fbpx
Connect with us

Opinion

My Independence Day Post, its Elaboration, BokoHaram and Minister Pantami’s Gigantic Example!

Published

3 years ago

on

 

By Ibraheem A. Waziri

“What good Nigeria means to me, and to some degree, its independence; is an untiring effort at reconciliation between the timeless and unique but enduring universal values and ethical principles of the 19th century northern Muslim (Sokoto) Caliphate and the much earlier Kanem-Bornu Empire, on one part, and what Nigeria presents since its inception, on the other part. I believe the non effective substantial achievement of such, thus far, is the pole at which all the problems of northern Nigeria, ranging from poverty, banditry and all related insecurity issues, emanate! May Allah continue to bless Nigeria as long as Nigeria continues to look inward in order to adjust itself to the requirements of its resident cultural, historical and institutional memories that existed way before it came into being; May He continue to bless all individuals and institutions within Nigeria that are tirelessly striving to make it work along this line of vision!”

The Elaboration:

Every nation, state or country has three main umbrella institutions that are necessary for its existence, sustenance and progress. They are educational, political and military! The educational institution built on certain paradigmatic construction, is always the fountain of moral principles; custodian of values and ethics, upon which the political and military institutions thrive.

The issue in Northern Nigeria is when Nigeria came into force and after the abolishment of the resident military institution it met, and replacing it with what is based on somewhat an alien paradigm and value basis; it also created parallel political and educational institutions as in, there is the existing traditional political institution and there is the new Nigerian political institution. There is the traditional educational institution and the new Nigerian educational institution.

Human Rights Day: Zamfara Sexual Assault referral Center records 366 cases

Worst still, the qualification for recruitment and promotion, at inception, in these two new parallel Nigerian institutions, was never anything near competence, conscientiousness or uprightness. One only was required to demonstrate a level of cooperation with the purveyors of the new order and in some cases enmity or animosity towards the old older for them to gain admission and speedy promotion into the hierarchies. This of course maybe why, as many pundits say over time, mediocrity, duplicity and zero level of integrity are the basic ingredients of Nigerian educational and political institutions at many points.

Politics and politicians are a substitute for deception to Northern Nigerians just as western type of education is equated with sleaze and dubiousness. Less than 20 years after independence, analysts and education activists in Northern Nigeria, like the late Prof. Bala Usman, started making legitimate accusations and compelling arguments that the new educational institution had started producing fake professors. While in the traditional/religious institution it is near impossible to produce a fake Malam or Shaykh in its various departments.

Boko Sana’a, Akida or Haram?

#

As the late Dan Iyan Zazzau Nuhu Bayero recorded in his autobiography, My Life (1989, page 18) that by 1902, a missionary, Dr. Walter Richard Samuel Miller had already been caught and detained by the then administration of Sultan of Zazzau (Sarkin Zazzau) Muhammad Ibn Uthman aka Kwasau, on the charges of deception and spying for enemies in the city, under the guise of a North African Muslim pious sojourner. Other accounts prevalent with the traditional learning centres suggested he even claimed being a Sharifi, a title identified with the known descendants of the prophet of Islam in Hausaland. He was awaiting trial and subsequently a judgement, when the British Captain Abadie seized power and authority in the territory. Kwasau was forced to abdicate the throne. Miller was freed and given a pass to establish the first missionary school in Northern Nigeria at the heart of the city, luring parents and children, to be given admission to train.

Thus, the then name and reputation of Miller in the society followed the kind of parallel educational institution that he accessorily founded as a legacy of colonialism, “Boko”, which translates as deceit, sleaze and public enmity in local parlance. Its enrolees became branded as either less conscientious, self surviving merchants or public enemies, who have made deliberate choice to serve as agents of disruption and destruction of the old genuine order. Even in this century children of the Kanem-Bornu and the Sokoto Caliphate are found everywhere in the social media debating as to whether “Boko” can be thought of or practiced as part of belief and essence of being (Akida) or it should continue to be treated as just means of survival, livelihood (Sana’a) or in the extreme, a forbidden fruit, reminiscent of Boko Haram for its purely materialistic content!

However still our social evolution guaranteed that there are also many who have realised the need to live above stale stereotypes and accept that the so-called institution that goes by the name deception (Boko) is no longer so. Not as a means of livelihood or Haram; but as an indispensable ingredient of socio-cultural development in as much as we need to remain relevant as a people on the ladder of civilisation world round. This also is achievable in practice only if opinion leaders and dedicated policy makers begin to elevate both the institution of Boko and its practice to the status of conscientious duty to God and society. Just as is with our known traditional and religious educational institutions, that held and sustained the robust moral fabric upon which held the essence of these societies, centuries before – or even after – our contact with the European colonial forces.

The Example of Isa Ali Pantami:

That was why also I found it easy to argue the other day! That if ever there is anything wrong about Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Shaykh Isa Ali Pantami’s recent controversially detestable appointment to a position of professorship of Cyber Security at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo (Vanguard, 15/11/2021); it is so only because it was an appointment made by Dr. Richard Samuel Miller from the early 20th century! However, what astonishes some of us most is the acceptance of Pantami to it despite its obvious negative issues in processes around merit, truth and justice.

Pantami being a product first and foremost, of traditional religious educational institution with a distinction; and as a one being looked up to as a Nigerian policy maker and a high-ranking Northern Nigerian public intellectual. Who can play a significant role in the current movement towards the alignment and integration of educational ethics and principles between western and traditional education systems; should not be seen riding on the bandwagon of the norm of treating new Nigerian academic awards or certificates like what Miller first instituted it to be in Northern Nigeria, as just mere meal ticket or other accessory to the pursuit of material opportunities only.

But it is our hope and that Pantami will wear his reflective cap. Prioritise the instruction of his conscience away from the shenanigans of the matrix of power around him. Reason with us in the prayer we pray for Nigeria and its institutions, since lack of its successful alignment with what it met, can be said to be at the origin of the dysfunction in education and public policy that bedevils the country. He should know also that to us and all other people of conscience world over, a title of a Professor will not add any meaning to what he already means to us now. At an extreme, it might make him less or more, than what he is now, depending on how the controversy surrounding the appointment is finally resolved!

Related Topics:

Opinion

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

Published

4 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.

#
Continue Reading

Opinion

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

Published

5 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.

Continue Reading

Opinion

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

Published

7 days ago

on

December 15, 2024

By

“

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.

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.

#
Continue Reading

Trending