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 ASUU vs Buhari’s Government; What Kind of Public University Do We Want?

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ASUU President Prof ,Biodun Ogunyemi

 

 

By,

 

Abdelghaffar Amoka Abdelmalik

 

The interesting piece from Mr Salihu Muhammad Lukman, the DG of the Progressive Governors’ Forum is an indication that ASUU is alone in the fight for the survival of the public universities. While he analyzed the damage the ASUU strike has done to university education in Nigeria, he refused to x-ray the damage that the improper funding of the universities has done to university education. He also failed to critically evaluate the little input we had in public universities for the last 30 years. He deliberately refused to acknowledge that it is the proceeds o…

: Trumpet. The tone now is that the agreement reached with Jonathan’s government is not implementable. How amazing that the agreement they once supported is no more implementable. So, what were they supporting then? It is either they lack principle or Nigerian politicians generally lack principle.

 

You would have expected that as soon as the government took over in 2015 it will put up a committee from public universities, the government, and other stakeholders to review the NEEDS Assessment report of public universities and the 2009 and 2013 ASUU-FG agreements. And also be mandated to figure out ways to source funds for the implementation to permanently end the strikes and funding crisis in public universities. But it wasn’t the APC-led government priority, instead, ASUU and the university systems were left alone. The union has no meaningful audience and discussion with the government from 2015 till the declaration of the ASUU-2017 strike. Sadly, the onlookers ended up blaming ASUU, not FG. An agreement was then reached, the strike suspended, and the agreement was not implemented. Consequently, led to the ASUU-2018 strike. An agreement was reached that was again not implemented and along with IPPIS enforcement on the universities, the ASUU-2020 strike came up. Of course, the Federal government won’t get the blame for not implementing the agreement but ASUU. The strike is now suspended on conditions. If the agreement is not implemented by January 31st, 2021, ASUU will be blamed and not FG. But come to think of it. What sort of government will allow a strike to last for 9 months? 9 unbelievable months. Of course, ASUU is blamed and not FG. What sort of people watch the government-run an expensive democracy at the expense of education and other critical sectors and keep quiet?

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ASUU STRIKES: Sack And Re-Apply Model As The Ultimate Solution

It is over 5 years of Buhari’s government, the government is fully aware of the decay in the education sector- the main reason why the president and his government officials send their kids abroad for education. Yet, FG has no clear policy to reposition education and universities in particular. So, what sort of Universities do we want to have? A mere clearing houses or institutions that can compete with any other one in the world like we use to have till the 70s? Meanwhile, even with the funding crisis in the universities, the federal and state governments are still establishing more universities without funding plans. What do APC governments intend to achieve with the current establishment of more universities and other tertiary institutions? Why does ASUU need to go on strike for the universities to get attention from the government? The amazing part is that those in the government that used to be in academics are not talking. Were they overpowered as a minority in the government or just a display of hypocrisy? FG is sure our employer through the respective University Governing Council. You want your employee to be productive? You give him all that he needs to be comfortable to work perfectly well.

 

I got a postdoc job in Norway around May 2013 and in August 2013, I received an email that they are ready to receive me in Trondheim by 1st of Sept 2013. I eventually got there last week of September because I got d visa last week of August. I was shown my office with a brand new computer that was delivered just before my arrival. I was then taken to my lab located at SINTEF basement. And Lars said: Abdel, this is where you will be spending your 2 years and we laughed. In the lab was 2 High voltage sources, Omicron partial discharge detectors, photomultiplier tubes, CCD camera, amplifiers, oscilloscope, signal generators, pressure stuff, pressure test cell, etc. I met a complete lab that gladdens my heart and mine was to use all that was in there to get results.

 

Then, I had an issue securing a visa for my wife to join me. I was destabilized. The department and international office quickly took it over and we got a visa for my wife within a few days. And Lars said: Now that you can bring your wife here to be with you, I hope we can now have the whole of you here to do our work. My wife joined me, they got the whole of me and we got the results that were above their expectation. NTNU Trondheim is one of the public universities in Norway. That is a working system that wants results. They provide for you your every need and they are getting the results.

 

In Nigeria, very little is spent on research and teaching facilities in our universities. The undergraduate and postgraduate student laboratories are in a terrible state. Goodluck Jonathan’s PDP government put up the NEEDS Assessment committee that was chaired by Professor Mahmud Yakubu. They went around to assess the university infrastructures and they were pathetic scenes. The pictures were published. How can you train fully baked students for BSc, MSc, and Ph.D. degrees with such facilities? Universities are supposed to be research hubs blessed with a group of solution developers. So, how do you develop solutions without facilities and funds? These were among the reasons that made the FG NEEDS Assessment committee recommended that as of 2012, 1.3 trillion naira is required to revitalize the public universities.

 

President Buhari’s government has put a lot of emphasis on diversification and universities are sources of foreign exchange for many countries. The UK government estimates an income of over £5 billion excluding tuition fees from international students every year. International students contributed $45 billion to the U.S. economy in 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. International students were reported to contribute an average of RM7.2bn (£1.4bn) to Malaysia per year via tuition fees and other living expenses. Malaysian leaders not beclouded with greed were able to see that education is not just the key to national development but also a source of foreign exchange and they key into it. Education was allocated RM50.4 billion (over NGN4.6 trillion) in Malaysia’s 2021 budget proposal. The expectation in 2020 was to hit a target of 200,000 international students in Malaysia to generate RM15.6 billion. What is education to us? What are the expectations? How do we make our university programs attractive to international scholars without facilities? How do we make our universities attractive to the rest of the world without facilities? How do we get global recognition and ranking with our laboratories having 70s teaching facilities?

 

Chief Obafemi Awolowo was quoted to have said: “I do not want the children of my drivers to be drivers to my children, neither do I want the children of my cooks to be cooks to my children. Nevertheless I want free access to education for all”. It is time to define the kind of education that we want, public universities inclusive. If Buhari’s government is serious about public universities revitalization and sourcing for the fund to implement that, he needs to take charge like Jonathan did in 2013 and stop looking at the issue from a labor point of view and ministerial conciliatory meetings. It is not too late to put up a team of “serious-minded” people from the stakeholders with specific terms of reference and timeline to figure out ways to raise the fund to reposition the universities and improve the conditions of service of the university workers. That I think is the only way we can bring an end to the perennial strike actions in public universities.

Abdelghaffar Amoka Abdelmalik Department of Physics Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

aaabdelmalik@abu.edu.ng

Opinion

Kano APC Crisis: An Open Letter to President Tinubu

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I hope this letter finds you well Your Excellency. As Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads, I write to you today as a concerned and dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress in Kano, compelled by the urgency of our nation’s challenges and aware of your unwavering determination to steer it unto the path of greatness.

But a united front is indispensable in achieving your grand plan for the nations success. Internal party crisis in my dear state, threatens the very foundation upon which your vision lies – unity – and this I write to you today, eager spark meaningful dialogue and constructive action on your part.

Mr. President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and leader of our party, your urgent intervention is crucial to address the pressing issues at hand. If left unattended, it may escalate into a crisis that could have far-reaching and devastating consequences for the party, making it challenging to manage. Your timely action would help mitigate this risk and ensure the party’s stability.

In Kano, it is generally acknowledged that Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former governor and current National Chairman, leads our party. Members have consistently shown loyalty to his leadership since day one.

You will also recall that Dr. Ganduje actively supported your presidential bid, demonstrating a pure, genuine and unmixed commitment to your cause during both the presidential primaries and general elections. However, some individuals now seek to drive a wedge between you and the Chairman, feeling threatened by his influential position as the National Chairman of our great party.

Mr President sir, It is imperative to hold the Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin accountable for plunging the All Progressives Congress into an avoidable crisis since taking office. As a seasoned politician and senator representing Kano North since 2015, his actions have significant implications. Barau Jibrin’s leadership has sparked division within the party, necessitating urgent attention to prevent further escalation.

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Due to the recent removal of Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo as Minister, the All Progressives Congress is facing an unprecedented crisis in Kano North, a stronghold of the party since 2015. This division, fueled by Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin’s actions, threatens the party’s stability. As a leader, Mr. President, it’s crucial to address this issue sustainably.

Barau Jibrin’s political strategy and human relations have been questionable, yet his influence led to the sacking of a loyal minister, Gwarzo. This decision was disheartening, considering Gwarzo’s impressive track record as a generous, humble, and grassroots politician. The people of Kano are upset, and rightfully so.

It’s essential to recognize Barau Jibrin’s intentions. He’s only loyal to you, Mr. President, because of your current position. History shows he’ll turn against you once you’re no longer in office. His self-serving nature is evident in his interactions with grassroots politicians.

To pacify the people and resolve the ongoing crisis, reappointing Gwarzo is imperative. This move will demonstrate your commitment to loyalty and fairness. The APC’s future in Kano North depends on it.

Mr. President, to ensure the party is back on track, it is crucial to prioritize collaboration with loyalists and consider the input of key stakeholders in Kano. This means moving away from decision-making that caters to a single individual who claims control over Kano North. Instead, foster an inclusive approach that values diverse perspectives and promotes unity within the party.

By doing so, you’ll not only strengthen the party’s foundation but also demonstrate your commitment to fairness and representation. This approach will help prevent unnecessary conflicts and ensure that the party’s interests are truly served. It’s essential to recognize that the party’s success relies on collective efforts, not individual interests.

For your information Mr President, Barau’s electoral successes can be attributed to the popularity of the House of Representatives candidates from his Senatorial District. These individuals are widely admired and respected by their constituents. However, rather than leveraging his own strengths, Barau has consistently relied on the goodwill and reputation of these candidates to secure his own victories, essentially seeking shelter under their umbrella.

It’s not yet too late for the President to do the needful for the interest of Kano State and the party at large. With the weight of history and the hopes of a generation on your shoulders, I urge you to confront the harsh realities that threaten our collective progress.

Nabahani Yusuf Gogori writes from Gogori town in Bagwai

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Opinion

Unmasking Excellence : Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s (Jagora) Leadership Style

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By Abba Anwar

Without any doubt, Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s name rings bell in Kano politics, particularly, in his political zone, Kano South. It rings bell not because he is terrifying, but simply because, his name, alone, signifies examplary leadership, selfless service to humanity, genuine loyalty and un-arguable commitment for the survival of the party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in this context.

While he is not a seeker of any elective public office, or party position, as I study him and his political antecedents, he believes, supporting party leadership and followership is one of the surest ways of strengthening the party, against all odds. I kindly call my readers to go to Rogo and substantiate my submission.

Here is a lone Jagora (leader) who spends from his hard earned resources to support the party without thinking of getting anything from anybody, no matter how highly placed, that person could be. His magnanimous touches go beyond party lines. Go to Rogo and seek for more clarification.

If Kano APC is really serious about mending fences, gaining more grassroot support, bouncing back in pre, during and post 2027, people like Idi Zare must be on board. I never met this gentleman. In fact I don’t even know his face, anyway. I come from Dala local government, Kano Central. But I came to know about him for quite sometime now.

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He, unlike many of our politicians, made his fortunes outside government. But he spends stupendously in people’s welfare, needs and loyalty. One good thing about him, is, while engaging in such activities, he is not vying for any position. Meaning, this gentleman is acting the script of his good heart. He is indeed a morale booster from whatever standpoint you look at him.

This is somebody whose loyalty is not dangling. He supports what he believes in, with all his heart. By whatever standard, Zare is a Phoenix. And trains people to become that.

I caption this piece, as Unmasking Excellence… because, here is a strong party man, whose support and faith in the party and beyond, are more or less, left near lowest ebb. If we can have enough Zare’s replica from all our political zones, in Kano, regret and backwardness could be things of the past. No doubt about this!

I can also understand that, even among our APC strong men in the state, only those of them who are more loyal and sensitive to the welfare of the party members, are the ones that understand his (Zare) worth and work with him hand in hand, for the survival of the party, in the state and the nation in general.

Zare’s clear understanding of political cohesion as a recipe for good governance gives him more courage to see to the welfare and unassuming political engagement with the view to bring all politicians to state growth and development.

The issue goes beyond dishing out resources to people for massaging the economic hardship, he helps in perfecting people’s transportation network, via the provision of vehicles for their personal use. He recently distributed cars and motorbikes for his people. Not because he got a single Kobo from any government institution. He uses his hard earned money to do what he sincerely believes in.

He is also being disturbed by the economic hardship plaguing the society. Which makes hunger more visible than before. That makes him to be up and doing in cushioning the effect of this ugly experience. He distributes foodstuff on frequent basis. To help body and soul live together.

Zare Jagora is not any super human being, only that he believes in making people happy. While being interested in developing his people, without recourse to any ambition or expectations, he believes when man is developed, all other systems can work in harmony to each other.

If and only if, APC as a strong party in Kano, and the nation in general, is really interested in victory, strength and service to humanity, Zare’s legacy and immense contributions to humanity should not be downgraded to the bottom of the ladder.

Anwar was former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

November 4th, 2024

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Opinion

Northern Nigeria’s Silence Amidst Rising Injustices: A Call for a Return to Principled Leadership

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The worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria is no longer merely a concern—it has become a full-blown crisis threatening the lives and liberties of millions. Kidnapping, once considered the work of hardened criminals, is now perceived as a lucrative trade. Even more disturbing is the encroachment of this practice into governance, with reports of state authorities detaining citizens under questionable circumstances, particularly young protesters. These developments raise difficult questions about the strength and integrity of leadership in Northern Nigeria and leave us wondering whether the region still has leaders who genuinely represent its people.

The recent detention of minors, allegedly in unhealthy conditions, illustrates this chilling trend. These young individuals were reportedly taken by the authorities while engaging in a protest to call for better governance. Their alleged crime? Waving a foreign flag, in this case, the Russian flag, which authorities deemed treasonous. They did so, perhaps naively, without recognizing the potential implications, yet the state treated them with severity, reportedly requiring a staggering N10 million per person as bail. In contrast, individuals in Southern Nigeria have raised foreign flags and voiced secessionist sentiments without facing equivalent punishments.

This discrepancy raises difficult questions about the consistency of the law and whether it is applied equally across the country. Why are Northern youth held to such strict standards while similar actions in other regions seem to be treated with leniency? Historically, the North was known for its stalwart leaders—individuals who stood up for the people, challenged the government when necessary, and never allowed the region to be compromised. Leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, and Malam Aminu Kano left a legacy of dignity, integrity, and advocacy for Northern interests. These figures prioritized the wellbeing of their people, standing up against exploitation and injusticeTheir voices resonated across Nigeria, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Today, however, the lack of a unified voice from Northern leaders is disheartening. In the past, these leaders would not have hesitated to demand justice for the detained minors or to negotiate on behalf of their people. Now, the silence of Northern elites on issues like insecurity, youth incarceration, and poor governance has left a void. Instead of elders standing firmly to shield and protect the region’s youth, we are witnessing a tragic indifference that has left many young people feeling abandoned. This crisis of leadership in Northern Nigeria has had severe consequences. Kidnapping and banditry are ravaging communities, youth are disillusioned, and the voices of the people are ignored or, worse, suppressed.

The North is bleeding, and without intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate. To the elders of the North, if indeed they still exist in spirit and purpose, it is time to rise. The North needs a collective, principled voice to stand against injustice and ensure that the region’s youth are protected and that their futures are not sacrificed to lawlessness or state oppression. The need for Northern Nigeria to reclaim its dignified, protective, and principled leadership has never been more urgent. It is time to break the silence.

Abubakar Ibrahim can be reach via:

habuibrahim76@gmail.com
+2348098454956

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