Nigeria

By Uzair Adam

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take swift action in reversing the recent increase in the price of premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) outlets.

In an open letter dated September 7, 2024, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization deemed the price hike unlawful and a violation of constitutional and international human rights obligations.

SERAP also called for a thorough investigation into allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the NNPC, specifically regarding the reported $300 million bailout funds received from the Federal Government in August 2024 and the company’s $6 billion debt to suppliers.

The letter highlighted concerns over NNPC’s failure to remit oil revenues to the treasury, despite the company’s significant financial issues.

The group expressed concerns that the petrol price increase, which has pushed prices up to N855 per liter at some outlets, is exacerbating the already severe economic hardships faced by Nigerians.

SERAP further noted that the price hike disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable citizens, jeopardizing their living conditions and undermining their basic human rights.

SERAP warned that if no action is taken within 48 hours of the receipt of the letter, it will consider taking legal measures to compel the government to address the situation.

By Dr. Abdulkadir Lawan

A putatively held belief is that the banditry and crime in the Zamfara region of Nigeria cannot be unconnected to the politics of gold and other natural resources mining. But something deadlier than politics, a stealthy by-product of crude extraction methods at the core of gold mining, might have played a leading role in the increase in crime we are witnessing today in the region. 

In the early 2000s, possibly due to the recent change in rule from a military to a democratic one, a renewed gold interest in Zamfara resulted in a mini gold rush. Women and men in the villages would dig out rock ore and extract the gold through crushing and grinding; the resulting dust was contaminated with lead. Some even brought this newfound work to their homes, contaminating their food, water, clothes, and, most dangerously, children. What followed in child deaths from lead poisoning created an unintended raucous through polio vaccination outreach and ended up inviting several efforts to clean up the areas and treat the surviving children.

It is well known that lead is dangerous, even in small doses. It mimics calcium in the body and can be stored in bones, continuing to poison the body even years after initial exposure. The brain is the most sensitive organ to lead. It basically blocks the release of neurotransmitters, which causes headaches and memory loss, and children are especially susceptible. There is no doubt among scientists that lead exposure can cause permanent learning disorders and behavioural problems.

Studies on baby teeth showed that even lead exposure well below the “safe” level results in delayed learning, decreased IQ and increased behavioural problems. There was a direct correlation between lead in children and the inability to graduate from high school in the US. While the CDC has since lowered the acceptable levels of lead in children’s blood from 60ug/dL to 3.5ug/dL over the years, there is no safe lead level as far as it is known today.

Globally, about 65% of all unexplained intellectual disability are believed to be caused by lead. Many countries have monitored the levels of lead exposure in their children over time. In Nigeria, we have little to no data nationwide. A particular US data, however, shows troubling correlations. 

Violent crimes steadily rose from the 1970s to the 1990s before abruptly declining. The troubling part? A graph of average preschool blood lead levels looked strikingly similar to crime levels roughly twenty years apart. The question was whether kids exposed to higher levels of lead grew up to commit more crimes.

The same pattern appears in Britain, Canada, and Australia. In another study, the lead concentrations in the blood of those arrested for violent and anti-social behaviour could not have been more correlated with their behaviour. This shows that lead is at least very likely responsible for some of the increase in crime. 

Whatever the reason for the resurgence of artisanal gold mining in Zamfara in the early 2000s, children raised in that period were in their early teens and 20s when the country began to witness an upsurge in bandit activities at the start of 2010. Thankfully, considerable clean-up efforts and community sensitisation mean there is an unlikely recurrence of lead poisoning effects on this scale around the region. A decline in violent activities can only then be hoped for. 

Glissading along the same line, the biggest source of lead pollution worldwide was the tetraethyl lead compound that was added to gasoline to make leaded fuel. Nigeria completely phased out leaded gasoline in 2004, as did all other countries between 1986 (Japan) and 2021 (Algeria). Nigeria witnessed a record period of civil violence from the 1970s until about the early 2000s. The current crop of our, in my opinion, clearly cognitive-declined politicians was the most exposed to vehicular lead poisoning in the same generation as the perpetrators of multiple violent religious and ethnic crises.

The dangers of lead had already been known for hundreds of years. In 1786, Benjamin Franklin remarked that lead had been used for far too long considering its known toxicity – “This, my dear friend, is all I can at present recollect on the subject. You will see by it that the opinion of this mischievous effect from lead is at least above sixty years old. And you will observe with concern how long a useful truth may be known and exist before it is generally received and practised on.” 

Scientists decided to add lead to fuel one hundred and fifty years later (i.e., after Benjamin Franklin’s speech). Almost one hundred years after that, the juveniles among our (Nigerian) citizenry were exposed to lead, leaving a nation to wonder why there is so much crime in our time.

Dr. Abdulkadir Lawan wrote via abdullwn@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has delayed the resumption of both primary and secondary schools for the 2024/2025 academic session, initially set for September 8th and 9th.

The postponement was confirmed in a statement by the Director of Public Enlightenment at the Ministry of Education, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, on Saturday.

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, cited urgent reasons for the decision, emphasizing that it was made to improve the learning environment for students.

Doguwa said, “I wish to inform pupils, students, and parents that the previously announced resumption dates are now postponed.

“This decision will help create a more conducive learning atmosphere for our children.

“A new resumption date will be communicated in due course,” the statement read.

The ministry urged students and parents to bear with any inconvenience caused by the delay, assuring them that it was in the best interest of improving educational conditions in the state.

By Buba Kamal Danladi

In education, the approach to teaching is as crucial as the content itself. Teaching methodology, the comprehensive plan or strategy for systematically presenting material in the classroom, goes beyond merely delivering facts. It embodies beliefs about learning and teaching and specific techniques and activities aligned with these ideologies.

The choice of teaching methodology profoundly influences knowledge acquisition, skill development, and capacity building. Educators must embrace innovative methods that promote critical thinking and interactive learning in an era that transcends traditional role learning. This is especially pivotal in Nigerian tertiary institutions, where outdated teaching approaches often lead to disengagement and subpar academic performance.

Several methodologies warrant attention and adoption in Nigerian educational settings, such as Differentiated Instruction, Catering to diverse learning styles and abilities; Lecture-Based Learning, Traditional yet evolving to include interactive elements; Inquiry-Based Learning, Encouraging curiosity and critical analysis; Technology-Based Learning, Integrating digital tools to enhance understanding; and kinesthetic Learning: Emphasizing hands-on experiences and physical engagement. 

Reflecting on my undergraduate experience at Skyline University Nigeria, I recall the transformative impact of Mr. Abdulhameed Olaitan Ridwanullah’s teaching methods. He epitomised effective education through interactive sessions that valued each student’s thoughts and promoted a culture of inquiry and confidence. His teaching philosophy centres on interactive and student-centred learning. 

Unlike the conventional lecture-heavy approach, his classes are characterised by lively discussions, group projects, and the use of technology to facilitate learning. By integrating digital tools into his curriculum, he engages students and equips them with essential skills for the modern workforce. This tech-savvy approach is particularly relevant in mass communication, where understanding digital platforms is crucial.

Also, his departmental seminar, which he organised, nurtured my public speaking ability. He mandated that all students offering his courses research specific topics and present their findings to seasoned academics. Many students at first despised it, but as some of us inevitably embraced it, it became a ritual. 

The students’ seminar approach not only fostered a deep understanding of the themes the students researched but also ignited a passion for learning, a stark contrast to the disinterest prevalent in many Nigerian institutions.

Educators must critically assess and adapt their teaching strategies to address the disconnect between teaching methodologies and student engagement. The goal is to cultivate an environment where learning is not a passive experience but a vibrant journey of discovery.

However, the transition to such innovative teaching practices requires systemic changes. It calls for investment in digital infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development. Policymakers and educational institutions must recognise the value of these modern methodologies and provide the necessary support and resources to implement them.

To our students, I offer this reminder: “Do not merely pass through school; let the transformative power of education pass through you.” Embrace learning as an active participant, for the quality of your education shapes your future.

Buba Kamal Danladi writes from Lagos via kamalbuba05@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has disputed claims made by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) regarding the pricing of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and its impact on the Dangote Refinery.

MURIC had asserted that recent adjustments to petrol prices would prevent the Dangote Refinery from offering lower prices and that NNPCL had become the exclusive offtaker of all products from the refinery.

In a statement released by NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the company clarified that petroleum product pricing, including that from the Dangote Refinery, is dictated by global market forces.

The recent changes in PMS pricing, it noted, do not affect the refinery’s access to the Nigerian market.

NNPCL noted that the refinery could sell its products at lower prices if the current market rates are perceived as high, and reiterated that domestic refining does not guarantee lower prices when compared to global parity pricing.

Furthermore, NNPCL stated that it would only become a full offtaker from the Dangote Refinery if PMS market prices exceeded local pump prices.

It also made clear that both the Dangote Refinery and other domestic refineries are free to sell directly to any marketers on a willing buyer, willing seller basis.

NNPCL denied any intention of becoming the sole distributor for the refinery’s products and underscored its billion-dollar investment in the business, urging MURIC to verify facts before making public statements that could incite the public.

By Uzair Adam

The Edo State Government has indefinitely postponed the resumption of all schools in the state in response to the recent hike in fuel prices.

This decision was conveyed through a memo from Ojo Akin-Longe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, in Benin on Saturday.

According to the memo, schools, which were set to reopen on Monday, September 9, 2024, will remain closed until further notice.

“The Edo State Government announces the postponement of the resumption of all public and private schools, originally scheduled for September 9, 2024, until further notice,” stated Akin-Longe.

The statement explained that the rising tension stemming from the increase in fuel prices and the financial strain on parents and guardians prompted the government’s decision.

In light of this, the government urged parents and caregivers to closely monitor their children during this period of uncertainty.

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 Aisha Musa Auyo 

September is globally declared Sickle Cell Awareness Month.  The month is dedicated to raising awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD) and the challenges faced by those living with this inherited blood disorder. It serves as an opportunity to educate the public, promote early diagnosis, and advocate for better treatment options and research. 

The month also highlights the importance of genetic screening, support for patients and families, and increased funding to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by SCD. Through community events, health campaigns, and social media, advocates aim to bring attention to the urgent need for action and support for those impacted by sickle cell disease.

Today, I want to discuss sickle cell disease from a social and psychological perspective rather than a medical one. While I’m not a medical doctor, I’ll focus on the impact this condition has on families and individuals beyond the clinical aspects.

Anyone who knows me as a relationship coach knows that I deeply love and believe in love. I advocate for it passionately. However, when it comes to marriage, love is just one of many essential foundations. I’ll be very realistic here—there’s much more needed to make a marriage thrive. We’re all witnesses to the struggles and the painful moments of crisis of sickle cell sufferers. We know how their parents strain to cope with the financial demands at times of crisis.

For AS-AS couples who choose to look beyond their genotype and marry for love, the romantic vision they once had is often overshadowed by constant worry, fear, and apprehension. The looming possibility of having a child with sickle cell disease adds significant stress. After having children, the anxiety only deepens, with parents constantly fearing an impending crisis or managing one. This often results in the other children not receiving the care and attention they need, as the focus shifts primarily to the sick child.

Sometimes, the mother has to forfeit most of her dreams and aspirations because she’s always in and out of the hospital. I don’t want to mention the fear, horror, and pain they endure whenever their kids are in the hospital. The hospital becomes the second home of sickle cell kids with their parents. 

These parents hardly have any social life outside their homes and hospitals. The mothers, who are naturally more emotional, tend to be most affected by this.

Now, let’s discuss the pain and agony of sickle cell children. As much as I hate to write about it, we have to do it.  The pain experienced by a sickle cell patient is not only severe but often unpredictable. It can occur when least expected. 

The crisis stems from the sickle-shaped red blood cells that block blood flow, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues and causing intense pain. The pain can affect various parts of the body, particularly the bones, joints, chest, and abdomen. It can be acute (lasting hours to days) or chronic (persistent over time). The episodes are triggered by stress, dehydration, cold, or infections. The ensuing pain can be debilitating, leading to hospitalisations and significantly affecting the patient’s quality of life.

As these children grow older, many develop feelings of resentment toward their parents. They feel that their parents prioritised their desires over the potential suffering of their children. Every painful episode and crisis can remind you of choices made without fully considering the long-term consequences. This resentment stems from a sense of betrayal as they bear the physical and emotional toll of a decision that was not theirs. Parents often face this blame, which adds another layer of pain to an already difficult journey.

Parents in this situation are bound to carry the heavy burden of guilt and regret. Some marriages don’t survive the strain, leading to divorce, while others remain intact but with the painful decision to stop having children. 

I’ve seen firsthand the difficult choices couples make, including terminating multiple pregnancies because the babies were predicted to have sickle cell disease. It begs the question—why start down this path in the first place, knowing the potential heartache? No one should have to make these choices, and it’s a reminder of the importance of understanding genetic risks before taking that step.

Dear aspiring couples, Love, while beautiful, is not enough to withstand the many challenges that marriage brings. If both of you carry the AS genotype, I urge you to reconsider your relationship. There are many potential partners out there, and though it may be difficult, stepping away now could save you unimaginable heartache later. Trust me, it’s not worth the pain.

To couples already married with the AS genotype, please think carefully before bringing more children into the world. Consider the immense suffering that comes with sickle cell disease—for both you and your child. Spare them the pain and constant crises. Your love can be expressed in ways that protect their future.

Dear parents of children with sickle cell, my heart goes out to you. As a fellow parent, I can only imagine the trauma, pain, regrets, and difficult choices you face. The physical, financial, and emotional toll can feel overwhelming at times. 

Please remember that this is beyond your control, and you are doing your best for your child. Stay strong and lean on each other for support. Don’t hesitate to seek help from family, and make time for yourselves to recharge. Remember, there’s a life outside the hospital and home—try to socialise and find moments of joy. 

Connect with other parents who understand your journey, learn the best ways to care for your child, and never stop seeking knowledge. Above all, pray for Allah’s guidance and strength. You are not alone, and you will get through this.

Dear sickle cell warrior, please know your parents are deeply feeling your pain. They live with a mix of empathy and guilt, wishing they could take away your suffering. While they can’t change the course of destiny, they are sacrificing so much to ensure you have the care and support you need. Their love for you runs incredibly deep, often even more so because of the battles you face. If they could go back and change things, they would do so in a heartbeat. Always remember that your health and happiness mean the world to them.

The spread of the sickle cell genotype can end in a few generations when we intentionally avoid reproducing that genotype. It is a must for all of us to know our genotype before engaging in any serious relationship with the opposite gender. A stitch in time saves nine.

In my next post on this topic, I will discuss prevailing medical solutions in the management and treatment of sickle celldisease.

Aisha Musa Auyo is a Doctorate researcher in Educational Psychology. A wife, a mother, a homemaker, caterer, parenting, and relationship coach. She can be reached via aishamuauyo@live.co.uk.

By Uzair Adam

The Sokoto State Government has equipped the newly established Community Guard Corps with 20 Hilux vans and 710 motorcycles.

The vehicles were handed over on Thursday by Col. Abdul Usman (Rtd.), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, during a ceremony at the corps’ state headquarters.

The Daily Reality reports that the move was part of the government’s strategic efforts to address rising security concerns in the state.

Commanders from the 13 local government areas most affected by banditry were present to receive the vehicles.

Col. Usman highlighted that the provision of the vehicles aims to enhance the corps’ reach, particularly in remote areas of their communities.

He also stressed the need for responsible use, reminding the personnel that the vehicles are strictly for official purposes.

“These vehicles and motorcycles are not for personal use. The government has invested significantly in acquiring them, so ensure they are well-maintained and used appropriately,” he advised.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A shocking revelation came from the 44 Army Referral Hospital in Kaduna State, where over 200 soldiers injured in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists and bandits are receiving medical attention.

Despite their sacrifices, these brave men and women claim they have been neglected by the Nigerian Army authorities, forced to pay for their own treatment and buy drugs out of pocket. 

One soldier, paralysed from the waist after being shot by Boko Haram terrorists, spoke out about the dire situation.

“We’re begging for help. We need assistance with our treatment, but the army has abandoned us. We’ve had to pay for our own surgeries, and no one has reimbursed us.” 

Another soldier echoed this sentiment, saying, “We’re helpless. We’re buying our own drugs, and the army is not supporting us the way they should. It’s like they’ve forgotten about us.” 

The soldiers also alleged that they have not received the special disability compensation they are entitled to, and that their welfare and treatment have been grossly neglected. 

Despite attempts to reach the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, for comment, there was no response. 

This reflects the plight of Nigeria’s injured soldiers and raises questions about the government’s commitment to supporting those who have risked everything to protect their country.