By Dr Abdullahi Dahiru

In the past, journalists were known for their extensive knowledge and keen awareness of current events. They were avid readers and dedicated listeners of news programs from various stations, including international news channels. As a result, they could easily name the presidents of many nations, identify capitals and major cities, and correctly spell and pronounce a wide range of words.

Today, however, the landscape has shifted. Some of the journalists we have now are among the most uninformed. When a journalist mispronounces “Hague” as “Hagwi,” it is likely they have never heard the correct pronunciation from other news channels. Similarly, pronouncing “paradigm” as “paradijim” indicates a lack of exposure to accurate pronunciations.

This decline in journalistic knowledge and accuracy is concerning. In an era where information is more accessible than ever, it is crucial for journalists to maintain high standards of knowledge and professionalism. Their role as conveyors of information means they bear the responsibility of ensuring that their audience receives accurate and well-pronounced news.

There are several factors contributing to this decline. The digital age has brought about a surge in news sources, many of which prioritize speed over accuracy. This can lead to journalists skimming through information without fully grasping or verifying it. Additionally, the rise of social media has created an environment where sensationalism often trumps accuracy, further diminishing the quality of journalistic standards.

To address this issue, it is essential for journalists to rekindle their commitment to continuous learning and professional development. They should engage with diverse and reputable news sources, practice accurate pronunciation, and strive to deepen their understanding of global affairs. News organizations should also invest in regular training and development programs to equip their journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Ultimately, the integrity of journalism hinges on the dedication of its practitioners to uphold the values of accuracy, knowledge, and professionalism. By taking proactive steps to improve their standards, journalists can restore the public’s trust and confidence in their work, ensuring that they remain credible sources of information in an increasingly complex world.

Dr Abdullahi Dahiru wrote from Kano Northwestern Nigeria

Who is Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the newly appointed Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC)?

Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu FCVSN, the newly appointed Executive Secretary (ES) of National Universities Commision (NUC), was born at Fufore, Adamawa State on 2nd September 1960. He had his primary education between 1967 and 1973. He gained admission in to Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Mubi in 1973 and successfully obtained the West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1978. He attended the School of Basic Studies (SBS), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria during the 1978/79 session. In October, 1979 he enrolled at ABU Zaria for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree programme which he successfully completed in June 1984. Professor Ribadu served the compulsory one-year NYSC at the Lower Niger River Basin and Rural Development Authority, Ilorin between 1984 and85.

In September, 1985, Ribadu was appointed Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Reproduction, University of Maiduguri. His quest for additional qualifications fuelled by a burning thirst for knowledge made him to return to ABU Zaria from 1986 to 1988 for a Master of Science degree in Theriogenology. In 1990, Professor Ribadu was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship for a PhD at the University of Liverpool., United Kingdom. In 1997, Professor Ribadu was awarded a 2‐ year Postdoctoral Fellowship by the prestigious Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), tenable at Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan.

In terms of academic career, Professor Ribadu rose through the ranks and was appointed Professor of Veterinary Reproduction at the University of Maiduguri in October 2002. Professor Ribadu held several academic and administrative positions at the University level.

In April 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Prof A. Y. Ribadu as the Vice‐Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Yola (FUTY), now Modibbo Adama Univeristy. As the Vice‐Chancellor of FUTY from 26th April 2004 to 25th April, 2009, Professor Ribadu brought positive changes to the university’s landscape.

Professor Ribadu served as external assessor and examiner to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Ibadan and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. He is a competent, efficient and resourceful researcher with enviable research outputs. He has to his credit several publications in peer‐reviewed scientific journals and others presented at learned national and international conferences. His pioneering work on “ultrasonography and endocrinology of ovarian cysts in cattle” at the University of Liverpool has been cited extensively. Professor Ribadu spent one-year sabbatical leave and a further one and half years on leave of absence at the National Universities commission (NUC), Abuja (June 2009 to November 2011) where he served as Chairman, Committee on Monitoring of Private Universities (COMPU). Furthermore, he also served as Visiting Professor/Advisor to Nigerian Turkish Nile University (NTNU), Abuja from January 2012 to June 2013. Professor Ribadu assumed duty as a Professor in the Department of Theriogenology, University of Abuja in November, 2013. He was a Visiting professor at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University (GADVASU) Ludhiana, Punjab, India in 2023. Before his appointment as the ES boss, Professor Ribadu was a visiting professor at the Commision.

In December 2013, the new ES of NUC was appointed as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Jigawa State University,Kafin Hausa which was later renamed Sule Lamido University. He steered the affairs of university, overseeing its take-up and the enrolment of the first student of the University and bowed out, after five years, with a grand style maiden convocation of the university.

Professor Ribadu is a member of several national and international professional bodies. He was awarded membership diploma, College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (MCVSN) in 2003 and Fellow, College of Veterinary Surgeons Nigeria (FCVSN) in 2011. He is also a member of Nigeria Institute of Management (MNIM), Honorary Fellow, Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (FNIAE), Fellow, Global e‐policy and e‐government institute, Sungkyukwan University, Seoul, South Korea and Fellow Institute for Government Research and Leadership Technology (2014). Professor Ribadu was the Secretary-General of Association of West Africa Universities (AWAU). He was also conferred with an Honorary Degree (Honoris Causa) by the Commonwealth University, London on Thursday, 14th December, 2017. Additionally, he is a member, TETFund’s National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRF) from 2021 to date.

Professor Ribadu’s academic and administrative pursuits have provided him with opportunities to travel to many countries including Australia, Belgium, Cameroun, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Japan, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, The Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States. Professor Ribadu is fluent in Fulfulde, Hausa, English and a bit of Nihongo (Japanese).

Professor Ribadu is happily married to Aisha Mohammed Abba and is blessed with three children (Asma’u, Hadiza and Zaynab). His hobbies include reading, travelling and playing table tennis.

By Adnan Mukhtar

The complex relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima appears to be fraying, revealing underlying tensions within Nigeria’s presidency since their inauguration on May 29, 2023.

The recent disagreements over tax reform highlight this disconnect. The proposed tax reforms have ignited debates among influential stakeholders, including President Tinubu, the Northern Governors’ Forum, and the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Shettima.

President Tinubu is advocating for a derivation-based VAT model, which some Northern governors vehemently oppose, citing significant economic disparities among regions. They argue that such a reform could jeopardize less industrialized areas, preferring instead to maintain the current revenue-sharing system for greater equity.

In response to the controversy, the NEC, led by Shettima, recommended a withdrawal of the reform bills for more comprehensive consultations. However, President Tinubu remains determined to push ahead with legislative discussions, suggesting that modifications can be made later. This debate not only reflects a rift between promoting state financial autonomy and ensuring equitable development, but also underscores critical implications for governance, economic policies, and regional relations in Nigeria.

While there are arguments in favor of the tax reform, including its potential benefits, I refrain from discussing them extensively. The Northern elites and leaders have, to a large extent, failed their constituents by neglecting to address pressing economic challenges such as job creation, entrepreneurial development, and diversification. Rather than lament the proposed reforms, shouldn’t we focus on alternatives that can propel the North toward self-sufficiency?

It is perplexing to see governors expressing concern that the new tax proposal could hinder their ability to pay workers’ salaries. What efforts are these leaders making to enhance Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), foster innovation, and attract trade and investment? It’s noteworthy that, in more developed regions, many of these governors would likely struggle to qualify for positions even as local government chairpersons or councilors.

Interestingly, while many Northern political leaders are voicing discontent toward the tax bill, a few notable figures, including erstwhile anti-Tinubu critics like Daniel Bwala and former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, are unexpectedly rallying in support of the reforms.

Dogara, perhaps keen to regain relevance, asserted that President Tinubu has already made significant contributions to the North, positing that no leader from the region in his lifetime has matched Tinubu’s achievements. He highlighted the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock as a pivotal opportunity for Northern economic growth. “This is not the time to label the president as anti-North,” Dogara implored, emphasizing that Tinubu’s accomplishments warrant recognition.

Recall that both Dogara and Bwala were prominent critics of Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket prior to the election. Their recent embrace of Tinubu and the reform agenda is nothing short of astonishing.

In politics, allegiances can shift surprisingly, but Dogara’s recent praise for Tinubu, after vocally opposing the latter’s candidacy based on religious affiliations, raises eyebrows. During a summit tagged ‘Meet the Church,’ he urged Christians not to waste their votes on APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, vehemently criticizing Tinubu for selecting Shettima as his running mate. Now, it seems he is vying for political relevance by aligning himself with the very administration he once condemned.

Many speculate that Dogara’s criticisms were motivated by his disappointment at not being chosen as Tinubu’s running mate. The change in his tone now appears to be a classic case of political maneuvering — a bid to secure a piece of the political pie, especially in light of the current hardships faced by Nigerians.

This shift sends a powerful message: the elite often prioritize personal interests under the guise of caring for the common man. Had Dogara been appointed as Tinubu’s campaign director instead of Simon Lalong, the narrative might have been vastly different.

Ultimately, one must wonder: Is Dogara’s newfound admiration for Tinubu a strategic move towards positioning himself as a prospective vice-presidential candidate in 2027? Could it lead to Shettima being sidelined, or are there other contenders from the North-East waiting in the wings?

Time will tell. The political landscape remains fluid, and we must continue to observe these developments closely.

Adnan is a Public Affairs Analyst and writes from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.