Features

Na’Allah’s Transformational and Prudent Leadership in University of Abuja

Published

6 months ago

November 12, 2023

*By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo*

The Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah is an excellent administrator going by his track record from his days as the Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University,Malete.You may decide to refer to him as a professor but I will call him an astute administrator with uncommon prudence and transformational leadership.

Personally,I have never heard of his name in any quarters before since I’m not working in an ivory tower either locally or internationally.But his appointment as the Pioneer Vice Chancellor of Kwara state university, by Bukola Saraki’s administration brought him to lime light.Before I will extensively discuss his achievements,I think it will be appropriate I venture into his life’s sojourn a bit.

Professor Na’Allah was born 1962.He started his early education at the Demonstration 1 Primary School, Sokoto,where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1976 and Government Teachers’ College,Birnin Yauri,for his Teachers’Grade II Certificate in 1981.He had his Bachelor of Arts(Hons) English and Education from University of Ilorin in 1988 and MA Literature in English in 1992 from the same institution.He received his Ph.D in Comparative Literature from the University of Alberta,Edmonton,
Canada.He was Professor and Chair of African -American Studies at Western Illinois University.

Interestingly, Kwara State University today is on the right pedestal because of the monumental foundation put in place by Professor Na’Allah.You cannot discuss progress of that Ivory tower without making a reference to Na’allah’s astute administrative skills and inputs.The Ilorin born Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja is not only a professor but also an embodiment of leadership quality and excellence.

As a distinguished Scholar, Professor Na’Allah is the Author of over 25 books and chapters in books,and several scholarly works.He is a reviewer for several national and international journals; and has published in reputable peer -reviewed journals as well as supervised several Ph.D candidates.A well -travelled academic,he has attended over 50 conference within the country and abroad.

He became a fellow of the literary Society of Nigeria in 2014 and that of Nigeria Academy of Letters in 2019.He is also a member of ten different Learned Societies/Professional Bodies such as the Canadian Comparative Literature Association; African Studies Association; International Comparative Literature Association;and the Association of Nigerian Authors.

More importantly, Na’Allah has won several awards including Vice-Chancellor of the Year 2020 award by Stardom Global Television (STGV) and Most Outstanding Vice Chancellor 2021 award by Elites Exclusive Magazine.

He has rendered numerous services to Local, national and international communities including as the Team Leader,Local Team for for Kwara State Agricultural Mechanization Master Plan Committee,Kwara State Government, April to June,2012;Chief Organizer, Literature in Northern Nigeria,2010 till date;Convener,34th African Literature Association Annual Conference,at WIU,USA, April 22-27,2008; and as Member, Local Arrangement Committee,51st African Studies Association Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois,USA, November 13 to 16 ,2008.

*How he has transformed UofA*.

Na’Allah became the Sixth substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja on 1st July,2019 under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.His appointment was approved by the Governing Council, University of Abuja at its 53rd Extra -Ordinary Meeting held on Friday 28th June on the Main Campus.

*Academic Development* is a prominent aspect of University administration as it assists to usher in enabling environment and ehance academic excellence . Despite the distruption of the system by the outbreak of COVID-19 he ensured that the sanctity of the academic calendar was maintained.Within the first two years in office about 15 programmes of the University were accredited under Na’Allah ‘s administration.

He introduced new General Studies (GST) courses to improve students’ entrepreneurial background, business and innovative capacities;and encourage mentoring of students by successful global entrepreneurs, and develop business plans/ideas and registration of such potential companies/businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission before graduation.This is in order because in Nigeria of today and any where in the world Government cannot employ all citizens.The major responsibility of the government is to create an enabling environment for private businesses to flourish so that they can employ as many as possible.In the 21st Century entrepreneurship is the real deal and Professor Na’Allah understands this.

About 21 New Centres have been created and 2 New Departments also from Faculty of Law.

*Research Development*

The University is a centre of research and any such institution worths its versatility must provide enabling environment for research projects.Between 2019 and 2021 , several research grants worth over 500 million Naira had come into the university through the doggedness of some academic staff .In the last couple of years, research has had a very big boost especially through the Centre for sponsored Projects,headed by *Professor Eunice Obiagelli Nnodu*, which was set up by the Vice Chancellor for enhancement of research opportunities.

*Infrastructural Development*

There has been infrastructural Development especially on the Main Campus of University of Abuja.These works have been approved by the administration of Na’Allah and carried out with due diligence and in in compliance with ethical and best practices.Some projects have been completed, while some are still ongoing or nearing completion.The following Projects have been completed:
Academic Office Building, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
500 Capacity Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Social Sciences Building Phase 1
Faculty of Arts Building Phase II
250 Capacity Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Agriculture
Provision of Sporting Facilities: Basket ball, Volley ball and practice pitch
Two numbers of Twin Lecture Halls
Feed Mill for faculty of Agriculture
Partitioning/ furnishing and provision of studio for CDL and CE.

Construction of Security Fence at the Main Campus is 75 percent completion and many others that are still under construction.

A staff of the University who craved for anonymity said the Vice Chancellor has done creditably well in terms of infrastructure.He said, ” on your way coming into the campus you can see a lot of projects completed and some still ongoing ; that is a testament that Na’Allah is doing well”

*Capacity Building*

Professor Na’Allah’s administration has created an enabling environment for employees to acquire more strategic knowledge, develop the right thinking capacity and their level of competency so that they can contribute effectively to the development of the University.Hence several trainings have taken place across several units,centres etc.
He also created a healthy and safe learning campus environment, promoted well-being in the school community,as well as students’ welfare thus enhancing students’ learning and a balanced development of their lives in general.Several in-house trainings,anchored by ITMS for students in several areas of endeavours.
In 2020 the first Student Leadership Conference (maiden edition) was organised by the Students Affairs Division which drew participants from various tertiary institutions across the country.

No fewer than 37 students of UofA have been awarded scholarship by the federal government to help in paying their school fees.Though this is by the federal government,it was made possible through the enabling atmosphere created by the Na’Allah’s administration.

It is imperative to say that eight students of University of Abuja received a grant of 2.2 million Naira to undertake research in their various fields of study.Awarded through the Centre for Undergraduate Research,headed by *Dr Taibat Atoyebi*.

To corroborate this feat,here is what Director,Institute of Education University of Abuja, *Professor Hauwa Imam* said about the Vice Chancellor,” Na’Allah is a firm believer in the postive effects of manpower development that he has instituted several capacity building-programmes and organised workshops for the re-orientation and training of staff.Staff are now using digital technologies,teach in a virtual space (such as zoom and google meeting), upload examination results online;and opportunities avail for virtual attendance of meetings and active participation online, etc.
He is dedicated to the promotion of scholarship through the creation of a conducive environment for effective teaching -learning,excellence in research and making an impact through community service
One more thing about Na ‘Allah is that he is driven by high performance such that he is impatient with slow actions,delayed results,and sloppy output.When he assigns one a responsibility,he demands perfection.For this reason,it is felt in some quarters that he micro-manages people.He has raised the bar in standards of operations in the university.
Additionally,he is extremely prudent with operational resources and takes fiscal responsibility seriously.He often times strikes a balance between requirements and meeting basic needs”.

Admission process of candidates under Na’Allah’s administration into the university is most transparent.It is a shift from pre-2019 where there were admission racketeering but today the process has significantly changed for better.The admission process is now reflecting the cosmopolitan status of the University of Abuja as the University for National Unity.In terms of hostel accommodation for students the Vice-Chancellor has also stopped the practice of racketeering as transparent hostel allocation has been introduced.

*Community Relations*

It is significant to say that Under Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah’s administration the hitherto frosty relationship between the university and communities has been improved upon through setting up of the Centre for Community Development, headed by Dr Sunday Dada.The Centre was created as a channel for the university to contribute her quota in the development of the host community as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, there by helping to provide supports to the rural communities in the areas of health, education,water supply, infrastructural development,in collaboration with multinational organizations,Non Governmental Organizations, Philanthropists and others who are interested in the community development.

Here is what *Professor E.S Garba*, the provost College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja said about Professor Na’Allah in the University publication, when the Vice-Chancellor marked two years in office: “I’m highly delighted to witness these giant strides in developments,a testimony of his transformation agenda.I believe before the end of his tenure;he would have transformed the University into a citadel of learning which can compete favourably with others in the world.
According to Anthony Robbins,”there is no greatness without a passion to be great”. Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah is ” driven by passion, commitment to excellence and intelligent planning which constitute vital factors to genuine success.Leaving a positive legacy is the outcome of excellent leadership.Such leadership finishes well”.He concluded.

In the same vein,The Head Of Department of Library and information science UofA , *Professor AbdulGaniy Okanla Ahmed* captured Na’Allah’s leadership dexterity thus: “Professor Na’Allah has catalogue of experience which has made leadership quality to manifest in him. without any doubt he can relate with any set of people in a way to achieve administrative excellence”

He can also be described as a workaholic Vice Chancellor,this could be deduced from the account of him by the Head of Department, Tourism and Hospitality, UofA, *Dr (Mrs) Elizabeth Babagbale* -FIH.She said:

“Our VC, Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, is a well cultured man with integrity and great foresight. I describe him as a cultured man because he condescends to people’s level and deals with all as individuals without looking down on any. I was first privileged to meet him in 2012 during the one- on- one interview that got me a lecturing job at the Kwara State University. Professor Naallah is a go-getter who does not compromise quality. His fair judgement and recognition for hard work brought me to the University of Abuja 9 months ago. Within this period, the University has expanded with additional 26 new departments which successfully passed Verification exercise of the National Universities Commission in August this year; one of which is my department, Tourism and Hospitality Management. However, more are still coming on stream, such as the Entrepreneurship department. At the moment, Accreditation program is ongoing with 24 various departments. His achievements were possible as the University environment continuously enjoys peace and tranquillity. Our VC collaborates amicably by operating open door policy with both the staff and students. He can be reached any time of the day. Whether you are a student or lecturer, if he receives your email even at midnight, he responds to it before daybreak. He deals diligently with everyone with passion, no matter how difficult the situation is. His welfare support to the staff is worthy of note. As an indigent student in the UK, I received financial support from my University through study- work support programme, our VC has introduced same to Uniabuja and we can see smiles on the faces of these students as they go round to render services to the departments they are working for during their free periods. This helps students to learn and appreciate that there is dignity in labour”

The plausible thing about Professor Na’Allah’s giant strides in University of Abuja is his ability to attract development despite paucity of funds.It is not an exaggeration if one recommends the Ilorin born professor for greater responsibility in future, because of his prudent style of leadership.

It is equally important to say that this piece of mine didn’t capture everything Na’Allah has done to change the fortune of UofA to a new height.Meaning there are other numerous positive things not mentioned here.

Nobody can talk about ability to get things done pragmatically without making reference to knowledge and integrity.This is the combination of what the Almighty has blessed Professor Na’Allah with,hence is making a difference as an academic and administrator.

By way of conclusion, Na’Allah’s leadership trajectory is not a coincidence but as a result of hard work, pragmatism, prudence and tenacity.I pray to Allah to guide, guard, and protect him in his endeavour.

Features

Tribute To Late Justice Ahmad Belgore

Published

2 weeks ago

April 13, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

Death is an inevitable
visitor. When it strikes its victims it’s usually the end of an era. It was in the morning of Eid-l-Fitri, which was 10th April, 2024 I read the news of the demise of Justice Ahmad Olanrewaju Belgore, who died the previous night. He was a star in the judiciary because of his piety, consistency and fairness.

Many prominent Nigerians have sent their condolences to his family, Ilorin Emirate and Nigeria judiciary. One significant thing about late Justice was the fact that his life as a judge was filled with face of humanity.

Emir of Ilorin Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and Chairman of Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council in his condolence message described the demise of Justice Belgore as a big loss to the Ilorin Emirate and the Nation at large.

According to the Emir “Belgore was one of the finest justices that the Ilorin Emirate had ever produced, who contributed in no small measures to the growth and development of the judiciary in particular and humanity in general.He prayed that Almighty Allah accept his good deeds, forgive his shortcomings and admit
him into aljannah firdaus.

The Turaki of Ilorin Emirate, Senator Saliu Mustapha has also expressed grief over the death of the legal luminary, described him as a renowned jurist who lived and served the country with his knowledge of the law as an examplary member of the bench.

Senator Mustapha while commiserating with the Nigerian Bar Association on the death of Justice Ahmad Belgore noted that the late jurist contributed immensely to the development of his community and the state in general. Recalling his years of service in the judiciary where he worked with utmost dedication and bowed out in glory last year.

The Senate Committee Chairman on Agric production and Services condoled the Belgore family, The Emir of Ilorin, Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, the people of Balogun Fulani Constituency, Associates and friends of the deceased over the demise of illustrious son of the Ilorin Emirate.He prayed Allah to overlook Justice Belgore misdeeds and grant him eternal rest.

Meanwhile, Kwara state Governor,AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq equally expressed sadness over the death of Justice Belgore who passed on Tuesday night.The Governor sent his heartfelt condolences to the entire Ilorin Emirate, and to the Belgores who have lost a rare gem.His Excellency prayed to Allah to forgive justice Belgore of his shortcomings, and admit him to aljannah firdaus.

The Nigerian Bar Association,The Lagos Lawyers and other prominent Nigerians have also mourned the late Ilorin born jurist, but mentioning all of them may not be necessary.

It is imperative to say that late Justice Ahmad Belgore was an incorruptible judge as he retired meritoriously last year.This was aptly captured by the words of Shehu Bashir,Esq “Justice Ahmad Belgore was a jurist with decency of conscience.He journeyed the delicate profession of adjudication with distinction and came out unblemished.

He was an incredibly tolerant, calm, generous, religious and extremely patient man.His propensity to generosity would almost make you think he had more than he was giving,yet he was undoubtedly incorruptible. And he would never make public his generosity to a third party.He was such a responsible gentleman.”

According to a retired judiciary staff who craved for anonymity, disclosed that in 2015 when his benefit has not been paid,he reached out to late Justice Ahmad Belgore and he gave him 120,000 naira as at that time.

Significantly,the late Justice has been described by many as an embodiment of humility, generosity and accessibility. In the words of Pharm Munirat Bello “He was a great icon of peace and beacon of hope to the less privileged, reliably a dependable pillar of support. His act of kindness could be likened to the scent of the natural musk, very calming yet so impactful. No life hardly gets in contact with him and fail to progress. He was gifted with a divine heart of generosity. An upright jurist to the core, an impeccable symbol of Islam. I have never for once seen him angry to the point of passing derogatory words, he could be stern but in a loving way”

Sheikh Saidu Ibrahim Maimasa is a close associate of late Justice Ahmad Belgore and he is also the Public Relations Officer of Markaz, recounted how helpful he was to him and other friends.He said describing his magnanimity and generosity would be inexhaustible.

He cited a case of a person whose house was forcefully taken and he approached Late Justice for possible redress at the Court of law.He explained that the justice told the man not to go to court, because there was no point going to court and win, and thereafter he lost his life.He later ensured that another house was erected for the man from his personal purse.

Furthermore,A family source disclosed that anything that has to do with Belgore’s family, the late Justice Ahmad Belgore was always at the forefront.Meaning he had imbibed the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in uniting the family.

In unraveling his unwavering support for the less privileged, a young man was said to have gone to his GRA residence and appealed to him that he wanted to go to school but he had no sponsor.The late Justice embraced him and sponsored his education throughout.

Parts of the traits of great men are humility and accessibility. If you are the type that cannot render help to people until an influential person in the society recommends them, then you may be far from circle of great men.Your door should be open for help , that is when you would be able to identify those whole truly need succour .

Justice Ahmad Belgore was never a religious bigot,According to Sheikh Saidu Ibrahim Maimasa “He had an open door policy, because he was very accessible.His security orderly was a Christian from Oyo State and he did not only sponsored his wedding but he was also there in person.He did not discriminate”

He was born on April 18,1953, Belgore studied Law at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello university (ABU),Zaria, where he bagged LL.B (Hons.) with specialisation in Islamic Law 1975 to 1978.He attended the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island,Lagos between 1978/1979 session.

He was the presiding Justice of the Ilorin Division of the Court of Appeal before his retirement in April,2023.He was also former Chief Justice of the Gambia.Justice Ahmad was younger brother to former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Alfa Belgore.

There is no doubt about the fact that late Justice Ahmad Belgore had lived a life worthy of emulation.He was a regular reciter of holy Quran and a great scholar in his own class.He was the president of Darul-Uloom Alumni Association.

Perfection, they say, belongs to God. I pray Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him aljannah firdaus.

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com

07037813177

Features

A Tribute to Barrister Sulaiman Ahmed Assayouty

Published

3 weeks ago

April 9, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Late Barrister Suleiman Ahmad Assayouty

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

Death is a reminder that this world is fleeting and interim. It has yet corroborated the assertion that we are strangers on this planet called, earth just as Barrister Assayouty has left us unannounced through the inevitable shackles of death

I was shocked because he was a brother that I knew very well as an undergraduate in Bayero University, Kano.He wasn’t a regular student as he was preoccupied with hustling in photography business.He usually stationed at the old site of Bayero University Kano where he carried out his business activities

I was at the new site and we had our regular photographer in person of Hope Photo there but whenever we were at the old site we patronised him.In fact his business point was a regular station for Ilorin Emirate students and other customers whenever they did not have lectures.

Since I left the University I have not heard or seeing him until the day he graduated from Law School and the same was posted on the BUK Alumni WhatsApp Group, Ilorin Emirate chapter.I knew within me that day that he struggled to attain the feat and I rejoiced with him through my comments.

We were all in BUK but Assayouty was an hustler and we patronized him not just because he was one of us but he’s very humble. He had a dream and he pursued it with tenacity, hardwork and prayers so he became a certified lawyer eventually. I was not even aware that he later had a Sayuti Cafe on campus,i got to know through BUK Chat zone on Facebook; an online medium for BUK students and others. I’m sure it was after we have left the school he operated the cafe business

From the Account of my friends and brothers that are resident in Kano, they said he was going to a Police Station in Tofa with his wife and his child yesterday 8th April,2024 before they had an accident that claimed his life and injured his wife and his child who are still in the hospital. I pray to Allah for their speedy recovery.

When a promising young man died it is usually tremendously painful because a dream has been shattered and retrogressed.The demise of Assayouty was one too many as it reinvigorated and rejuvenated the futility of this world.He laboured so hard to become a lawyer. He was studying Law in pari passu with hustling. How great would it have been if He had lived long to enjoy the fruit of his struggle?

According to Mallam Zakariya Bayero “we were staying in an uncompleted building together in 1998, he was running a diploma programme then”.

Barrister Yakubu Abdullahi reacted to my Facebook post about his demise thus “May Allah admit him to Jannat, his death is shocking, I know him as a struggling lawyer, despite his commitment to law practice,he has other struggles he did around Janguza axis. May Allah forgive his shortcomings”.

In Quran 62 Verse 8, Allah says “Say, indeed, the death from which you flee.Indeed it will meet you”. Today it has met our brother but our solace is that Barrister Sulaiman Assayouty died as a Muslim in the holy month of Ramadan, he never tarnished the image of his family and lived a dignified life.May Allah grant him aljannah firdaus and give his immediate family, the Ilorin Emirate BUK Alumni and friends the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

Features

Kano Water Scarcity: How Long is Governor Abba’s ‘State of Emergency’?

Published

1 month ago

March 17, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

_By Misbahu El-Hamza_

Kano State makes headlines almost every year, and coincidentally, during Ramadan for water scarcity. The frequent headlines are often attributed to electricity system failures, which disrupt water pumping, or equipment faults at water treatment plants, exacerbating the situation.

About ten months ago, upon taking office, Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf declared a State of Emergency to address water scarcity across the state, urging for patience and maximum cooperation from residents. Although I haven’t seen or reviewed the governor’s plan during this emergency, I recall that resolving Kano’s water issues was one of his campaign promises.

I remember when the governor inspected the Challawa Water Treatment Plant in May 2023 and expressed dissatisfaction with its condition. It was said that only two of the six pumping machines of the facility were functioning at the time.

Following that, the governor give a one-week ultimatum to the Kano State Water Board to submit its demands in order to end the water shortage in the state. There was a sigh of relief by the public. Personally, I had hoped that we’re finally getting over this hardship.

Unfortunately, nearly a year now, the situation is not only prevalent in urban areas but is even worse in rural communities. We are not only seeing those trending headlines of water scarcity in Kano, we’re experiencing the brunt of it.

Recently, the price of a 25-liter jerrican of borehole water in Kano surged by ₦50 to ₦150. Someone told me that he bought one at ₦200 around Kurmi market. In areas like Hotoro, Nassarawa LGA, where I reside near Kumbotso LGA housing the Challawa water plant, prices rose from ₦40 to ₦70 or higher. The Chalawa water plant is believed to have the capacity of supply the whole of Kano with water, but we rely heavily on individual boreholes for water, with little to no infrastructure connecting us to the water plant.

While I resides in a suburb and can afford buying a jerrican of what seems to be clean water, in the rural areas where I often visit for work, the situation is dire. Many communities lack access to clean water sources, with broken or dried-up boreholes and wells being common. Residents, including young children, often resort to fetching water from stagnant ponds shared with cows, donkeys, camels, and even dogs. This water is what they use for all daily activities, posing serious health risks. It’s evident that both state and local governments have neglected these communities, offering little to no solutions for their water woes. Where you see boreholes or wells in these communities, they are either constructed by individual donors or (charity) organizations and a handful ones by politicians.

Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf must be aware of the current water crisis in both rural and urban Kano. However, the pressing question remains: how long will his State of Emergency address the suffering caused by the persistent water scarcity or total lack of it across the state?

Three days ago, I heard a jingle apologizing for the water scarcity in Kano metropolitant, blaming the repair works at Challawa and Tamburawa treatment plants. It’s said to have been sponsored by Kano State Water Board. To me, the jingle suggests the governor partly fulfilled his pledge, now it’s the board’s turn to restore water supply. Or at least that’s my assumption.

I know this isn’t the first time the the board apologises. In 2022, the then Managing Director of the board was quoted apologizing to Kano residents for failing to supply water during Ramadan. At that time, 25-liters jerrican of borehole water cost between ₦30 – ₦100.

I remain hopeful that before his remaining three years expire, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf will emerge as Kano’s hero by addressing the water scarcity issue, providing relief to the growing population, including those in rural areas.

As the governor continues to address our water problem within this emergency period, I hope the demands the water board submitted to him as requested include: establishing new plants and resaviors or enhancing existing ones, extending mainline pipes to suburbs and rural areas, ensuring independent power supply for the plants, and securing permanent employment for existing and additional staff. If the board manages its expenses independently, perhaps shifting it to the state payroll would improve also efficiency.

With reliable service and effective system in place, the board and the state government should be rest assured that Kano people will be more willing to pay for water, and the board does not need to heavily depend for its revenue from the industries it diverts our little water to.