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Pantami And The Ruination Of Academia

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4 years ago

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By Ali Abubakar Sadiq

Several years ago when I was in Cambridge University for a course, I was perplexed considering the Director of the program I was attending, Denis Alexander, a Professor, rarely use the title but held on to his Doctor Title. I believed a professor is someone higher than a Doctor but why is Denis not using it? Finally I approached the man with my dilemma and he explained to my satisfaction.

Bruce Macfarlane, the author of Intellectual Leadership in Higher Education, describes ‘professor’ as ‘a slippery term’. That’s because in the UK it means something quite different from what it denotes in North America. In North America ‘professor’ and ‘professorship’ are generic labels applied to all academics employed to research and teach in universities.

In the UK, much of Europe (and, for the most part, in Australasia and South Africa), ‘professorship’ denotes distinction: a professor is someone who has been promoted to the highest academic grade – usually on the basis of her or his scholarly achievements. It’s the equivalent to what, in North America, is known as full professorship.

Some people are unclear about how someone known as ‘Dr’ is different from someone whose title is ‘Professor’. ‘Dr’ denotes someone who has studied for, and been awarded, a PhD, so it denotes an academic qualification: the holder of the highest university degree. It’s the equivalent of writing ‘PhD’ after someone’s name. Most professors will be PhD-holders, but so will be many – if not most – other academics employed as university teachers and researchers. ‘Professor’ doesn’t denote a qualification but an academic staff grade – the most senior one. So, in the UK, an academic whose title is ‘Dr’ is someone who’s got a PhD, but hasn’t been promoted to the highest academic grade, while an academic whose title ‘Professor’ is someone who probably (but not necessarily) has a PhD, but who has been promoted to the highest grade on the university pay scale. Professorship therefore denotes seniority and status.

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If we make a comparison with medical doctors working in a hospital, all will have medical degrees, but they are employed at different levels of seniority, with consultants being the most senior doctors. We may think of professors as the equivalent of hospital consultants. On the other hand, there is an honorary doctoral degree, which is often awarded in recognition of one’s life experiences. It is denoted by the letters “h.c.”, which is an abbreviation for “honoris causa” (Latin for “for the sake of honor”). This means that the degree is bestowed as an honor rather than through the completion of certain academic requirements. Those who are honored with this title often do not have any prior connection to the award-giving institution. But we don’t have an Honorary Professorial conferment, what Pantami seems to have received from Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO). According to the Governing council of the University (FUTO) Pantami was among seven Readers promoted to the rank of Professorship. A Reader (in some countries equivalent to a Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor) is a bonafide lecturer in a university, something Pantami never was at FUTO in the first place. It is therefore easily discernible that you can never be a professor without being employed and teaching in the particular University awarding you the title.

I was ashamed when I learnt that Pantami is awarded a professorship from a University he never taught. As an Islamic Scholar, an academician and a leader, it is really disgraceful of him to accept something as dubious. It is an open fact that nowadays Doctorate degrees are bought and sold and whoever can do that is not a worthy academician or scholar.

In July 2020 the London Graduate School in UK offered to confer me with a Honorary Doctorate degree and despite the fact that an appendage of Dr. to my name will have a nice rings (we all want titles and accolade, right?) I eventually declined since I learnt that I had to pay 3,500 USD, which in essence is saying I am buying the title and not earned it. The last title standing is Professorship and with Pantami’s pacesetting trend, it is not a matter of if but when, for our academic excellence to be buried for good.
My question to Pantami is, are there any material honor that God had not given him? Is he not contented with all the blessing God had showered on him? What does he need with a professorial title while serving as a minister of the Federal Republic?

Does he have to contribute in undermining the system that propelled him to limelight? Will he sleep well, lead people in prayer, explain the Quran in his Tafsir knowing he is legitimizing academic corruption by accepting a dubious honor which will go a long way in negatively impacting on aspiring youths that look up to people like him as an inspiration?

Well, lest we forget that titles, no matter how numerous, are only your own personal achievement. It is only the legacy you offer or leave behind that made positive impact on the people around you, as neighbors or fellow countrymen, which will eventually matters, in the eyes of God and Man.

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Kano State Champions Ethical Digital Journalism: Retreat Empowers Online Media for Democratic Growth

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1 hour ago

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January 15, 2026

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The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical, responsible and professional digital journalism, describing the media as a critical pillar of democratic governance.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated this on Wednesday while declaring open a two-day retreat for members of the Kano Online Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Dutse, Jigawa State.

The retreat, organised by the Kano Online Media Chapel with the support of the Kano State Government, is themed “Strengthening Digital Journalism Through Ethical Practice and Responsive Online Engagement.”

Waiya said the training, the first of its kind for online newspaper publishers in Kano State, underscored the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recognition of journalism as a vital component of democratic practice.

He commended Governor Yusuf for approving and sponsoring the retreat, noting that the gesture reflected the government’s commitment to manpower development across sectors, including the media.

The commissioner urged online media practitioners to uphold ethical standards, professionalism, accuracy and integrity in news gathering and dissemination, stressing that online journalism must be clearly distinguished from unregulated social media activity.

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“Online journalists are not the same as social media users. Digital journalism must be guided by legal and ethical decorum, not sensationalism or the rush for quick breaking news,” Waiya said.

He noted that the rapid growth of digital platforms, coupled with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, has made continuous self-development and professionalism imperative for journalists seeking credibility at local, national and global levels.

Waiya also acknowledged the role of the Kano State Council of the NUJ in supporting the establishment and growth of the Online Media Chapel, attributing the successes recorded so far to cooperation and unity within the union.

He further disclosed that the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs is advocating for the establishment of a state Freedom of Information law in line with the federal Freedom of Information Act, as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and press freedom in the state.

In his remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Kano State, Malam Usman Bello, said the government approved the retreat outside Kano State in recognition of the growing importance of online journalism.

He explained that similar engagements had previously been organised for the Correspondents’ Chapel, adding that the retreat was aimed at equipping online journalists with the skills required to adapt to new trends in the profession and practice in line with modern global best practices.

Bello noted that the impact of online media transcends state boundaries, stressing that capacity-building programmes of this nature would help shape journalism practice not only in Kano State but across the country.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel thanked the Kano State Government and the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs for their support, describing the retreat as timely and impactful.

He urged members of the chapel to continue operating within the laid-down ethical guidelines of the journalism profession and in line with the social and legal provisions of Kano State.

The retreat drew participants from various online media organisations operating across Kano State.

The retreat was attended by editors and publishers of various online newspapers operating in Kano State.

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Broadcast Journalist Ikechukwu Oyemike Joins The Isle 95.9 FM Lagos as Head of Events And OAP

Published

13 hours ago

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January 14, 2026

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FemyWalsh Limited, a business, economy, and development-focused media group, is pleased to announce the appointment of veteran broadcast journalist  Ikechukwu Oyemike, popularly known as Ogbuefi ItisIkechukwu, as Head of Events and On Air Personality (OAP)  at  The Isle 95.9 FM Lagos.

Oyemike joins The Isle 95.9 FM Lagos after more than 11 years of superlative service at Wazobia FM, where he built a strong reputation for credible journalism, compelling storytelling, and audience-centred broadcasting.

Over the years, he has become widely respected for his ability to connect deeply with listeners while delivering news, current affairs, and commentary with clarity, energy, and cultural resonance.

Speaking on his move, Oyemike said:
“I am delighted to join The Isle 95.9 FM Lagos as Head of Events and On Air Personality. This new chapter offers an exciting platform to engage listeners on air while also creating dynamic experiences through events that connect with our audience in meaningful ways.”

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Welcoming his arrival, Management described the appointment as a strategic investment in talent and audience experience. In his dual role, Oyemike will strengthen on-air programming and lead the development of high-impact events designed to deepen community connection, expand partnerships, and create memorable experiences for listeners and stakeholders.

FemyWalsh Limited is the owner of **The Isle 95.9 FM Lagos, *Souq News Television, and the soon-to-be-launched Kasuwa 97.9 FM Kano, as well as **Arewa Bayan Television, Abuja**. Across these platforms, the group is committed to business and development storytelling that elevates enterprise, strengthens institutional credibility, and amplifies African excellence.

Listeners and partners can look forward to fresh programming energy, stronger listener engagement, and innovative event experiences as Oyemike continues his mission to inform, inspire, and entertain audiences across Lagos and beyond.

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Public Calling for Justice in Kano as Six Arrested in Brutal Killing of NSCDC Officer

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17 hours ago

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January 14, 2026

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Two weeks after the brutal killing of NSCDC volunteer, Abdurrauf Ali Ahmad Sharifai, on New Year’s Day, a wave of public outrage continues to sweep across Kano as the investigation unfolds.

The shocking and ruthless murder, which took place along the long Zoo Road/Court Road while Sharifai was on official duty, has sparked widespread calls for justice, with many residents demanding swift action from the authorities.

Sharifai, who was performing his constitutional duties to protect the public, was viciously stabbed by a group of thugs, an act that has left the community reeling.

His tragic death has not only shaken the NSCDC but also stirred deep anger among the people of Kano, who are now rallying for justice for the slain volunteer.

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) moved quickly to arrest four suspects in connection with the murder. These individuals were found in possession of dangerous weapons, and they were promptly handed over to the police.

In a further development, the police made two additional arrests, bringing the total number of suspects to six.

However, five more individuals linked to the crime have been identified by the NSCDC, but they remain at large.

Despite the severity of the crime, the public’s anger has been compounded by the reported attempts of the arrested suspects’ families to seek bail.

Many residents view these efforts as an attempt to undermine the gravity of the crime, and this has sparked an outcry for justice.

“The fact that they are trying to get bail for these suspects, who brutally murdered a law enforcement volunteer, is an insult to the family of the deceased and to the people of Kano,” said one local resident, who asked to remain anonymous. “We cannot allow this to happen. We demand justice for Abdurrauf.”

The silence from the police regarding these recent developments has only fueled the growing frustration.

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