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Opinion

The Story Of The Nigerian Academic And The ASUU

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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

Gov. Yusuf’s executive order extending retirement age for HoS, Kano Assembly Clerk, and others unconstitutional

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Sani Usman-DanAbdullo, a Director of Admin and General Services at the Kano State Agency for the Control of Aids, KSACA, has written to the state assembly, seeking its intervention in the
Executive Order issued by Governor Abba Yusuf.

Mr DanAbdullo, in a petition dated January 6 and addressed to Speaker of the Assembly, Jibrin Ismail Falgore, recalled that the governor had in January 2025 issued Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, extending the service period of some civil servants.

According to him, the governor extended the service year of the Head of Service, Assembly Clerk, some judicial officers, Permanent Secretaries and a host of other staff in the state health sector for 2 years after they were due for retirement as of December 2024.

The lawyer also recalled that the state assembly had enacted a law fixing the retirement of staff at 60 years of age or 35 years of service, depending on whichever comes first.

Mr DanAbdullo, therefore, asserted that the governor’s executive order was unconstitutional, “since the House has already made laws which the order seeks to alter”.

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He noted that that executive order is not meant to alter, amend, modify or expand the law made by the legislature.

“This act, is, therefore, a clear violation of the principles of rule of law and separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution being not only a clear attempt to usurp the legislative powers of this Honourable House, but to contradict the existing laws already enacted by it in exercise of its powers as such,” the petition added.

While dismissing a claim that the governor issued the order in the spirit of the Doctrine of Necessity, Mr DanAbdullo said there was no justification for extending the service years of the affected retired officers since there are many competent hands with adequate qualifications to be appointed.

“And as for the staff in the health sector, they can be retained on contract arrangement in line with the existing service law of Kano State,” the petition added.

Mr DanAbdullo, therefore, warned that the provisions of the Constitution must not be subordinated to any other law, and must not be subjected to the indignity of deletion of any section or part thereof.

“In view of the foregoing, I urge this esteemed House to employ all legal mechanism at its disposal to overrule the Governor’s decision in the act complained of, which is capable of setting a very dangerous precedent that will ruin the entire public service system of our dear State, if allowed.

“TAKE NOTICE Sir, this act of indiscriminate issuance of executive order, if allowed, will cause the entire Kano State the following catastrophic effects,”

The State Assembly failed to attend to the petition even if it means dismissing it for fear of the governor, if the petition is not attended to we will have no option but to go to court”. He added

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Opinion

The Movement (Tafiyar Matasa) and the Very Big Questions to Answer

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Comr. Habu Hassan Abdullahi

Comr. Habu Hassan Abdullahi

Yes, I am not some sort of social critic who would unfairly denigrate someone’s achievement for personal gain or political interest that I do not have. Thus, this is pre-eminently the right time to speak the truth to the members of my generation in Nigeria whether they care to accept it or not. But remember the truth is always truth and can stand alone.

No doubt that not everyone is happy with how leadership is running in this country, with the exception of those at the corridor of power. But this is not enough to be a raison d’etre to handle our dear nation to the hands of inexperienced youths. Forgive my pen for the use of “inexperienced”. Just because most of them have never been to real leadership. Of course, I am myself opposed to the exclusionary habit of the present politicians, they’ve relegated youths to the mantle of power but we have to cautiously control our faculty of thinking to avoid getting entangled in a lust for power.

I was very happy when I heard the idea of “The Movement” known as “Tafiyar Matasa” in the Hausa language. And of course, the genesis of the movement was attributed to the unavoidable “EndBadGovernance” protest of 1st August, 2024. The movement began immediately after the protest, in fact, it is one of the noticeable outcomes of the protest due to the unity it brought. The idea of the movement was preached and promoted by some prominent northern activists and social media influencers to serve as a last resort to the youths in their effort to bring good governance. No one can deny the fact this is a laudable effort. But the very big question supposed to be asked here is: youthfulness is the only parameter and yardstick to measure the caliber of a good leader? If yes, why Yahaya Bello (Former Governor of Kogi) and Abdurrasheeed Bawa (former EFCC Boss) were arraigned for looting the public treasury! The point I want to make here is, being young or old will not be a determining factor for an individual to be a good leader. We can have corrupt leaders within any range of age.

Another important issue to take into cognizance is the failure of some youths to comprehend the logic and existing distinction between being a good activist and being a good leader. Leadership is quite different from activism, therefore, a good activist may not necessarily be a good leader. It is common knowledge that the conveners of this important movement lack practical leadership acumen and organizational skills that are fundamental for successful leadership. Okay, should we handle our future to the trial and error leaders? We have to exercise extraordinary care when it comes to leadership.

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Yet another problem faced by this movement is financial constraints. To be sincere and frank, the quantum resources required to run a great national political movement like this oversizes the pockets of the conveners. Another organic question to ask here is: where the movement conveners can solicit humongous financial resources? From the politicians they are castigating? If yes, this is performative contradiction!

Finally, I would like to remind my fellow youths that new breed, as the late Yusuf Maitama said, cannot solve the Nigerian problem. There must be mutual cooperation and understanding between the new breed and old breed. We must work together with them to acquire all necessary experience, knowledge, and practical leadership skills.

Written by
Comr. Habu Hassan Abdullahi
From Bayero University, Kano
Department of Education
Contact via 07065941454 or habu92hassan@gmail.com

 

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Opinion

Time to Move on at the University of Abuja

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By Alabi Lut

In the past four months, the University of Abuja has been in the news over the appointment of a substantive vice-chancellor. Controversies and disagreements surrounding such appointments are not necessarily unexpected, particularly in a university situated in the Federal Capital Territory, near the seat of power. What is unusual and unnecessary, however, is that those who feel aggrieved that they or their preferred candidates were not appointed have refused to wake up to the reality of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi’s leadership. Instead of accepting the decision, they have continued their attacks on the University and the person of the Vice-Chancellor.
Despite these persistent attacks, Professor Maikudi has continued to receive accolades and congratulatory messages from both within and outside the University community. The University Senate, which comprises Deans, Academic Directors, Heads of Departments, and Professors, has congratulated her as well and thrown its weight behind her leadership by passing a vote of confidence in the Chairman of the Governing Council, Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita. This should send a strong message to the small clique of dissenters that she is well accepted.
What is even more significant is that the management of the University and the Vice-Chancellor herself have refused to be distracted by this orchestrated smear campaign. Instead, the vice chancellor has remained focused on academic and administrative activities to ensure the growth and development of the institution.

One of the major events on the University’s calendar is the upcoming matriculation ceremony. Following a commendable admission exercise, thousands of newly admitted students are set to be officially welcomed into the university this week. For these students and their parents, guardians, this ceremony will be quite memorable to them.
Also, the University has already scheduled its 29th convocation ceremony for this month. It will be a momentous occasion for students who have successfully completed their academic programmes and are now set to graduate.

Since assuming office, Professor Maikudi has met with virtually all key stakeholders to give them a sense of belonging. She appreciates the importance of bringing the University community together to actualise her vision and move the University forward. Her appointment continues to resonate with the whole world. No wonder that on Friday 31st December 2025, when she turned 42, she was celebrated as that leader who means a lot to the University community. At the occasion which attracted great personalities, including the governor of her home state, Katsina, Dikko Umar Radda; Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and former governor and speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Bello Masari, and other prominent personalities, one guest noted jocularly, “Maikudi shouldn’t be celebrated just because she’s now Vice-Chancellor or because she’s hit the big 4-2. She should be celebrated because she’s got the brains to take the university to greater heights—and let’s be honest she is beautiful too!”
Managing a tertiary institution, especially a big one like the University of Abuja, is no small task. Established in 1988, the University has come a long way, still it has much ground to cover in terms of infrastructure and academic development.
While past leaders played their own part, there is no doubt that more work needs to be done. I think the University community understands this as well as the vice-chancellor.
At a recent town hall meeting with student leaders, Maikudi was met with both congratulatory messages and pressing demands. The students, while pledging their support, shared their various expectations, which included need for increased hostel accommodation and transportation. Indeed, the current demand for hostels far exceeds available space, and many have had to seek alternatives. However, her promise to expand accommodation facilities through public-private partnerships has given a lot of hope to both students and staff.
The need to revise the university’s academic calendar is another crucial task. Disruptions caused by previous Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strikes and the COVID-19 pandemic have left the institution struggling to maintain a stable academic schedule. Thankfully, the University Senate took a welcomed decision for a structured, well-maintained calendar that will help the smooth running of academic programmes in the coming years.
One of the biggest challenges that will face the administration of Maikudi will be funding. Like most Nigerian public universities, the University of Abuja operates on a lean budget. The issue of inadequate funding is compounded by other challenges, such as encroachment on the university’s over 11,000 hectares of land.
However, Professor Maikudi is no stranger to leadership. She has steadily risen through the ranks—from being a Head of Department to Deputy Dean of Law, Director of the University’s International Centre, then Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Acting Vice-Chancellor — to become the substantive Vice-Chancellor. Her experience so far means she understands the University’s workings inside out, and this puts her at a vantage position to handle its challenges effectively. As an administrator with impressive networking skills, the issue of funding particularly should be well mitigated.
At this point, those who remain opposed to her appointment should acknowledge her competence and level of preparedness, and accept that it is time to move forward. Sure, leadership comes with its fair share of obstacles, and history has shown that great leaders often face certain resistance before achieving success. Perhaps the opposition she has encountered so far are simply part of the journey meant to fortify her and edge her toward changing the University of Abuja for the better.
One of her key strategies, which has been widely welcomed, is working with a new team of competent individuals who can help her achieve her vision. The recent appointment of Abubakar Sadiq Abba as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) by the University Senate is praiseworthy. Abba, a professor of political science will hold this position for another two years and will be expected to help the vice chancellor, along with other management members, towards realising the strategic objectives of her administration.
The University of Abuja needs at this moment, a leader like Professor Maikudi to move it beyond the present point. Now is the time to focus on building a stronger, more vibrant University of Abuja. And she deserves every support to actualise this vision.
Those who have resisted her leadership must now recognise the need to collaborate in this important journey. There can be hardly any progress without unity. The University, its students, and the broader academic community stand to benefit far more from such a collaborative approach than from continued division.

 

Alabi Lut writes from No 42B Federal Housing Lugbe, Abuja.

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