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Opinion

The Story Of The Nigerian Academic And The ASUU

Published

4 years ago

on

Abdelgafar Amoka

 

By Abdelgafar Amoka

 

Some colleagues at home and in the diaspora that can’t stand ASUU have decided to pick up a new job to portray ASUU as the bad guy and the major problems of public universities rather than a solution.

 

 

They ascribed the mischievous and unfortunate activities of few academics in the universities to ASUU and claimed that these elements that should ordinarily have no business being in academics are shielded by ASUU.

 

 

 

They are also of the opinion that there are no quality thoughts and research in our universities. Meanwhile, they are divided in the quality of teaching in public universities. While some of them are of the opinion that the quality of undergraduate teaching is still good as our graduates are still able to cope during their postgraduate studies abroad, some insisted that Nigerian lecturers are bad from head to toe.

 

I will always use my nearly 16 years of experience in Academia to tell our story. There are quality thoughts in the form of good proposals on issues affecting our immediate society.

 

 

A researcher is expected to find solutions to problems in his immediate society first. But a good proposal is just a good idea on paper if there is no fund to execute them. As an Academic, I am not expected to use my salary that is barely enough to feed us for research. I am actually supposed to be made very comfortable to get the job done and funds are supposed to be available to assess on a fairground for research purposes, but that is sometimes not the case.

 

The government is supposed to engage their intellectuals and place policy-driven demands on them. But the government only puts money where some individuals have personal interest without any much expectations on output. Can you imagine that there is a budget for research for ministries but not for universities.

 

 

What research are they into at the ministries? I keep mentioning “cause and effect”. We seems to have place much emphasis on “effect” without much reference to the “cause”. Not much of impactful research is going on in our universities as expected because the relevant stakeholder has not created that structure.

 

 

No adequate provision for funds for that purpose. The drivers of our government agenda and policies prefer to buy a solution from abroad no matter the cost instead of engaging their intellectuals. That complex that anything from oyinbo land (abroad) is superior is still very much there.

 

The question is this; are the lecturers responsible to fund structures for research or the owner and the financier of the university? What makes a laboratory is not the space but the facilities in it. No organization will give you money to fill the space you call a lab to do research work for them. It is the facilities that you already have that will convince them that you have the capacity to do their research.

 

While I was in the UK, we use to have industrialists and potential collaborators visit our lab to see what we had to drive collaboration. When I got a scholarship for my PhD and I needed a university in the UK for it, I just googled “High Voltage Laboratories in the UK” and5 universities with that facilities pop up. I took the scholarship money to one of the universities. That is one of the issues ASUU is fighting for. Revitalization of public universities to put in place those facilities that will make it possible to effectively carry out research and teaching. Such facilities will also serve as a source of foreign exchange.

 

I still remember the university congregation that took place in 2008 where a member of the congregation asked of the budget for research. And I think the response then was that no budget for research but that he has set aside 10 million naira for research. I was a PhD student at the university then. The 10m naira if given to only me was not enough to acquire the facilities for my PhD research before luck came my way with the scholarship that took me out. No provision for research in the university budget and the VC possibly set aside that 10 million from the internally generated fund. That is the level the policymakers have placed the universities. Just a teaching institution but they still blame the university for not doing research.

 

When I got back from the UK, I prepared a proposal that was sent to the VC. Thinking the university will be able to source for funds to execute the project. The next day, i got a call for an invitation from the VC to make a presentation of the proposal to the university management.

 

 

He was very impressed after the presentation and made motivating comments. At the end of the meeting, he asked me to put in some things and return the proposal to him. The proposal died a natural death after leaving his office. I sent the same proposal to NASENI, a government agency. The email response was that they will see what they can do and nothing till today. After discussion with some friends, contact was made to Sam Amadi, the then Head of NERC. He requested I send the proposal. I emailed it to him and never got a response till today. All these happened in 2013.

 

Then I left for a postdoc in Norway in September 2013. I continued the quest for a grant on my return in September 2015 and that same proposal eventually won the 2019 TETFund NRF research grant and we are working on it presently. Meanwhile, before the grant, I started crowdfunding among family and friends in 2018. I was able to raise about 1.4 million naira to buy a few stuff for my lab. Is that how to create a research environment? How many people are ready to go this extra to raise money from his family and friends for a university lab just to have facilities to work with?

Breaking:ASUU Suspends Strike

To the best of my knowledge, the financier is supposed to put up the structure and you use the structure to get grants to sustain the research activities and even make money for the university and foreign exchange from international students. Where is the infrastructure to challenge us? our universities have lecturers trained in the UK, US, Europe, China, Russia, etc. Rather than engaging us, they hire consultants abroad, a case study of the Malaysian economic consultants in 2017, to solve our local problem and pay them in USD.

 

But then, even with the limited funds, the universities are still making frantic efforts to put in place research facilities. ABU for example, has Multiuser science laboratories, NLNG multiuser laboratory in Engineering, the Biotech Centre, the African Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases, the recently established high voltage materials laboratory in the physics department, etc. With all these constraints, we have Professors and middle career academics in ABU with research grants, 20 to over a hundred articles in index journals, and a Scopus h-index from 7 to 20. There are quite a number of them in ABU. Our efforts despite the harsh environment should be commended.

 

You can’t keep telling me the country doesn’t have the money to make provision for research funds for universities in our budget. The international community believes that we have the money. That was the reason why they took Nigeria off the list of “education least developed countries” and researchers in Nigeria are not qualified for the 15,000 USD TWAS research grant for basic sciences. I got the grant in 2013 and while trying to reapply in 2016, I discovered that applicants from Nigeria are no longer qualified.

 

I sent an email in January 2018 to a senior colleague (British) at National Grid UK that I want to establish a high voltage lab in my university in Nigeria. And his response was that; “Abdel, it’s like you like to take on tough challenges. Starting a high voltage lab from nothing is a tough one”. I take on the tough challenge with my colleagues with personal efforts, personal funds, and begging. The photo is one of the facilities in our lab.

 

Of course, not everyone can go that extra mile and you can’t fault them. You are employed and supposed to be given what you need to work. You are not supposed to go that extra and even turn to a beggar just to get what you need to perform some of your responsibilities as an Academic. This is our story!

 

So, who do we blame? The FG (the financier) who is the “cause” and still establishing more universities without a funding plan, or the ASUU’s struggle for the survival of public universities which is the “effect”? What we’ve got is surely not good enough and we need to do more. So, if you can’t come to join us to rebuild the system, don’t condemn us but encourage us and offer the necessary support.

 

Meanwhile, if you know any Lecturer that is into sexual harassment, sex-for-mark, money-for-mark, extortion of students, admission racketeering, etc, in any university, report him to the management of that university and copy ASUU local branch and even the ASUU National president and watch if he is shielded.

 

If you refused to make such reports or take the necessary actions to stop such ills in our universities and decided to go to Facebook to blame ASUU like the “Professor” from Benue State University, Markudi, then you are part of the problem.

 

 

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Opinion

Let President Tinubu Rename University of Lagos After Gowon, Not Abuja

Published

5 days ago

on

December 18, 2024

By

Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

 

 

Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

I was not happy when Northwest University Kano was renamed to Yusuf Maitama Sule University, as student leaders of that University then, we followed the interest of the students who were also not happy with the renaming at that time for one reason; the renaming was politically motivated, to hurt the founder of the institution Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. I was busy mobilising students to protest, the next day I was invited to the DSS for questions where I spent hours and all the people we were mobilising the protest together ran and dissociated themselves from it. I have no option but to plead with the DSS to release me, assuring them that not a single student would protest the government’s action.

The renaming has affected many students who are seeking admission abroad; it’s Northwest University on my transcript and Yusuf Maitama Sule University on my certificate. This is kinda confusing and not good at all.

Politicians should immortalise individuals in their new projects not existing ones. The renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University is not good for the university’s alumni.

The President should have found a new project or built a new University by naming it after the former Head of State.

I don’t support the idea of playing politics by renaming our universities and this happens mostly in Nigeria.

Imagine waking up renaming the University of Maiduguri to Mohammed Goni University, Yobe State University to Ibrahim Geidam University, the University of Ibadan to Abiola Ajimobi University, the University of Lagos to Lateef Jakande University.

It will be bad for the alumni of the aforementioned universities to come across this.

Why is this only happening in Africa? Look at Makerere University in Uganda, it was established in 1920 but despite Yoweri Mosevenni’s long reign; he didn’t for once attempt to change it to even his name for selfish reasons.

He didn’t think of renaming the Entebbe International Airport after him but in Nigeria, we have this culture of renaming everything after individuals.

If you want to be immortalised, leave a lasting legacy as Gowon did in establishing NYSC. That enough is Okay and better than naming an institution after him.

President Tinubu should have renamed the University of Lagos after Gowon, not Abuja. I’m sure his people will reject this not for any reason but because of the large number of people that will be affected by it.

The University of Abuja Alumni were all crying over this painful decision.

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Opinion

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya: Champion of Civil Society and Good Governance in Northern Nigeria

Published

6 days ago

on

December 16, 2024

By

 

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, is an influential Civil Society figure in Kano State and Northern Nigeria. He is currently serving as the Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), he has dedicated many years of his civil society activism as advocate for the promotion of democracy, good governance, anti-corruption, peace building and women empowerment

Amb. Waiya, holds number of academic qualifications, including a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Kano State Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Master’s in Public International Law at Maryam Abacha, American University, Maradi, and he is currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy at Skyline University, Kano in International Relations

In the course of his career, he held several positions and managed a number of projects. He served as the Director, Alhilal Foundation, from 2003 to 2007, an organization which focused on women empowerment, through basic literacy and skills acquisition. He later coordinated the North West Zonal Office of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Foundation. Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, led and coordinated a number of Local Government Councils Elections Observation missions across 19 Northern states.

In 2011, Waiya managed the Campaign against Drug Abuse under the auspices of Northern Youth Assembly, a youth driven platform with leadership structures in the Nineteen Northern States. He served as Secretary, for both, Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign and Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Child Abuse, a project which was coordinated by the office of the Special Adviser, Child Welfare and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. His involvement in election observation coordination missions and various public engagements, highlights his commitment to civic engagement towards community development, democracy and good governance

Waiya’s extensive experience includes free consultancy support services to numerous Government Ministries and Agencies such as: Kano State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Kano State Ministry for Community and Rural Development, office of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State on Child Welfare, Ministry for Special duties, office of the special adviser, joint security services. He has facilitated numerous training workshops and seminars, impacting his knowledge, skills, experience on the community, particularly for community based organizations

In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed to several key positions, such as the President, of the Kano Civil Society Forum, Chairman of the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks, Convener, Nigeria for Peace Project, Managing partner, United Nigeria Project, Head of Secretariat, Kano Peace Committee, Secretary General, National Action for Women Agenda,(NAWA), chairman, Board of Trustees, Northern Youth Assembly, (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) Fellow, Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, Fellow, Institute of International Peace and Secure Society, Fellow, Institute of Business Diplomacy and Financial Management, member, Commission of Inquiry on Missing persons, member, Implementation Committee, on the Recommendations of the Report of the Commission of inquiry on missing persons, member, Commission of Inquiry to investigate, various political violence and cases of missing persons, that occurred in the State from 2015 – 2023, member, Commission of inquiry to investigate protest, arson and destruction of public and private properties that occurred from 1st – 10th August, 2024 Amb. Waiya, served as Consultant on various government projects, such as: Kano State Security Trust Fund, Safe Corridor, Campaign against Drug Abuse, across the 44 Local Government Council Areas. Amb. Waiya”s active participation in peace building, policy advocacy and legislative reform has continued to impact positive change in Kano State, the North and Nigeria at large.

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Opinion

“I Transition to PR and Digital Marketing to Transform Brands Globally” – Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah

Published

1 week ago

on

December 15, 2024

By

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As 2024 comes to a close, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah reflects on his journey from journalism to public relations (PR) and digital marketing. With over a decade of experience in media and communications, Ibrahim’s transition was fueled by a desire to empower businesses—starting with Northern Nigeria but extending globally—to build impactful narratives and achieve sustainable growth.

“Every brand, regardless of location, deserves access to the tools and expertise needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced world,” Ibrahim says. “My goal has always been to bridge the gap in strategic communication, ensuring that no business is left behind.”

From Journalism to Strategic Communication

Ibrahim’s illustrious journalism career spans over a decade, during which he served as a Senior Reporter at TVC News, covering critical developments, including the Kano State Government House for three successive administrations. His work involved breaking major news stories, producing multimedia content, and engaging audiences through digital platforms.

“I’ve always been passionate about communication, but I realized I wanted to do more than report stories—I wanted to help brands craft their own,” Ibrahim shares. “That’s what led me to pivot into PR and digital marketing.”

To equip himself for this new journey, Ibrahim pursued advanced studies, earning a Master’s in Communication Studies and a Master’s in Public Relations from Bayero University, Kano. He further honed his expertise with a Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing from the London School of Business Administration and a Master Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Skills Institute. These credentials underscore his commitment to mastering the art of strategic communication.

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Empowering Brands Through Ayrah Media Concept

As the CEO of Ayrah Media Concept (AMC), Ibrahim leads a PR and creative agency that provides businesses with tailored solutions, including PR consulting, social media management, corporate campaigns, and digital marketing.

“My vision is to empower brands to connect with their audiences, tell compelling stories, and achieve global relevance,” Ibrahim explains. “Through AMC, we’re showing businesses—whether in Northern Nigeria or beyond—that they can reach new heights with the right strategies.”

In 2024, AMC worked on several impactful campaigns, including Ibrahim’s role as a Lead Consultant for the WOFAN-ICON2 project in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, where he developed and executed PR and communication strategies to amplify the project’s impact.

Changing Perceptions and Building Bridges

Transitioning into PR and digital marketing came with challenges, including shifting perceptions about its value.

“Many businesses see PR and digital marketing as optional rather than essential,” Ibrahim says. “But the results are transformative. Strategic communication is not just about visibility; it’s about building trust, credibility, and lasting connections with your audience.”

This philosophy drives Ibrahim’s approach, ensuring that businesses of all sizes—whether local startups or established corporations—can access high-quality PR and marketing services.

Looking Ahead

Ibrahim’s vision for the future extends far beyond regional boundaries. While his roots and passion lie in Northern Nigeria, his focus is on creating strategies that resonate globally.

“Brands in Kano, Lagos, Abuja, or even New York share a common goal: to connect with people and make an impact,” he says. “My mission is to ensure that every business, regardless of size or location, has the tools and strategies to achieve that.”

In 2025, Ibrahim plans to document his professional journey in a book that will explore his experiences as a journalist and PR expert, offering insights into the evolving landscape of communication and its role in business success.

A Message of Gratitude

As he reflects on the year, Ibrahim expresses his gratitude to those who have supported his journey. “I’m incredibly thankful to my mentors, collaborators, and clients who have believed in my vision. Together, we’ve shown that impactful communication has the power to transform lives and businesses.”

With a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah is poised to lead the way in redefining PR and digital marketing, not just in Nigeria but across the globe.

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