Mentorship

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD

You will find some highly versatile members whose contributions drive their areas in every place. The Department of Chemical Engineering at ABU Zaria is no exception. I cannot imagine the department without Professor Atta’s services.

 Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering is among the PhD courses that ring the bell in the department, thanks to the delivery methods perfected by Prof.

Prof. designed his class with weekly assignments submitted before each session. Students take turns submitting and answering immediate follow-up questions, ensuring that even those copied must read. Adhering to this weekly activity is a Prof trademark except for unusual circumstances, keeping students engaged throughout the week. The more time one dedicates to a topic, the better one understands it.

There is also a group project where the class is divided into teams. Each team is assigned a research topic to develop into a term paper. This project often includes laboratory work, computational work, or both to publish a paper in a respected journal. Like the weekly assignments, group work is reported biweekly. The group leader makes a presentation, but each member contributes. Though it is challenging for a group of two or three to produce a paper during coursework, the skill that comes with that is priceless.

Then there is the industrial visit. Prof. Atta ensures that students make at least one visit to a process industry, particularly the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), to study chemical reaction units such as Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCCU) and fixed bed reactors. These academic excursions are vital for complementing student knowledge or, as Prof. puts it, making knowledge functional.

During our visit to the KRPC FCC unit, the chief operator unleashed the practical working principles of the process. At the same time, Prof. Atta facilitated the connection between theory and practice to us. The duo of Prof. and the experienced chief technician, a reservoir of experience, kept us on our toes until we wished to call it a day. A colleague turned to me and whispered, “Whenever a chemical reaction is being discussed, Dr. (then) can never have enough.”

Of course, this rigorous teaching approach doesn’t sit well with every student, but that never makes Prof. Atta take his foot off the gas. I was surprised at the end of the coursework when a colleague, who was in collusion terms with the course, declared, “I now understand modelling and simulation for the first time.” This is another reason one should not be deterred by complaints of those he is supposed to train. Trainees often want to avoid the process and jump to the achievement, so a trainer must stick with his gun; as they say, the end justifies the means.

A conducive environment is a major concern for research students in Nigeria. Simple tools like a weighing balance, pH meter, or glassware can affect and slow down research. To address these small but impactful issues, Prof. prepared a mini lab equipped with all basic and some analytical equipment. This lab includes a working area, a reading area, and lockers for everyone.

One day, an MSc student met me in the lab and, after his observations, declared, “You, Prof. students, are enjoying,” as if he would say I will join you. Still, to my chagrin, he confessed: I couldn’t join Prof. because I wasn’t serious enough to qualify to work with him.

Another major concern for postgraduate students is time. Many suffer from a lack of contact time and engagement with their supervisors. However, with Prof. Atta, the story is different. His office is a Mecca for PG students, with students queuing from morning to evening, each waiting for their turn.

 Of course, other significant issues that concern the nation and society pop up and are discussed. As a melting pot, the professor’s office allows free fall for ideas, but primordial affiliation has no place. Such gatherings of students, sometimes Professor colleagues, and visitors from various backgrounds are a rare opportunity not only to get a glimpse into diverse area research and technological trends but also to learn about others’ personal life journeys and ambitions. 

The professor’s dedication to academics is exemplary and worthy of emulation by young (and not-so-young) scholars. It will go a long way to facelift postgraduate study in Nigeria.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD, wrote via bilal4riid13@gmail.com. 

By Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu

It is not every day that a series of coincidental events converge. Like the passage of Haley’s Comet, these events happen only once in one’s lifetime. I am eternally grateful to Allah (SWT) for enabling me to witness one of these coincidental events. 

While still in active service in the university, where I have been for the last 43 years, I feel fulfilled that three of my students who became my colleagues and friends in the Department of Education have now become Vice-Chancellors in the same period within three years of each other. These are Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas (VC Bayero University Kano, 2020), Prof. Abdulrashid Garba (VC, Khalifa Isyaku Rabi’u University Kano, 2023) and the most recent, Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Yakasai (VC Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State, 2023). 

During their career development, I nicknamed them “The Three Musketeers” because of their closeness to each other, coupled with the almost military approach they adopted to their career. They started their doctoral studies at the same time, finished at the same time, rose and became professors at the same time! Each was highly focused with a target in mind. Each has proven his mettle scholastically – with each spending extended periods as a Visiting Professor in foreign universities. The research area of each of them was truly a contribution to knowledge in the discipline. 

The term I chose to describe them is based on characters in a novel by Alexandre Dumas in 1844 called “The Three Musketeers”, which describes the adventures of three-foot soldiers who were close pals. I consider myself part of them because they are individually my friends. And these three Vice-Chancellors are really close, not just as professional colleagues but their families are also close. 

Of course, besides myself, they had other tutors in the Faculty of Education (Bayero University Kano). Still, I am the only one remaining out of all those who tutored them since all the others have retired. I am, therefore, the Last of the Mohicans (another literary reference, this time to James F. Cooper, 1826) and had the unique opportunity of seeing his career convergence in December 2023 when Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Yakasai was appointed the Vice-Chancellor of the Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State. 

It is a rare opportunity to see a celebration of such success, humility and friendship in each of them. Allah Ya taya su riƙo, amin.

By Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi

As a budding writer, I have always admired Mahmud Jega as a role model. His eloquent prose, thought-provoking ideas, and ability to captivate readers with his words have inspired me to strive for excellence in my own writing. Mahmud Jega’s works have inspired me, ignited my passion for the written word and pushed me to improve my craft.

However, as I embark on this journey of self-discovery through writing, I realise that one crucial element is missing from my writing growth. This senior, world-class mentor can provide guidance, impart wisdom, and help me refine my skills. While I have studied Mahmud Jega’s works and learned from his style, nothing compares to the personalised guidance and invaluable insights that can come from a seasoned writer who has already traversed my path.

A mentor would be a guiding light, someone who could help me navigate the intricacies of the writing world, offer constructive criticism and share their own experiences, triumphs, and setbacks. A mentor would challenge me to push my boundaries, encourage me to explore new genres and provide a wealth of knowledge that only years of writing experience can bring.

With the guidance of a mentor, I could learn to develop my unique voice, polish my storytelling techniques, and sharpen my ability to convey emotions and ideas through words. A mentor’s wisdom would enable me to navigate the challenges ahead, understand the nuances of the publishing industry, and provide me with the tools to elevate my writing to new heights.

I yearn to have a mentor who can nurture my talent, critique my work honestly and compassionately, and guide me towards becoming my best writer. I believe that with the guidance of a mentor, I can hone my skills, overcome obstacles, and ultimately make my mark in the world of literature.

Until I find that mentor, I will continue to immerse myself in Mahmud Jega’s works, studying his techniques and extracting lessons from his writings. I will strive to incorporate his brilliance into my style while exploring other literary voices and expanding my horizons. Though the path may be challenging without a personal mentor, I am determined to push forward, driven by the passion and dedication that writing instils within me.

One day, I hope to find a mentor who can provide the guidance and mentorship I seek—a senior, world-class writer who can help shape me into the best version of myself as a writer. Until then, I will persevere, inspired by the words of Mahmud Jega and the countless other literary giants who have paved the way for aspiring writers like myself.

Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi wrote via prof4true1@gmail.com.

By Hamza Sulayman, PhD

One of the most difficult questions to answer among Nigerians is “How much is your salary?”. It does not matter who asked the question; the answer is always tricky. It might be a father asking his son or daughter after spending a fortune paying for their education, or a wife asking her beloved husband. The reason behind this varies from one person to another.

I came across a US-based content creator (IG: americanincome) who moves around the cities of the US asking strangers about their annual salary. To my surprise, they always answer right away and specifically to the last dollar. He asked some follow-up questions, like what did you study? And from which university, how many years of experience do you have? And what advice will you give someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

To me, that type of content creation is amazing because it provides the young generation with factual data on how they can achieve their goals, which is much better than what the guidance and counselling departments of schools and universities can offer. That is, if the department exists.

My recent interaction with some youth led me to believe that they are after the money or, as they say, “secure the bag”. So, for example, if you are willing to get $150,000 per year, you should work as a Data Analyst, Model, or Software Engineer. If you are humble, you can be a high school teacher and earn about $42,000 a year. If you have a higher taste, you can be a doctor or dentist and rake about $200,000 to $300,000. There are other non-formal sectors with high income, like a professional barber earning $300,000 (I was surprised too) and a sneaker dealer earning $150,000. Top on the list was a luxury watch seller that makes $1,200,000 yearly.

Enough with the numbers, can you answer the question? How much is your salary? Many people cannot answer the question because they don’t even know. After all, what they received is not what is on their offer/pay slip, or the amount is laughable. Some people don’t answer the question because of what people might expect from them. I remember one of my colleagues. He told me that when the salary scale of academic staff was circulating on social media, it became a blessing for him because his family and extended family saw his salary as a Professor and decided to reduce the responsibilities placed on him.

Although in Nigeria, what you study is not entirely relevant to where you work, having a guidance and counselling advisor or a mentor is still advisable. Find someone you want to be like in the future and ask him to mentor you. Learn from their strengths and weaknesses and be a better version of yourself. Lastly, choose a career path that will make you happy, whether it is about the monetary aspect or otherwise.

Hamza Sulayman is a postdoctoral research fellow at Zhejiang University, China. He can be reached via hamza.sulayman@gmail.com.

By Adamu Abubakar Kumo

Mentorship has been the way through which a more experienced, more skilled and usually more elderly person passes his experience, expertise, knowledge etc. to the younger ones. From education to politics, business to occupation, mentorship is instrumental to the continuance of the flow of wisdom from one generation to another.

The history of Nigeria’s founding fathers is undoubtedly that of heroes and legends who wrote their names in gold in the books of history. But, looking at today’s Nigeria, one would be right to say that the wisdom of those great men has not been successfully passed down to today’s generation.

Among the six geo-political regions of the country, South-West has distinguished itself. The region seems to uphold the principles of mentorship. From Sir Herbert Macaulay, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Samuel Akintola, Aare M.K.O. Abiola and now Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Yoruba leaders have been producing leaders who subsequently would take over from them. They deliberately ‘build’ people; they sow the seeds and look after them until they grow into large formidable and strong iroko trees that can hardly be trampled or tempered with by just lilliputians if I were to borrow Shattima’s word.

The successful emergence of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu is a testimony of the presence of mentors and the continuance of political mentorship in Yoruba land.

Asiwaju, for the past two decades, has been working, influencing the appointment of some of his mentees in strategic government positions, politically supporting his allies and subordinates to attain power and building political bridges and structures across the country. The man waited patiently until when it is time, the time for the Jagaban to reap the fruits of his labour, the time when Amaechi has support from within; the time when Lawan seems to have the blessings of some party juggernauts, the time when some northerners feel that only a Northerner can defeat the opposition’s candidate. At this precious time, Bola Ahmed ‘summoned’ his mentees across the length and breadth of the country and alas, they answered! They come in their thousands with all the vigour and support the Jagaban needs.

Despite the eloquence of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the grammar of Ayade, the bluntness of Yahaya Bello, the doggedness of Rotimi Amaechi and the ‘appeal for sympathy’ of the aspirants from the South East, Bola emerged victorious, defeating them hands down.

This ‘political war’ fought and won by the  Southwesterner may compel one to ask, where are the Asiwajus of other regions? Can somebody from North-East, North-West or North-Central brag about having the capacity to do something similar to what this septuagenarian did?

The likes of Sirs Sardauna and Balewa don’t exist anymore in the North. Moreover, nobody is following the footsteps of Hassan Usman Katsina, Sir Kasim Ibrahim, Malam Aminu Kano and many other patriots – the mentorship thread is broken. Though North has been boasting of having great and influential leaders, the problem remains that none is willing to ‘nurture’ his successor.

While Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was busy contesting to become the president right from 2007, Kwankwaso was busy fighting Ganduje and so on. On his part, Bola Tinubu was busy, making sure his candidates become governors in Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, etc. He was influencing ministerial nominations, making sure he appointed Vice President. He was equally working to bring Dimeji Bankole, Ahmed Lawan, Femi Gbajabiamila etc. In other words, Tinubu was busy ‘building’ people. Because he believes even if some choose to betray him, many others will not.

The lesson Asiwaju taught most of our leaders, especially from the North, is that, if you have a plan of twenty years, start mentoring people who will help you achieve it right from today. More importantly, look beyond your family and kinsmen when choosing your proteges.

Another point of note is that you will mentor a person who may rise to a position that you have never attained. This is normal. Don’t get upset when the person tried to rub shoulders with you. Instead, be focused, determined and strategic in your dealings.

Dear Northern leaders, make sure you mentor another person who may likely take over from you. Succession is natural, if you did not breed anybody, someone may grow on his own and come to fight and overtake you one day. Mentor your proteges today to have loyal mentees that will always be proud of you tomorrow.

Adamu Abubakar Kumo wrote via akumo89@gmail.com.

By Maryam Muhammad Lawan

They both entered Ammi’s room with crestfallen faces.

“Ammi, I don’t know what’s wrong with this boy. I saw him in the afternoon wandering about the street with those ludicrous coteries and now with a gamepad instead of a book!” Yaaya exclaimed. 

Ammi sighed as if she could not utter a word.

I know she could, for she has been trying her best. Anis would only pick his book to study when Ammi sounds emphatic. Not sure if it’s hearty, for he would start to sleep shortly after he starts reading, and that will be the end. 

Yaaya broke the silence in the silent room with a query. “What exactly do you want?”

Mentorship! I answered the question for Anis quiescently.

 He continued, “Unless you straighten up and fly right, our efforts will be fruitless.”

Anis is blessed with a quick cognitive capacity but is prone to play.

 “I’ll try my best and make sure he get his acts together, but he’s listless now. Tomorrow will be a better day,” I said to myself. 

The Next Day

I stealthily entered Anis’s room and met him ironing his sport wears. 

 “This is supposed to be done before today, my friend,” I said teasingly.

 He replied amusingly, “I heard you, but not well. However, I may hear you well when you go out and say Assalaamu Alaikum.”

Deep down, I know he’s trying to requite, for this is always what I say whenever he bangs into my room without saying the Salaam. 

I went out, said the Salaam and entered. 

I soothingly asked about his preparation(s) for the forthcoming exams.

 “Which preparation?” He asked. “Y’all should know that this JAMB is just luck,” he added. 

“So you wrote the exams before, wow! What was your score? “I uttered innocuously. 

“Look, Anis, can you please give me a listening ear?” This time around, it’s more of motherly. 

He switched off the iron and turned his attention to me. 

“Last year, when I did my JAMB examination, were you not proud of my score? Were you not the one that added that to your status with ‘can ur sis be brilliant like this’ as the caption? Do you remember how that result trended? Why? It’s all because of the score, Anis. I wasn’t the only one that wrote JAMB that same year, but mine trended most.” Can you remember how I read hard? Why don’t you do that, Anis?”

The room was silent for a while.  

“There’s nothing like luck, except that in almost everything, there may be a refutation. Some candidates may prepare well, but fail, while others will pass without preparing, but this is a hen’s teeth. I want you to train hard and pray harder, please, dear. Will you do that? “ 

He astonishingly answered in the affirmation. 

“I remember how some students mocked us (me and my friends) just because we were preparing hard. How foolish? None of them scored more than 130. Karina was among them; she scored 98. I know you can still remember that. So, in case you come across those sets of people, get them the cold shoulder. But, eventually, we shall smile together,” I said. 

“It’s almost 7:30 am. Let me leave before your school bus arrives. Peace out, bro, I said and added “no procrastination please,” when exiting out of the room. 

“Anis!! I shall celebrate with you as well, “I said this when I saw him reading voraciously after coming back from Islamiya in the evening. 

I could see happiness in Ammi’s and Yaaya’s faces. 

It’s time for the Maghrib prayers, so the young boy must keep everything and pray. 

He stood up while uttering, “So help us, God.” I wasn’t the only one that said “Ameen.”

Yaaya was at the parlour, ready to move on to the mosque, while Ammi was there to pick the phone she left at the dining table. I, Yaaya and Ammi said that Ameen happily.  

The young boy moved on to the restroom to perform his ablution.

 He held Ammi and Yaaya in awe, they happily prayed for him, and they both left. 

Maryam Muhammad Lawal wrote from Kaduna via mmafamam@gmail.com.