Nigeria

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has vowed to take action against contractors involved in constructing substandard school buildings nationwide.

Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, announced this during a training session for the commission’s Department of Physical Planning staff.

The training, in collaboration with the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) and Tectonics Engineering Group, focused on improving project quality through on-the-spot assessments.

Dr. Bobboyi emphasized that the UBEC would no longer tolerate poor project execution, reiterating the importance of providing a safe and conducive learning environment for children.

To ensure this, the commission plans to deploy monitors to inspect construction sites regularly, equipped with tools to assess material quality and compliance with design specifications.

The UBEC is working closely with NBRRI, led by Professor Samson Duna, and the Council for the Registration of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN) to ensure that the quality of school infrastructure meets the required standards.

Professor Duna highlighted the proactive measures being taken to prevent building collapses, particularly in school environments.

He stressed that contractors must adhere to specified material standards and that UBEC inspectors would be equipped to verify compliance on-site.

The initiative aims to safeguard the well-being of students and enhance the durability of educational facilities across the country.

By Uzair Adam

The Buji Local Government Council of Jigawa has confirmed the death of a 30-year-old man and his two-year-old son in a building collapse in Madabe village.

The council’s Information Officer, Alhaji Ali Safiyanu, disclosed that the boy’s 25-year-old mother survived the incident and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

The Daily Reality learned that the incident occurred on Sunday night during a heavy downpour. Badaruddeen Tijjani, the spokesman of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in the state, confirmed the incident and mentioned that an investigation is underway.

The flood between Thursday and Sunday in some villages in the area displaced about 400 households and destroyed approximately 1,000 farms.

The State Management Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has distributed relief items to the displaced persons camped in a local school.

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has initiated an investigation into a viral video showing a woman tearing up a Nigerian Standard Passport at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. 

According to NIS spokesperson Kenneth Udo, the individual involved has been identified and called in for further investigation. 

The video, widely shared on social media, shows a woman, identified as Mrs Igiebor, ripping her husband’s Nigerian passport shortly after their arrival at the Lagos Airport on Saturday, August 10, 2024. When confronted about her actions, Mrs. Igiebor responded, “Is it your passport?”

The NIS noted that the incident could be a violation of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended), which prohibits the willful destruction of Nigerian travel documents. 

The act specifies penalties for such offences, and if the allegations are proven, the individual’s actions will breach these provisions. 

The corresponding penalties are detailed under Section 10(h) of the same Act, which includes a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine.

Kenneth Udo emphasised the Service’s dedication to enforcing the Immigration Act to protect national security and uphold the dignity and integrity of the nation’s legal instruments.

By Muhammed Bello Umar 

The ongoing protest saga in Nigeria has brought to light the issue of hunger, which is affecting many Nigerians. The protests, which began as a call to end bad governance, have snowballed into a wider outcry against government corruption, poor governance, and economic hardship.

Many Nigerians, especially those in lower-income brackets, have been struggling to make ends meet due to the economic impact of the pandemic (hunger virus) and decades of mismanagement by the government. With the protests shutting down major cities across the country, many businesses have been forced to close, leaving workers without income.

It is important to acknowledge that bigotry and discrimination can exist in any society, including Nigeria. The Nigerian government and its citizens have the responsibility to promote inclusivity, diversity, and equal rights for all individuals. 

The Nigerian Constitution provides for the protection of fundamental human rights, and it is essential that these rights are upheld and respected in all aspects of democratic practices.

A sharp rise in food prices has compounded the bigotry situation, as the cost of basic food items such as rice, beans, and cooking oil has skyrocketed. This has left many people unable to afford even the most basic necessities.

The government has responded by promising to address the concerns of the protesters and to implement reforms, but many Nigerians remain sceptical. In the meantime, this has made Nigerians keen on the government’s response to current happenings in society.

The hunger virus affecting Nigerians is a symptom of a much larger problem, and the country can only hope to overcome it through sustained efforts to address poverty and inequality.

There are roadblocks to a strong democracy in Nigeria at all levels of government. Conflict—triggered by political competition and communal, ethnic, religious or resource allocation rivalries—poses a major threat to democracy. Corruption pervades the daily lives of Nigerians.

Muhammed Bello Umar wrote via princemub28@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has strongly condemned the burning of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Kontagora town by suspected hoodlums, describing the act as “mindless and cowardly.” 

In a statement, Governor Bago stated that the attack was not only a violation of the Christian community but also a threat to the state’s harmony and unity. 

The governor assured citizens that the government prioritizes their safety, security, and freedom of religion, saying, “We will not condone this act of violence.” 

Governor Bago has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

He urged the people of Kontagora to remain calm and avoid reprisal attacks, noting the importance of preserving peace and unity in the state.

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kano State Council inaugurated its newly elected executives on August 10, 2024. 

Abdulrazak Bello Kaura, Secretary of NUJ Zone A, disclosed this information in a statement on Sunday, which The Daily Reality obtained.

Kaura emphasised that the event showcased unity and commitment, with notable dignitaries from various sectors in attendance. 

This turnout underscored the Union’s crucial role in promoting professional journalism in Nigeria.

The statement read, “The ceremony featured the Vice President of NUJ Zone A, Muhammad Tukur Umar, who represented the National President, Chief (Dr.) Chris Isiguzo. 

“In his keynote address, Tukur Umar emphasised the need for the new leaders to prioritise the welfare and unity of NUJ members. 

“He called for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity during their tenure to ensure effective and impactful leadership.”

Representing the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, was the Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Dantiye. 

Dantiye congratulated the newly inaugurated executives in his remarks and pledged the government’s support. 

“He urged the leaders to seize this opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth and development of journalism in Kano State,” the statement continued.

Comrade Abdulrazak Bello Kaura, Zonal Secretary of NUJ Zone A administered the oath of office. 

The event was attended by a distinguished array of guests, including the Deputy National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the National President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the Commissioner of Justice, and the National President of NAWOJ. 

“Their presence added to the significance and colour of the occasion,” the statement added.

Kaura concluded, “The inauguration of the NUJ Kano State Council Executives is seen as a pivotal moment for the Union, with expectations high for the new leadership to uphold the values of dedication and integrity while working towards the Union’s growth and the betterment of its members.”

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD

With my viva voce a few days ago, the sojourn that began five years ago has ended. Although the coursework started late, around May 2019, it was successfully navigated through that year.

Postgraduate students often think coursework should be eliminated. They wonder how a PhD student could be sitting in a four-corner wall in the name of lectures, arguing that PhD candidates should dive straight into research. However, after completing the coursework, none of us agreed with that sentiment.

One notable sacrifice that potential postgraduate students should be prepared to make is financial freedom. Study not only limits one income but also eats deep into the fabric of the little one on the hand—it is an attack from a double front. So, it only takes individual ambition to succumb to that.

One common question from those considering enrolment but still undecided is, “How long will it take to finish a postgraduate program?” My quick response to them is to enrol as soon as possible because time will pass regardless. 

In Nigeria, pursuing a PhD is a journey where you likely only know the starting point, facing a path fraught with unforeseeable circumstances; the end sight can’t be rightly assured. While I read posts that some lucky individuals graduate in about three years, others aren’t as fortunate and may take seven years or more. So, I believe graduating in five years is an average.

The first major hurdle of my five-year PhD journey emerged at the beginning of 2020. Immediately after the year clocked, the COVID-19 pandemic struck the globe. The world came to a standstill as countries implemented stringent measures to combat the virus. In Nigeria, after the first confirmed case was announced in late February, we swiftly followed suit; wearing facemasks, using hand sanitisers, and maintaining strict social distancing became the order of the day. 

Despite the initial disruptions, as the pandemic began to wane, my supervisor and I would forge on, adapting precautionary measures. The lockdowns would be a blessing in disguise as they provided valuable time for my supervisory team and me to finalise our research topic and draft a comprehensive literature review manuscript.

Another significant hurdle arose with the ASUU strike. As early as February 2022, the agitation for the government to implement the 2009 agreement mounted. It began as warnings but escalated into an indefinite strike lasting eight months. Like the COVID-19 pandemic, the strike ultimately became a diamond in the rough. It afforded me more interactions with my advisors and crucially facilitated a collaboration with the Centre for Resources Recovery in Sweden, known for its extensive work in my research area. Leveraging the online meeting platforms adopted during the pandemic, such as Zoom, expedited our collaboration.

Another serious hurdle I encountered was frequent power outages. Just as I was about to enter the lab after completing all preparations, ABU experienced a series of power disruptions; their light would be cut due to failure to pay the bills—an issue I had never expected. This cultural shock paled in comparison when I later heard that even Aso Rock faced threats of power cuts. The inconsistency of electricity, compounded by national grid collapses and ABU light cuts made the initial stages of setting the research in motion unforgettable.

A five-year journey demanding a high level of commitment, teamwork, tight schedules, and stringent deadlines, in addition to the inherent conflicting perspectives in group work, inevitably led to clashes—sometimes titanic ones. However, what mattered most was understanding each other’s viewpoints and even finding humour in the aftermath. You have an added advantage for those who are naturally diplomatic, persuasive, and humorous: you will come to handle such pressures far more easily.

One of the major successes of my PhD journey was the significant contribution to knowledge pioneering an innovative method: the development of mesoporous support for heterogeneous fermentation for the first time. This achievement has culminated in forthcoming publications in high-impact (or not-so) journals, the filing of a patent, and facilitated international collaborations.

No matter how daunting the task may seem, it can’t be insurmountable, provided there is consistent effort (even a bit), patience, and perseverance.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD, is a public affairs commentator and science writer. He can be reached via bilal4riid13@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has set up a panel to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against a professor from the Faculty of Arts.

The university announced the formation of the panel through a circular issued by Mr. B. D. Jonathan, the panel’s secretary.

The Daily Reality gathered that the identity of the accused professor has not been disclosed in the circular, which was made available to journalists in Benin.

The university has called on staff and students with relevant information or who are potential victims to come forward.

The circular assures confidentiality and protection for those who provide information.

The decision to form the panel follows social media allegations made by a former student who claimed to have experienced severe harassment from the professor during her undergraduate studies.

By Umar Umar Namadi

The Scoop Storytelling Initiative recently held a two-day workshop for journalists at Ventures Park, Maitama, in Abuja. The workshop focused on the art of inclusive storytelling, particularly for underrepresented and marginalised communities. 

In her opening remarks, Zainab Bala, the founder and Executive Director of the Scoop Storytelling Initiative, shared the personal motivations that fueled her journey to becoming a distinguished storyteller. Her passion for amplifying the voices of marginalised individuals led to the creation of this nonprofit initiative, which seeks to give a platform to those whose stories often go unheard.

The workshop aimed to inspire participants to craft stories that resonate with readers, drive meaningful change, and influence policies. 

The sessions were rigorous and diverse, covering key topics such as solution-oriented storytelling, data representation in journalism, language sensitivity, multimedia storytelling, conflict reporting, cultural competency, and intersectionality in storytelling. 

Zainab Bala herself, along with other experts, led these sessions, which provided participants with a comprehensive toolkit, instilling in them the confidence to engage with and impact their communities through their work.

After the workshop, participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their commitment to elevating the voices of the marginalised through impactful storytelling. 

Through this initiative, the Scoop Storytelling Initiative continues its mission of empowering journalists to tell stories that matter—stories that reflect the complexities of the human experience and inspire actions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Polish government has refuted claims that its nationals, arrested in Kano, Nigeria, displayed the Russian flag during a protest.

The six students and their lecturer were detained on August 6, along with six Spanish nationals, for allegedly participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest. 

Peter Afunanya, spokesperson for the Department of State Services, stated that the Poles were arrested “because of where they were found during the protests and for displaying foreign flags.”

However, the Polish foreign ministry denied this allegation, saying the group “merely took photos” and did not participate in the protest. 

The students, who were on an exchange program at Bayero University, Kano, are being held on unclear charges.

The University of Warsaw has made their release a top priority, with the Rector, Alojzy Nowak, in contact with the detainees. 

Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Jakub Wisniewski has pleaded for their safe return, expressing skepticism about the Russian flag claim.

“I personally find this claim hard to believe. We are urging for their safe return home, where their loved ones are anxiously waiting for them.” 

Former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Professor Bola Akinterinwa, advised the Polish government to be patient and allow the investigation to be completed.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Poland, Omooba Ayoola, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of the students and their lecturer.