rescue the already sinking humanitarian ministry. Betta was expected to perform Better than her predecessor and deliver the missions and visions of the Renewed hope agenda. Betta Edu is among the closest allies to the president; a dedicated party member and a hardworking women leader of the party. She supported the president, campaigned for him and mobilised support him. Yet, the president suspended her to give room for investigation and serve as a deterance to other political appointees who think they are immune and untouchable.

President Tinubu’s no-nonsense and zero tolerance approach is where his administration differs from his predecessor–Buhari.

Among the allegations that led to her suspension was a purpoted memo mandating the Accountant general of the federation to transfer 585 million naira to one account Bridget Onyelu.The memo was full of unrealistic calculations including flight tickets to Kogi State–which is not known to have an airport.

Few days to Edu’s suspension, Mrs. Halima Shehu–the DG NSIPA was sacked for alleged transfer 40billion to a personal account. Mrs. Shehu claimed she mistakingly transferred the money to the personal. In another report, she claimed she transferred the money to stop Mrs. Edu from accessing the funds.

The combined efforts of Sadiya, Halima and Betta are really disheartening and disappointing. It is pathetic seeing “women”– who are suppose to be role models and family builders engaging in such disgusting and inhumane acts. I am certain the president will (as he has always ) make sure whoever is found guilty face the wrath of the law.

We can’t continue like this!

Sani Bello Hamza is a Law student at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, he writes from Zaria and can be reached through his email; sanibellohamza@gmail.com or 09013506168

By Abbas Datti

Let us take a deep sigh to reflect on the remarkable achievements Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimingado made as the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission. Under Muhyi’s leadership, the fight against corruption and the promotion of public accountability has witnessed tremendous progress.

It is essential to highlight the proactive approaches, Barr. Muhyi Magaji adopted in addressing public complaints. Through establishing accessible and efficient complaint channels in various ministries, departments and agencies, Muhyi has provided a platform for Kano citizens to voice their concerns and grievances directly. This has increased public trust and facilitated prompt resolutions and the commission’s improved service delivery.

The chairman’s unwavering commitment to preventing corruption is genuinely commendable. In his steadfast commitment to fighting corruption, Muhyi has successfully implemented robust measures to ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity in government institutions. From implementing anti-corruption policies to strengthening internal control systems, his tireless efforts have significantly impacted reducing corrupt practices and enhancing good governance.

Furthermore, Mr. Rimingado has been instrumental in promoting awareness and educating the public about the detrimental effects of corruption. Through advocacy campaigns, workshops, and partnerships with civil society organisations and law enforcement agencies like immigration, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Muhyi Magaji has fostered a zero-tolerance culture towards corruption. Such initiatives have been pivotal in creating public awareness and mobilising support for the commission’s anti-corruption efforts.

Additionally, the chairman’s strategic collaborations with law enforcement agencies have yielded positive results in prosecuting corrupt individuals. He has sent a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated by facilitating swift investigations and ensuring due process. This has brought unscrupulous individuals to justice and acted as a deterrent for potential offenders.

Lastly, the chairman’s visionary leadership and ability to inspire a dedicated team have contributed to the success of combating corruption and addressing public complaints. By fostering a culture of professionalism, ethics, and integrity within the Ministries, departments and agencies, Muhyi Magaji has created an environment conducive to achieving the set goals.

In conclusion, these giant strides are a testament to Mr. Rimingado’s exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and relentless pursuit of transparency and accountability. Magaji Rimingado’s contributions have undoubtedly profoundly impacted the overall socio-economic development of Kano State, and we must applaud and support Muhyi’s continuing efforts in building a corruption-free society.

Abbas Datti wrote from Kano State via abbasdatti448@gmail.com

By Umar Yahaya Dan-Inu

Governance, in simple terms, means ‘quality decision’ that affects the citizenry’s life. It encompasses accountability, openness and responsiveness in our institution. When Nigeria utilizes its resources, it can achieve progress and development in every aspect, especially when its men and women come together, respect their differences and views, and work together for the nation’s development.

Any society that lacks leaders who can stand up and look at the challenges and solve them is bound to fail. One of the finest Historians in the world, Francis Fukuyama, opined that Nigeria’s problem is a “lack of quality governance”. Since the beginning of the fourth republic, Nigerians have elected four successive presidents with an optimism that the country’s governance would be changed. Moreover, they hope that prudent accountability and transparency would be established in the polity; corruption would be minimal; the difference would be set from the military rule we experienced in the 80s and 90s; every sector of the economy would thrive.

We also expected that there would be equity, fairness and inclusion in governance and leadership where every region of the country and everyone would be carried along to change the nation’s narrative for good. But instead, the nation’s stories remained the same after 23 years of democracy.

Democracy is all about giving people the opportunity to participate in the leadership and decision-making of their country, to decide on their future, to have their voices on who should lead them and the type of policy choices government made, and how national resources should be channelled for the development of the country.

In our polity, the stories are not the same. The flaws in our democracy are very glaring. There is no prudent accountability. Even the civil society organizations (CSOs) and media houses who are to help in grilling government and demand accountability are part of the problem. Corruption has become deep in our system. We institutionalize it. Mathew Hassan Kukah’s opined that “it is part of the human system”.

Ahmed Idris, a former Accountant General of the Federation,  and his accomplices, fraudulently siphoned 109 billion naira. They took advantage of the system, betrayed the people’s trust and put the nation and its people in more miserable poverty.

There are thousands of his types and stories in this poverty. The measures put by the government to checkmate corrupt practices are not adequate. There is a need for more because corruption is in every sector and aspect of the country. Insecurity, banditry and kidnapping have taken menacing proportion. People are killed unjustifiably regularly, while the government doesn’t seem to care.

On the other hand, the academic staff union of universities (ASUU) has been on strike for several months. Students are doing nothing at home. As the government is showing a nonchalant and lackadaisical attitude toward the striking lecturers, there is no sign of ending it. This justifies the position that Nigeria needs prudent leadership and governance.

Good policy is key to achieving national development. Though public policy can be seen as an act of government carried out through the identification of societal needs and demands and acted upon by the executive and legitimized through the legislative process, it should be pro-people, participatory and devoid of elitism. When we look at the challenges posed by the lack of good policy design and implementation, one will realize Nigeria is in the wrong direction. Every past administration came into power with a vague plan that could not be achieved.

This has been the norm since Nigeria got Independence in the early 60s. The trends have always been to tell people what to do, even if it’s not feasible and realistic. When policymakers disregard the poor segment of their society, they are bound to fail. I genuinely believe that “change will not come to us easily”; it is the responsibility of scholars and experts in our country to stand up and demand change.

We need a change in the area of policy design. People should be carried along in the process of design and implementation. All their problems should be captured, and attention should be given to the solutions stated. The CSOs should track all the government expenditures to speak on the pros and cons of every policy initiated by the government and engage the government on development issues.

Nigeria needs strong leadership. It is a known fact that global leaders showed resilience and exhibited what leadership means during the worldwide pandemic. Covid-19 posed a bigger challenge to people around the world. It killed millions of people, destroyed families and hit the global economy like never before.

In Nigeria and around the world, schools were shut down. The leaders imposed a lockdown; there was no movement of people from state to state. It affects everyone. People are afraid to interact with their families and friends because they fear contaminating the virus.

We need leaders that can inspire hope in times of crisis, especially in the forthcoming 2023 election. Nigeria doesn’t deserve bad people and leaders. We need efficiency in our governance and focused leaders. A courageous and bold one. A leader who can galvanize support from the global community and command respect. A leader with capacity, empathy, foresight and deep knowledge that can translate policy goals into reality.

We must prioritize security, education, health, and employment opportunities. Our failure in effective identification, design and implementation has been the major setback of our public policy. We need expert intervention and input to get it right. We must establish good governance and uplift our people from the artificial poverty created by elite manipulation. Until and unless we stand and get it right, we will continue to suffer at the hand of bad leaders.

Umar Yahaya Dan-Inu wrote from Nguru, Yobe State via umarnguru2015@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged media houses in the country to stop promoting corrupt citizens. 

EFCC stated that the media sometimes portrayed the approach of the commission in fighting cybercrime as draconian.

Abdurasheed Bawa, the chairman of the anti-graft agency, disclosed this Wednesday in Abuja at the opening of a workshop on financial crime reporting organised for the journalists covering its activities.

Bawa stated that the reportage was perhaps borne out of a poor understanding of the anti-graft agency’s modus operandi.

He added, “I want to use this opportunity to further urge media practitioners to put the interest of our country at heart, particularly as it relates to a conscientious effort not to celebrate the corrupt in our midst.

“I urge you to expose them on the pages of your newspapers, screens of television or on your various online platforms.

“The war against corruption is a worthy fight for the soul of Nigeria and for the future generation; it should not be left to the EFCC alone,” he said.

The workshop was said to be one of the interventions by the commission to improve the capacity of the media to deliver on its constitutional mandate.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The sum of $61,400, which the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari allegedly offered as bribe to the operatives of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has been admitted as exhibit by court.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja under Justice Emeka Nwite, has admitted the money as exhibit on Wednesday.

The Daily Reality recalls that Kyari was on February 22 arraigned alongside ACP Sunday Ubua, ASP Bawa James, Inspectors Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu, while one ASP John Umoru was said to be at large.

Reports, however, gathered that this was coming after the NDLEA tendered the money through the third prosecution witness, Peter Joshua.

Joshua, told the court at the resumed hearing that the currency was handed over to him on January 25 after he conducted preliminary tests on the exhibits.

The NDLEA claimed to have obtained a video footage of Kyari negotiating the $61,400 sum as a bribe with its investigators to prevent the testing of the 17.55 kilogrammes of the drugs.

The witness also tendered 24 packs of cocaine brought before the court in two travelling bags.

However, the bags contained nine packs wrapped in white cotton sacks, three additional packs of cocaine, and 12 pellets that were separately tied in nylon bags.

By Kabir Fagge Ali
 
Presently, it is obvious that the time is ripe for the oil producing countries to smile due to the unprecedented increase in the oil price which eventually signalled an opportunity for a windfall. However, the situation is not the same for Nigeria as the country has plunged into deep fuel crises that has remained persistent for over a month. These crises border mostly on adulteration of the Premium Motor Spirits, PMS, also known as petrol, as well as its corresponding scarcity across the nation.

It can be recalled that, in the last three weeks, Russia has authorized a special military operation by invading the neighbouring Ukraine which caused the usually volatile crude oil prices to skyrocket beyond bookmakers. As a result, many countries are counting their fortunes in the windfall but unfortunately, Nigeria is counting its losses due to mismanagement of resources by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

From the opening crude oil price of $76.03 per barrel at the beginning of 2022, prices have jumped to about $130 per barrel which is the highest price of the commodity for the last decade.

Just as noted in the Daily Trust Editorial of March 14, 2022, the gloom for Nigeria in the era of increased commodity prices was first forecasted by the world bank country director for Nigerian, Shubham Chaudhuri who said in January that Nigeria is at a point where rising oil prices might not be a good thing because although oil production might go up and crude oil revenue may increase, which in some point is a good thing.

The fiscal cost of petrol subsidy will also rise and while other countries may rejoice from the windfall, Nigeria will on the other hand be at the receiving end by reaping what it sows, courtesy of mismanagement of the oil sector over the past years by the NNPC. 

Truth be told, the consequences of the mismanagement of Nigeria’s four refineries is that the 440,000 barrels of crude oil supplied to NNPC daily for local refining is exported and never transparently accounted for. 

Meanwhile, the Group Managing Director, GMD, NNPC Mele Kyari claimed that N100 billion was sunk into the maintenance of the four refineries in Nigeria which is quite different from the N26bn already spent on supposed Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) on the maintenance of the refineries over the years which is an amount that will be sufficiently enough to build three new refineries as argued by many experts.

In addition, it is disheartening to learn that apart from being fleeced by NNPC and its collaborators in the name of oil subsidy or the strange term ‘under-recovery,’ Nigeria has failed to meet its oil production quota allocated by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). From an average of 2.1 million crude oil production quota per day, when the Buhari administration was voted into power in 2015, Nigeria is at present allocated 1.7 million per day, out of which it produces between 1.3 million and 1.4 million per day. This shortfall is a result of the lack of investment, as International Oil Companies (IOCs) have continued to exit Nigeria’s oil sector.

Despite the above scenario, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNPC and its subsidiaries cannot convince Nigerians that there will be no gains from the current oil windfall. Such gains must not be frittered away under any guise.

The real question that is still begging for an answer is, can the NNPC convince Nigerians on how the country’s economy is not going to gain from this kind of oil windfall or how are Nigerian leaders being able to resolve this issue and what is NNPC’s decision on the lack of accountability to the people? 

Therefore, it is in the good interest of Nigerians that the National Assembly should investigate this issue thoroughly and ensures that money meant for the country indeed comes into the nation’s treasury unfailingly. The managers of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector must account for the gains that accrue to Nigeria from the current windfall.

Moreover, the NNPC in collaboration with the federal government and other stakeholders in the oil sector must as a matter of urgency expedite their efforts in fixing the moribund refineries in order to be functional enough to refine our petroleum products so as to meet the nation’s daily average consumption capacity of 62.5million litres of petrol. The time is long overdue to save the country’s ailing oil sector!

Fagge, is a student of Mass Communication Department, Skyline University Nigeria. He writes from Abuja, Nigerian and can be reached via faggekabir29@gmail.com

By Ibrahim Aminu Iliyasu

A job is a valuable thing that many graduates aspire to gain after graduating school, especially those who consider certificates as tickets for a better life. Years back, our parents told us to go to school and read well so that we could get better jobs and live in affluence.

Today, the trend has changed. Many graduates have now become financially unsuccessful since day one. Of course, it is good to be educated because education is a privilege even among one’s peers. Yes, it is. But that does not assure one a luxurious life. Also, being a graduate does not allow you to be selective in the business or job you can do. I am saying this from pure experiences. 

It has not started today. Buying job offer is as old as the Nigerian post-colonial bureaucratic system. To join the military, one has to pay the sum of 100K or 150K or even above to get himself a permanent ticket for life in the Sambisa forest.

Doubtlessly, all our public institutions have been compromised. They are after money, not merit. Sadly, schools and health institutions where professionalism is supposed to be prioritised are also indulged in this. These days, if you do not have money, no matter your qualifications, you would be unemployed. Even those who can link you to those who give job offers have to pay for you or bribe the human resources team or MDs for a job offer.

I have received different but few job vacancies for sale. Sometimes I ignore them or deliberately reject them. For example, there was a time when I was a security guard at one institution that I coincidently met a father’s friend – a banker, an influential one. He is currently a bank manager in Kano. I opened the gate for him, welcomed him and greeted him. He was surprised that I was a security guard because my father knows the big guns. 

While having a conversation, he told me one word that still makes me happy and proud. “Ai matsalar Alhaji dan due process ne, shi ba zai iya ba da kudi ba a samo ma ka aiki ba” (the problem of Alhaji is that he is a man of principles. Therefore, he cannot give money for his son to be employed”. At last, he promised to talk to Alhaji. While parting, he gave me some money I desperately needed, but notwithstanding, I summoned some courage and rejected the money. I thanked him and moved on.

Secondly, I was once sent to an interview. After I answered all their questions, the interviewer asked me what I had for him while leaving. I said nothing. He nodded his head and told me they would call me. Till now, they have never called me.

Thirdly, I had another interview with an organisation. The guy who sent me to the organisation pretended to care about my condition and wanted to find a better place for me. Fortunately, I have all the requirements. While I thought I would be automatically employed, the man invited me to his office and confessed that he was “gay”. Angrily, I insulted his forefathers, himself and the satan that sings for him. I still regret knowing him. Thus, I forgot about his job.

Frankly, I cannot do things to get a job and/or find a place in the labour market. I cannot do voluntary services in any organisation anywhere on earth because my family and I sponsored me to study. I did not attend a community school either, and I had never enjoyed any government scholarship. Therefore, I cannot share my knowledge or time free of charge. 

I cannot use my money to buy a job offer because any institution that requests me to pay something before it gives me a job is certainly not looking for my credibility or proficiency. Thus, it doesn’t deserve my energy and time, for I would rather die as a hawker than do such evil. 

I will not betray my Creator to please the created. For instance, I will not sodomise to get a job. God forbid. Amin. 

Ibrahim Aminu Iliyasu is a graduate of Political Science and writes from the ancient city of Kano. He can be reached via ibrahimailyasu@gmail.com.

By Musa Idris Panshekara

The commercialisation of job offers is one of Nigeria’s most familiar new faces of corruption. But, on the other hand, there is a constant increase in the numbers of graduates each year produced from different universities and colleges around the country.

Let me begin by citing the Hadith of the Beloved Prophet S.A.W, where he said: “Whoever’s main concern becomes the Hereafter, Allah will make things well for him, and will make richness to dwell in his heart. And the world will come to him despite its unwillingness. And whoever’s main concern becomes this world, Allah will scatter his affairs and will place poverty between his eyes; also, the world will not come to him, except what was written for him.”

You cannot run and surpass your shadow, and you are constantly walking with your preordainment. Let me narrate a brief story of my previous jobs. When I finished my diploma, I worked with two companies. The first one was immediately after the completion of my diploma.

I met with someone and told him that I had finished my diploma. Therefore, if there was any job opportunity, I was available. He answered that he would contact me whenever he got a vacancy. Meanwhile,  I continued with my menial job (tailoring). After some months, I got a call from my friend that, that man asked him to ask me if I have experience of a particular job “he mentioned one working experience, whether I can or not?” I quickly responded, indeed! In sum, I successfully conducted an interview and got the job.

Moreover, a few months later, I got a call from my teacher. He informed me that his friend asked him to find someone who has a certificate in Agricultural science. I replied that I have diplomas in Animal production technology, a certificate in Laboratory science technology, and basic computer skills. He asked me to submit my credentials like that. Some months went by again. Then, I got a call that I should come for an interview. I finally secured the job. I left the present one and switched to the new one. Eventually, I quit the job and went back to school for my HND.

Similarly, after I finished my HND before going for NYSC, a friend of mine (whom we did SIWES together in primary health care) called me that his business partner was looking for an experienced laboratory technician at his newly established laboratory. I got this one, too, after an interview and so on.

Money helps make someone happy but does not mean that money will provide one with all kinds of happiness. Unfortunately, misunderstanding how life is makes many people think that money solves all problems. That is why people desperately toil to earn money to feed themselves and their families legitimately or illegitimately, forgetting the transient of worldly possessions.

Consider my story above; two main things helped me secure the jobs. First is my employability. In other words, my experience before coming across the opportunities. Second, my relationship or connection. Therefore, I am saying that acquiring skills makes a person employable.

Buying or selling job offers will not solve your problem forever. So let us free ourselves from corruption and prepare a better life for our posterity.

Musa Idris Panshekara wrote from Kano via pmusaidris@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Jobseekers in Nigeria have narrated harrowing tales of how job offer sale decimates their chances of securing jobs in a country where the national economy has remained increasingly stagnant.

According to a recent report by Bloomberg, unemployment in Nigeria has surged to the second-highest on the global list, jumping to 33.3%.

Graduates, who took to social media to condemn the menace, decried how bribery, corruption and politics militate against the growth of institutions in the country.

They argued that buying and selling of job offers are affecting almost all the institutions in the country, as it will be at the expanse of merit and skills

Fraud in employment is believed to be the reason the standard of education in the country continues to witness a fatal decline, and unemployment rises at child’s Christmas wishes.

Graduates narrate harrowing experiences

Every year Nigerian institutions produce thousands of graduates who come out to compete for the few available job opportunities.

A graduate, Usman Bello Balarabe, said that he was once asked to pay N1.2 million for a lecturing job offer.

Immediately he returned to Nigeria from India after bagging his Master’s degree. He was greeted with an outrageous N1.2 million job offer to teach at a Federal University in northern Nigeria.

Balarabe, who was initially over-excited, said his hope was dashed upon learning that it was a give-and-take offer, as he had to break the bank if he indeed wanted to land the job. 

He said, “I was all smiling when I was told, until when I heard him saying that I have to pay N1.2 million to get that offer. The amount shocked me to the marrow”.

Auwal Mukhtar Usman, a university lecturer, said recently someone shopped her job offer for N3.5 million.

He said, “A lady recently confided in me that she bought her offer for about N3.5 million to teach in one federal government agency. It’s equally disheartening how these politicians connive with the university administrators by allocating slots for them. In the end, it is the University that suffers.”

A.S Mohammed also shared his experience, saying that a lecturing offer was advertised to him for N1.5 million in June last year.

He added, “I was asked to bring a potential buyer for a lecturing job offer at the Federal University, Dutsen-Ma, for N1.5 million; no discount whatsoever.

“And it didn’t matter what course the buyer studied or what class of degree he graduated with. That incident stroke me dumb with surprises and left me paralyzed. It took me almost a month to recover from that shock.”

Pay, get promoted

From job offer sale things are worsening to ‘promotion’ for sale, as workers at various institutions in the country pay to get promoted. 

Sa’idu Mustapha Buhari argued that it is not only job offer that is sold, but also promotions are purchased.

He said, “It is not only job offers that are sold.  Promotion, advancement, transfer, release for training, among others, have their prices in some sectors.

“Though fixing Nigeria must be a collective effort, people as individuals must change.

“The bitter part of the story is that: everyone works for himself, not for the people. The sense of nationalism is totally absent among us. That’s why I support the mantra: CHANGE BEGINS WITH ME…If any Nigerian applies this, Nigeria will be fixed,” he added.

Also commenting, a media consultant, Yahya Abdurrahman, stated that the fraud is not only rocking not only the education sector.

He said, “The deeper you dig, the more worrisome information you would come across. Unfortunately, the rot is also prevalent in the Nigerian Police, Customs Service and other Security affiliated Agencies.”