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PTDF,TETFUND, and other Nigeria overseas scholarship training schemes: why are we doing the training?

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Abdelghaffar Amoka Abdelmalik, Phd
They say Africans are lazy to read. Please don’t be lazy. Try to read and comprehend before you make any comment.
Let me introduce myself again. My name is Abdelghaffar Amoka Abdelmalik, you can google that. I am of the opinion that we have the potential to change our narrative in Nigeria. It is not rocket science or quantum mechanics. All we need is just a little patriotism and the readiness to take certain decisions and do certain things differently.
To grow, you must learn from a person(s) that is/are better than you and plan on how to implement what you have learned from them. That is the rule of life. Several countries have sent their citizens for training to other countries to learn how they do things and bring the experience for the development of their country. On their return, the country gets value for the money spent on them. The stories are there, especially around Asia.
You can hardly find a country that funds its scholars for training and doesn’t care if they return or provisions are made for the utilization of the acquired knowledge except for Nigeria. We met some Chinese during our postgraduate training abroad. None of them that was on Chinese scholarship stayed back. They left back to their country as soon as they are done. Same as Malaysians.
But a very good friend and a PTDF scholar at both MSc and PhD and currently a Postdoctoral fellow in Norway have this to say: “Nigerian government should not stop the funding of overseas scholarships because the foreign-trained Nigerians are adding value to the national development even if they remain in the diaspora. They send billions of dollars in remittances back home”. That is the view of a Nigerian scholar in the diaspora.
The question then is: as a developing country, why are we training these scholars? To come back to use their knowledge to help develop the country or to remain in diaspora and remit dollars to the country to train and support their siblings at home? This is a very important question that we need to answer to evaluate the future Nigeria we want to create for the next generation.
A developing country doesn’t just wake up overnight to become developed. They set a path towards development. The education system, especially their universities that develop skilled workforces usually plays a great role in their development. When Malaysia started its revolution, education was one sector they refused to play games with. Not long ago, they had a 10-year plan with clearly set objectives for PhD training. They focused on the aim and objectives with periodic evaluation of the progress made.
The aim was achieved within a set time and Malaysian universities are now training PhDs, especially for Nigeria, and their universities now generate forex for the country. International students were reported to contribute an average of RM7.2bn (£1.4bn) to Malaysia per year via tuition fees and other living expenses. The expectation in 2020 was to hit a target of 200,000 international students in Malaysia to generate RM15.6 billion before the COVID-19 disruptions. So, where is our set path to progress? Continued funding of PhDs without any plan?
PTDF overseas scholarship scheme is about 20 years old. TETFUND scholarship scheme for academic staff is about 10 years old, and the two scholarship schemes alone have produced several Masters and PhDs degree holders over the last 20 years. A lot of them are back in our universities. No form of appraisal to evaluate how far we have gone with the schemes and the next step, but some colleagues who happened to be beneficiaries of one of these scholarship schemes said the overseas training should go on and that it is premature to stop it, and that after all those that refused to return are remitting dollars to the country to support their family in Nigeria.
We are trained as researchers and critical thinkers supposedly for the country. We are supposed to help the country think else why will they spend such an amount of public funds on us. To know the level of the prematurity of the schemes, we need to know how far we have come, where we are now, and where we want to be.
So, first, why is the country training PhDs? Where is the database of the trained scholars from these schemes? How many have the country trained? What are their areas of specialization? How many have returned? Are these scholars well-utilized or underutilized? What are the challenges responsible for the underutilization? How have we tried to address these challenges to ensure their effective utilization? What are the professional gaps? What are the critical areas we need to train more manpower?
You can’t convince me that we should keep training more if there is no evaluation process over the last 20 years to answer these questions. Meanwhile, what is your definition of prematurity? Scholars have been trained and some have returned and they have no basic facilities to train others and you insist we should keep sending people for training?
You blame ASUU for everything and insist that tuition should be introduced in our public universities because you think government cannot fund university education and again you feel the same government should still be funding overseas scholarships even if the people won’t return. Isn’t that a double standard? What exactly is your idea of a progressive Nigeria?
At the moment, we have several well-trained PhDs in our universities. If you want to see homegrown solutions to our problems, the fund for overseas scholarship should for example be divided into 3 parts. Two parts should be used to award the same scholarship to Nigerians in Nigerian universities and clearly define thematic area of national interest, while the remaining one part is used for overseas scholarships in areas we are lacking.
Do you seriously believe that we can’t train quality PhD in Nigeria? Pan African University’s Life and Earth Sciences (including Health and Agriculture) (PAULESI) is located within the University of Ibadan. They are producing funded international PG degrees. Their students are from across African countries. Some of the lecturers are from Nigerian public universities.
We have the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja. They are producing funded international PhDs. A number of their lecturers are from Nigerian public universities while some others obtained their first degree from Nigerian universities.
We have the African Centre of Excellence For Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (ACENTDFB) in Ahmadu Bello University, a World Bank project. They are producing funded international PhDs. The students are from different African countries. A number of their lecturers are ABU lecturers.
While some of these centres located within the public universities are well funded and doing great, the research activities at the departments of these universities are not funded but by the students. We spend billions to train scholars that return and have no tools to work with and we are training more to come and join. Why not empower the returned trained scholars to train others?
In my opinion, we seriously need to consider the diversion of a large chunk of the overseas scholarship funds to the national scholarship funds for the already trained TETFund and other scholars to train others while overseas scholarship is focused on training PhDs on the identified areas that we have limited expertise in. We need to be specific.
We surely have an attitudinal problem in our universities and some of us have problems with financial discipline. But with proper monitoring and evaluation processes put in place, we can deal with that for effective utilization of such funds.
If we really want Nigeria to progress, we have to take some drastic measures to make our system prosper, irrespective of how it affects personal interests. People, most likely their patriots, make those countries so beautiful that we want to go there for PhDs and remain. We can also make our country that great. All it need is just a little effort from each and every one of us. And please, don’t just be an armchair critic from your homes or abroad, come and join us and let’s put hands together to mould the Nigeria of our dream. We can do it!

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Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah: From Journalism to Shaping the Future of PR and Digital Marketing

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Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah

 

Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah, a distinguished journalist with over a decade of experience, has made a significant transition into the dynamic fields of public relations, creative, and digital marketing. Known for his in-depth reporting and insightful analysis, Isah is now leveraging his extensive journalism background to make a substantial impact in his new ventures.

Isah’s career began with a strong foundation in journalism, where he worked with prominent media houses such as Africa Independent Television (AIT), Raypower FM, and Rahma Radio. His roles ranged from producer and presenter to a radio personality, earning him a reputation for delivering accurate and compelling stories. Currently, he serves as a Senior Reporter at TVC Communications, where he anchors the popular program “Kano Spotlight,” providing in-depth coverage and analysis of events in Kano State.

His educational background is extensive and diverse. Isah holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master’s degree in Public Relations and Communication Studies from the same institution. Additionally, he studied Solutions and Data Journalism at Pan Atlantic University. He also earned a Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing from the London School of Business Administration. Recently, he completed a Master Diploma in Digital Marketing awarded by the Digital Marketing Institute Lagos, Nigeria, powered by Digital Marketing Skills LLC, United States of America. In the area of social media, Isah received a certificate from Avalocx University of Social Media in New York, United States, after completing a High Level Social Media Management Course. This academic prowess, combined with his practical experience, positions him as a versatile professional in the realm of public relations and digital marketing.

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Isah’s transition into public relations and digital marketing is marked by significant roles such as Knowledge Management and Communication Officer for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Project, and Public and Media Relations Consultant for the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria. Currently, he is performing a lead role in managing the PR and communications as a consultant for the WOFAN-ICON2 Project in partnership with Mastercard Foundation. In these positions, he has demonstrated his ability to craft compelling narratives and strategic communications that resonate with diverse audiences.

As a Digital Marketing Strategist and PR Consultant, Isah is exploring innovative ways to blend traditional journalism with modern digital techniques. His expertise in SEO, social media management, website development, and video editing allows him to create comprehensive digital marketing campaigns that drive engagement and achieve tangible results.

Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah is also an Associate Member of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), as well as a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kano Correspondents’ Chapel and the Sports Writers Association, Kano Chapter. His dedication to his craft and his continuous pursuit of excellence reflect his commitment to making a difference in his new field. As he explores the intersections of PR, creative, and digital marketing, he aims to shape the future of communication strategies in Nigeria and beyond.

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Rano Celebrates New Emir with Grand Procession and Festivities

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The historic town of Rano was abuzz with jubilation today as residents welcomed their newly appointed emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Isah Umaru (Autan Bawo), recently appointed by Kano state Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The new emir entered the palace in Rano town accompanied by hundreds of people who came out to celebrate the occasion.

The procession displayed cultural heritage with traditional drummers, dancers, and horse riders showcasing the history of the Rano emirate. The streets near the emir’s palace were adorned with colorful decorations as the people of Rano expressed their joy and support for their new leader.

One resident, Malam Sani Rano, shared his excitement, saying, “We are very happy with the appointment of Alhaji Muhammadu Isah Umaru as our new emir. He is a man of integrity and wisdom, and we believe he will lead us towards greater prosperity and unity.”

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Hajiya Fatima Sani, another resident, echoed similar sentiments. “Today is a special day for us in Rano. The new emir has always been close to the people, understanding our needs and aspirations. We have high hopes for his reign.”

The new Emir on the throne,Muhammad Isah Umaru

The new Emir on the throne,Muhammad Isah Umaru

The appointment of Alhaji Muhammadu Isah Umaru has been met with widespread approval, with many residents expressing optimism about the future of the emirate under his leadership.

The procession at Rano Emirate

The procession at Rano Emirate

Bashir Ibrahim, a local trader, remarked, “Muhammadu Isah Umaru has a deep connection with our traditions and values. His leadership will surely bring about positive changes and strengthen our cultural heritage.”

As the celebrations continued into the evening, the atmosphere in Rano remained festive and hopeful. The people of Rano are looking forward to a prosperous era under the guidance of their new emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Isah Umaru.

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A tale from the north: the untold story of Hassan

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Hassan Auwalu Muhammad

In the central part of Northern Nigeria, there lives a man called Hassan Auwalu Muhammad who was born in the ancient city of Kano from the popular Hausa tribal clan.

At the age of 10, Hassan loss his beloved Dad, Late Sharu Muhammad (Memakoko) whose personality has been described by many, as an exemplary figure of humility, moral eminence, humbleness, and greatness.  To Hassan, his father is the most amazing person he has ever known.

Hassan grew up on a  lifestyle which premised on the quest for knowledge. To seek for knowledge, he was sent to Unguru village in Yobe state to acquire islamic knowledge and learn the tenets and fundamentals of his religion- Islam.

Surprisingly, Hassan’s inquisitiveness and curiosity began to developed which as a result, he eventually became a fan of media. Meanwhile, he developed interest in the Journalism profession. Thanks to BBC Hausa, VOA Hausa and DW Hausa programes which  remained the sources of inspiration and motivation for him to be passionate about journalism and even understood  the basic styles and standards of these prominent international media organizations.

From that moment, Hassan who was at his teenage age have already realized how the media could be used in a way to promote unity, peace and progress of his country. Hence, the media became his most preferred choice and the struggle to join the train just began.

After the completion of his secondary school, Hassan made several attempts to secure admission into a degree program at Bayero University, Kano but all attempts prove abortive because his scores were below the required average marks of the post-UTME . For that reason, Hassan had to apply for admission into Diploma programe in Mass Communication. Fortunately for him, he was admitted and years after, he obtained a professional and Advanced Diploma in Mass Communication from the pretigious Bayero University, Kano..

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Having obtained diploma certificates, Hassan decided to further his education and sat for UTME Exams  which took him 7years before he eventually scored the required marks that gave him the chance to be admitted into a Degree programe in 2015, at Bayero University Kano. Hassan graduated in 2021 with second class in Mass Communication.

In 2008, Hassan started his early career in Journalism Profession as a Freelancer with Freedom Radio Kano 99.5 FM. In 2010, he was an artiste reporter  for years until 2013 when he was offered a full time appointment as a staff member of Freedom Radio.

Hassan dive into the Profession as a preseter of Kano Music Expres – a programe which the idea was conceived and developed by him in order to promote Kano based Hausa rappers.

Hassan was there for a while and has achieved so much with that programe before he was  deployed to the station’s on- air studio to serve as a DCA- Duty Continuity Announcer. Being one of the best On-Air Personal , Hassan’s talents could not be left unused, as such he canvases news from different sources and translate it from English to Hausa for “Inda Ranka” programe.

What other passion for Hasssan ?

Initially, Hassan had always wanted to be a pilot, but his dream was shattered by the huge financial responsibility and expectations attached to joining the aviation sector.

But having joined the Media industry, Hassan understood the virtues attached to journalism profession and since then he has been a catalyst for development which through his media content he produces reports that help in changing the lives and mindsets of the teeming youths in a positive way.

However, Hassan believes that working in media has its challenges and requires dedication and sacrifices as well as being honest and true to people. Journalism is all about honesty and truthfulness to present facts that will bring about positive and progressive social transformation in the society.

Besides being a DCA, Hassan is currently presenting three different programes: “Allah Daya…”, “Mai Nema…” and also a co-presenter of “Barka da Hantsi” all from the famous Radio Station, Freedom Radio Group.

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