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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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Gwarzo Challenges Kano Government to Provide Evidence of Alleged Local Government Funds Diversion Through Son

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6 hours ago

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June 19, 2026

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The governorship candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State and former Deputy Governor of the state, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has challenged the Kano State Government to present concrete evidence supporting allegations that he received funds from local government councils through his son, Mujahid Aminu Abdussalam.

Gwarzo made the demand in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, following claims reportedly made by the spokesperson to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who alleged that local government funds were channelled to the former deputy governor through his son.

According to Shuaibu, the allegations were “baseless, outrageous and totally ridiculous,” describing them as an attempt to damage Gwarzo’s reputation and undermine the integrity he has built throughout his years in public service.

“The allegations are mere figments of the Governor’s imagination lacking any basis,” Gwarzo said through his spokesperson. “We therefore categorically challenge the accuser to provide credible and verifiable evidence to substantiate these callous claims. Mere accusations, no matter how often repeated in the media, do not amount to proof.”

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Shuaibu stated that Gwarzo rejected the allegations in their entirety and insisted that no evidence had been presented to support the claims being circulated against him and his family.

According to the statement, the former deputy governor maintained that his record in public office had always been guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.

Gwarzo further expressed confidence that the truth would eventually prevail, urging members of the public not to be swayed by what he described as unsubstantiated allegations.

The NDC governorship candidate also called on those making the allegations to pursue lawful and transparent channels if they possess any evidence, rather than relying on public accusations and media statements, according to Shuaibu.

The controversy stems from recent remarks allegedly made by Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson to Governor Yusuf, who reportedly claimed that funds belonging to local government councils in Kano State were diverted to Gwarzo through his son. However, no documentary evidence was cited in the statement issued by Gwarzo’s camp.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Government had not issued any additional response to Gwarzo’s challenge demanding proof of the allegations.

The statement was signed by Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, spokesperson to Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and the NDC governorship candidate in Kano State, and was dated June 18, 2026.

 

 

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Kano Govt Reaffirms Media–Security Collaboration at NUJ Summit

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9 hours ago

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June 19, 2026

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The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies as part of efforts to safeguard democracy and national integrity.

Speaking at the ongoing NUJ National Security Summit in Abuja, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, conveyed the message of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, stressing the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and supporting government initiatives.

Governor Yusuf emphasized that the media remains a vital channel through which government policies can reach the youth and wider society, noting that journalists have a responsibility to combat fake news, disinformation, and misinformation.

“The media has the responsibility of informing the public about government activities while also protecting and preserving the integrity of the nation. This is part of our constitutional duty as citizens,” Waiya stated on behalf of the governor.

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He commended the summit’s theme, which highlights the nexus between security and media practices, describing it as “timely and visionary.” According to him, security matters require careful reporting, and the media must balance press freedom with national interest.

Waiya further disclosed that the Kano State Government has maintained a cordial relationship with security agencies, providing them with operational support including vehicles and logistics for the Police, NSCDC, JTF, and other formations.

He assured that both government-owned and private media outlets in Kano enjoy a free and enabling environment without harassment or intimidation, adding that the state organizes periodic capacity-building programs for journalists to enhance professionalism and service delivery.

“We are creating a nexus between the media, security, and government. By supporting security agencies, we are not only helping them but also protecting ourselves as citizens,” he said.

The commissioner concluded by reaffirming Kano State’s commitment to constitutional values, press freedom, and collaborative governance, stressing that the partnership between media and security agencies is essential for peace, stability, and development.

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Excitement as FBIU Students Take Matriculation Oath for the 2025/2026 Academic Session

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9 hours ago

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June 19, 2026

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Franco-British International University (FBIU), Kaduna, on Wednesday recorded a milestone with the matriculation of 362 students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The maiden matriculation ceremony attracted parents, guardians, government officials, academics, invited guests and well-wishers from across the country to witness the formal admission of the students into the university community.

A member of the MAAUN Group of Universities, FBIU matriculated students into four schools: the School of Nursing Sciences, School of Health Sciences, School of Computing, and School of Social and Management Sciences.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President of FBIU, Prof. Abdullahi Sabo Muhammad, congratulated the students on behalf of the management and the entire university community.

He described the occasion as a significant milestone in the lives of the students and the history of the university, marking the official commencement of their academic journey.

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In his address, the Founder of the MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, warned the students against immorality and other social vices, stressing that the group operates a zero-tolerance policy on drug abuse.

He urged the matriculating students to remain focused on their studies, emphasizing the university’s commitment to producing quality graduates who will contribute to the development of Nigeria and Africa.

Prof. Gwarzo also announced plans to establish an Internationalisation Unit at the university to facilitate access to scholarships, academic exchanges and global learning opportunities.

In his goodwill message, the Chancellor of FBIU, Senator Shehu Sani, urged the matriculating students to uphold discipline and good character, stressing that these virtues are essential to safeguarding the university’s reputation and attaining academic excellence.

In their separate remarks, the President of MAAUN Nigeria, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr, the Registrar of MAAUN Niger and Migeria, Dr. Shu’aibu Usman Tanko, and the representative of the Canadian University of Nigeria, Prof. Ahmed Maigari Ibrahim, described the students as privileged to have gained admission into one of the leading emerging universities in sub-Saharan Africa.

They encouraged them to remain focused and make the most of the opportunities available.

Also speaking, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Dr. Baba Muhammad Yakubu, congratulated the students and commended the university for offering academic programmes that are responsive to contemporary societal needs and aligned with global standards.

The Vice President Administration of FBIU, who presided over the ceremony, administered the matriculation oath to the students, formally admitting them into the university community.

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