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Opinion

My ASUU Colleagues And Doomsday Prepping

Published

2 years ago

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By Ibrahim Bello-Kano

Not many people have heard of the term “doomsday prepping”. It’s a common mentality among people who suspect that some disaster, some doomsday, is coming their way. In my view, university lecturers should adopt the “doomsday prepping” mentality for many reasons.

Nigeria is changing for the worse, and very rapidly. The economy is in rapid decline, the roads are primitive, and the security situation is abysmal. The present Administration is implementing a wholesale set of neo-liberal economic policies which is meant to transfer resources from the poor to the rich and from the impoverished workforce to the Government or the State or the Administration. The IPPIS is only the opening shot in the impending war against our living standards, wages, salaries, and hard earned, in the case of the lecturers, negotiated agreements on pay, allowances, and other non-salary entitlements. Others that could potentially follow, and which many of my colleagues might consider practically unimaginable or impossible, is the sale, to highest bidder, of university staff houses. If you asked people of my generation and above, those who gave their youth to this job and profession spanning at least 30 years, we never thought that something like the IPPIS would be possible. For years from the mid-1980s until now, our pay and what Maslow calls “hygiene factors” were growing and improving steadily if not satisfactorily. Already healthcare provisions for lecturers are virtually non-existent. Now the system cannot even guarantee one a reasonable health insurance.

There is a burgeoning and growing, indeed an explosion, in student numbers. The student intake is growing by each admission year. Some of the classrooms and lecture theatres have no fans, or natural or artificial lighting and good ventilation. Some have furniture that destroys one’s clothes! Facilities such as car or housing loans are now no more than old memories. The meager pay or salary is losing its purchasing power by the minute. I could go on and on the terrible changes taking place in the Nigerian university system. In some cases, for example the NUC accreditation process, we’re turned into “cheapscapes” (cheap labour at best). Indeed it may well be that a future Administration would reverse the present retirement age for both the teaching and non-teaching staff. This is why I have the following suggestions for my colleagues:

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1. Whether you’re a Graduate Assistant or Professor, build your own house and not rely on univetsity-provided accommodation because that may soon disappear or be out of your reach. 2). Don’t live from salary to salary, or the proverbial “from hand to mouth”. Find other sources of additional income quick. 3) Abandon the romantic, possibly utopian, idea that you could right the wings of the system, preserve standards (virtually nonexistent now), or improve the system in a general and generalized climate of attacks in your income and a degenerating and merciless national political economy.

4). If you had a major health break down, the University would be the last place to help you. May be ASUU would be there for you. 5). Keep in mind that you will leave the job sooner or later. Don’t forget that the retirement age will inevitably come (that is, if you’re lucky to live long enough to reach it).
At present, the FGN, or the Buhari Administration is obsessed with the money it pays to us. It does not care about the danger of demotivating or demoralizing the workforce. So why deceive yourself that you could run yourself aground or even ruin your health toiling for a system that does not care about your own financial security or well being? You know that there will always be what we call “passive resistance” by a disgruntled workforce, which cannot be controlled or explained away by reference to “institution building” or the need to avoid “decline in standards”. Individual responses to the decline of what Maslow calls “hygiene factors” are potentially always there. Those who think that they have a mission to “save” the universities or prevent decline in standards are, in my opinion, just being “messianic” (in the very bad sense of the word) or even being “utopian” (flimsy and unrealistic) in their thinking because such thinking does not stem from a cool, rigorous analysis of the prevailing context. How long can anyone go on thinking that optimism is key when it could potentially blind one to the objective conditions on the ground? Nigerian universities have declined in profound ways and it would take more than objective structural forces to set things right. I daresay that this country has broken down Irretrievably. Those of us alive now must think of new survival and coping strategies or how to ride out the impending storm. How one does that is personal and subjective, of course. This is where freedom lies: think of yourself and, for good measure, help the University community come to a realistic and intellectually penetrating understanding of the matter at hand, or create the values that might make your personal freedom viable. One way of avoiding being taken by surprise by anyone, human or structural agent, is to adopt the “doomsday prepping”persoective and the measures I’ve outlined above. Finally, ASUU is our only hope to reverse the present trends. I predict that the ideological battle over IPPIS will go on for a long time. Success might not be easy and quick. But united behind our union, and thinking clearly without romantic or utopian illusions about our role in the system might, in the long run, win some concessions for us, and enough time to do “doomsday prepping” and more.

Ibrahim Bello-Kano (May 20, 2020).

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Opinion

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

Published

5 days ago

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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.

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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.

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Opinion

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

Published

6 days ago

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December 16, 2024

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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

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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.

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Opinion

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

Published

1 week ago

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December 15, 2024

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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.

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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.

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