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Paradigmatic Shift in Literary Ignorance: Ajami on Naira Reloaded-Adamu

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3 years ago

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Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu

Paradigmatic Shift in Literary Ignorance: Ajami on Naira Reloaded-Adamu

Abdallah Uba Adamu

As we enter into ‘will they, will they not’ mode of uncertainty typical of Nigerian public culture about the change of Nigerian higher currency denominations announced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on 25th October 2022, my mind went back to an article I wrote on 16th April 2007. This was in the wake of the removal of “Arabic inscriptions” on the Nigerian currency (the Naira) on 28th February 2007 in the new currency notes that removed the Ajami (Hausa written in Arabic script) writing that indicated the denomination of the respective currency note and replaced with the Latin alphabet. This is a ‘remix’ of that posting on the then popular platforms of Blogspot. Mine was called Nishadin Hululu (Hausa Popular Culture).

The full historical overview of how the Arabic “script” came to become part of essentially northern Nigerian Muslim Hausa educational package is given in Manuscript Learnability and Indigenous Knowledge for Development – Hausa Ajami in Historical Context. A version is available at https://bit.ly/3zoi7XN.

I rarely bother to visit Nigerian “Naija” websites on the web or any other group of politically motivated Nigerians. I know what I will find — the usual vituperative tirade against northern Nigerians, Muslims, Hausa, ad nauseum. Southern Nigerians have three fundamental articles in their crusade against northern Nigeria: Islamic fanaticism, conservative feudalism and their weird perception of “born to rule” syndrome apparently held by the ‘northerners’. No matter how many groups of Nigerians you interact with, these three form the main focus of the divide in Nigeria. They are the main reasons why Nigerian “unity” is virtually impossible.

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I doubt if there is any other group of Africans who hang out their ethnic dirty laundry like Nigerians. I accept, for the most part such ranting is probably not personal; they are basically religious – the Christian versus Muslim divide, rather than any feeling of superiority of one ethnic group over the other. Any such feelings of superiority are part of a religious template that sees acquisition of education as the central criteria for judging the value of a whole people. Thus education, not religion, is the central fulcrum around which the Nigerian nation wobbles.

Southern Nigerian acquired education through Christian Missionary activities from about 1849. Such education became the mainstay of acquiring Westernized modernity. Inevitably Western education brought by Christian missionaries to Nigeria became equated with Western Christian values. For the most part, Christian southern Nigerians are happy with this because it makes them “civilized” — in the absence of any cherished antecedent cultural values. Thus, any other worldview is considered barbaric.

Northern Nigerians, specifically the Hausa and the Kanuri acquired education through conversion to Islam since 1250 and in Kanuri kingdom, even earlier. The constant eddy of scholars from north African learning centers throughout 14th to 17th centuries ensured a sustained scholastic tradition in Muslim northern Nigeria. Muslim northern Nigerians therefore had a longer exposure to the concept of formalized learning and literacy than southern Nigerians. A universal basic education was indeed introduced around 1464 in the city of Kano when new methods of indigenizing the Arabic script to Hausa phonology were created. This led to the creation of a novel way of writing out Hausa language in a script the young scholars will understand. It is this method of indigenizing Arabic script to Hausa language that became “ajami”. It became one of the main ways of educating young pupils in northern Nigeria. Do you remember all those “Almajirai” you see in northern Nigerian cities? Well, most are fluent in ajami writing. Currently, the most prominent modern Hausa political singer (though not the most talented or likeable), Dauda “Rarara” Adamu Kahutu, has an extensive catalogue of his songs all written Ajami which he reads as he records in the studio.

Ajami, therefore, is any literacy strategy in which any language is written in Arabic. Over 50 languages are currently written in the script. Let us look at the parallel sphere. If any African language is written in Latin characters, it can be called Ajami. Ajami is not Islamic; any more than Latin alphabets are Christian.

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However, in a new era of reform, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) decided to remove the “Arabic” script from the Nigerian currency in new currency notes launched on 28th February 2007. The removal of ajami script on the Nigerian currency reflected the deep-rooted religious divide that is Nigeria, because the Arabic script was seen as religious – and Nigeria is considered a secular country. This equates Arabic with Islam – ignoring the huge number of Arab Christians that exist throughout the Middle East.

The logic of the removal of the what the Nigerian economic establishment call “Arabic inscription” on the Nigerian currency given by the Nigerian Government was premised on using a Latin inscription that is available to all Nigerians (even if in mutually exclusive languages), rather than an exclusive script tied down to a particular religious culture. According to the then Governor of CBN, Professor Chukwuma Soludo during a sensitization visit to the Sultan of Sokoto,

“I will also like to inform you that the removal of the Arabic inscription on the notes is not targeted at any group or religion but rather to promote our language and cultural heritage…As you can see, Naira is the symbol of our nationalism and our pride. It is pertinent to let you understand that Arabic is not one of our national languages and it was inscribed on the notes forty years ago because the majority of people then, can read it in the northern part of the country to the detriment of their counterparts in the South (ThisDay, 16th February 2007, posted to the web 19th February 2007 at https://bit.ly/3TQ4FEw.

Similarly, the CBN issued a rebuttal to the controversies by stating that the “de-ajamization” was to “conform (to) Section 55 of the 1999 Constitution, which recognises four languages, English, Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba as medium of conducting government businesses.” After all, as they claimed, after forty years of Western education, most people in Nigeria should be able to recognize the Roman inscriptions. This, we believe, can strengthen our unity by ensuring equity and fairness. Indeed, the replacement was done in national interest and the desire to comply with the Constitution of the country.”

But how can national unity be attained when still a large proportion of the country is marginalized? To prevent this marginalization, the British colonial administration introduced the Ajami letters on the first Nigerian modernized currencies, well aware of the large gap in education – and therefore ability to read and understand Latin characters on the country’s currency notes. An example was the £1 note.

“Fam daya” was prominently written to enable those literate in Ajami, but not Latin alphabet to identify the currency.

It is interesting that a main argument was that the presence of ajami on Nigerian currency was seen to the “detrimental” to southern Nigerians (who presumably do not understand it) – yet the inclusion of Latin alphabet is not seen as detrimental to non-Roman literate northern Nigerians (especially non-Muslim Hausa, who presumably do not understand it). In this warped logic, it is therefore easier to alienate Muslim Hausa northern Nigerians than southern Nigerians, especially since a Christian was the President of the country (and a Christian Governor of the Central Bank facilitated the alienation). Of course, when a Muslim becomes the President, the arguments might be revisited – and reversed; which another subsequent Christian president will also revisit, and so on endlessly. Farooq Kperogi actually imagined a nightmare scenario that might come out of this in 2022 at https://bit.ly/3TOt2T1.

The inclusion of the script on the Nigerian currency by the British colonial administration was an acknowledgement of the rich literary heritage of a vast number of people in Nigeria who could not read the Latin script– and not a strategy to impose Islam on anyone in Nigeria. Certainly, the British colonial administration had no reason to propagate Islam. Yet on the currencies circulated by the same administration the “Arabic inscription” was conspicuously present. This was maintained subsequently until 2007, when the despised Arabic inscription was removed and replaced with the much-loved Latin ‘inscription’. An example with ₦50 illustrates this.

The ₦50 with the ‘Arabic inscription’ of Ajami merely indicating that it is fifty naira in Hausa. In the redesigned ₦50, the Roman name for the Hausa was ‘naira hamsin’ instead of the Ajamized ‘hamsin’ in the old note. Yet, ‘hamsin’ means fifty in Arabic! So, like it or not, Arabic still remains on the naira. To get rid of it, you have to get rid of the Hausa language entirely, since about almost 45% of Hausa words are based on Arabic language.

Further, other multicultural countries do pay such homage to multiple literacies in their currency notes. The Indian currency, for instance, has 15 language scripts, including Urdu (ajami) – despite Arabic not being part of its national languages.

And while not explicitly stated, the links made by the Nigerian economic establishment with Arabic to Islam seems to be part of a move to “de-Islamize” Nigeria – scoring a cheap point particularly in the way most northern Nigerian States re-introduced Islamic Shari’a in their governance from 1999 led by Zamfara State, and the earlier issue of Nigeria’s membership of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) in January 1986, which the Nigerian Christian (as well as Marxist Muslim) groups were against.

We look forward to the new currency notes in December 2022.

Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu is a dual Professor of Education Science and Cultural Communication

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Opinion

Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf and Hon. Murtala Sule Garo: A Well‑Matched Pair of Walking Shoes

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3 hours ago

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January 23, 2026

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By Kabir Mamman Sani

Very soon, Kano’s political landscape will realign, when the State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf finally join the All Progressive Congress (APC).
When this finally happened, the governor will need a “perfect pair” to keep his stride steady, particularly when the current Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam decided not to defect along with him.
Governor Abba Kabir, now in his 63rd year and over two years into office, has already set a pace of urgency, restoration, and a “New Kano” vision.
For the State to sustain that momentum, pairing him with a deputy who can match his stride — like Hon. Murtala Sule Garo will certainly justify the political realignment.
In leadership, a governor and his deputy are like a well‑crafted pair of walking shoes: one provides direction, the other offers support, and together they traverse any terrain. The left shoe (the governor) charts the course, while the right shoe (the deputy) absorbs shock, maintains balance, and keeps the journey comfortable. Their synergy translates into stability, inclusive governance, and relentless progress for Kano.

For so many reasons, Hon. Murtala Sule Garo fits the right shoe. He is from the Kano North Senatorial Zone where the deputy governor position was zoned.
He has grassroots credibility. As a former Commissioner for Local Government, he has built a reputation for accessibility and for managing people and resources at the community level.
Hon. Murtala, is a bridge‑builder. He can link the NNPP’s existing structures with the APC’s broader network, easing the anticipated party switch and creating a cohesive environment for policy execution.

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As a grassroots mobilizer, particularly in a state known for political vibrancy, Murtala Sule Garo will play a stabilizer role. His ability to rally wards, councils, and youth groups and turn political apathy into active participation, boosting voter turnout and civic engagement, is assured.

What can this pair deliver?
Stability from the ground up – a olid foundation of local support prevents “small tremors from becoming structural crises,” as analyst Dr. Elena Vance notes, hence with Hon. Murtala Sule Garo providing a buffer to the Governor, political stability will ensue.
The pair is capable of further accelerating development in the State – With the ongoing projects in water supply, agricultural subsidies, and digital transformation, the governor’s ambitious blueprint gains a reliable executor.
Moreover, Murtala’s inclusive approach to governance will further open doors to traditional rulers, youth groups, and private investors fostering collective ownership of Kano’s progress. Hon. Murtala Sule Garo will lock in that trajectory, ensuring the administration’s plans endure and citizens feel the comfort of steady, balanced leadership.

Governor Yusuf’s achievements in urban renewal, educational reform, healthcare expansion, and infrastructure upgrades—have already earned him a reputation as one of the state’s most effective leaders. Pairing him with Murtala Sule Garo will be the best way forward for the State.

Just as a good pair of walking shoes carries a traveler forward with confidence, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Deputy Murtala Sule Garo can lead Kano on a successful, step‑by‑step journey—comfortable, supportive, and balanced for every stakeholder.

Kabir Mamman Sani, a political analyst write from Minjibir

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Opinion

Christopher Musa: Experience Meets Strategist-Sageer Ahmad

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1 day ago

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January 22, 2026

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Sageer Ahmad

It didn’t come to us as a surprise when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the appointment of General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.) as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence.

Indeed the president’s decision signals a deliberate effort to align experience with strategy at a time when national security remains a critical concern for every well-meaning Nigerian. No doubt, Nigeria and Nigerians have had it very rough in recent years and the deserving testimonies the nation received on the choice of CG Musa is adequate enough to tell the world that CG Musa is equal to the task.

A veteran officer with decades of distinguished service to the well-being of Nigeria, his appointment as a minister brings to the Defence Ministry a deep understanding of Nigeria’s security environment and a calculative and systematic approach to a sustainable solution to the lingering security issues. Without being sentimental, his emergence as Defence Minister reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen policy direction, improve coordination among security agencies and reinforce public confidence in the country’s defence institutions.

As a professional shaped by years of frontline command and strategic leadership, Nigerians now believe the country is widely regarded within military and policy circles, as a country at the verge of overcoming its travails. His records have shown that over the course of his career, he played key roles in counter-insurgency and internal security operations, particularly in areas affected by terrorism, banditry and communal violence. His experience cuts across field operations and high-level defence planning, giving him a balanced grasp of both tactical realities and policy demands, for a better country.

Before his appointment, Musa served at the highest level of Nigeria’s military leadership, where he oversaw joint operations involving the Army, Navy and Air Force. His tenure was marked by a strong emphasis on inter-service cooperation, intelligence-driven operations and improved welfare for personnel.

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His appointment came at a critical time that the nation is in dire need of peace and Nigerians have no doubt that CG Musa will steady but surely give Nigerians the needed peace. A straightforward personality with a complete sense of responsibility and commitment to national security, he is an exact example of a responsible and responsive security administrator.

Barely weeks after assuming office, Minister CG Musa began by setting a clear tone for the country’s security direction and recording early ministerial milestones anchored on coordination, professionalism and decisive action against insecurity.

Since his appointment he has moved swiftly to redefine the Ministry of Defence’s leadership posture, placing emphasis on results-driven security management rather than rhetoric. At several high-level engagements, he has publicly committed to delivering tangible improvements in national security, assuring Nigerians of the government’s resolve to reclaim communities affected by insurgency, banditry and violent crime.

However, one of CG Musa’s notable early achievements is his push for stronger inter-agency collaboration. He has consistently underscored the need for seamless cooperation among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and internal security institutions, arguing that modern security threats require unified and intelligence-led responses. This stance has reinforced the ongoing joint operations and improved coordination among security stakeholders. Moreover, the citizens have started seeing the good impact of the calculative and decisive move of the minister.

CG Musa has further distinguished his tenure by reasserting professionalism and ethical leadership within the military by charging senior officers to uphold loyalty to the Constitution, integrity and discipline in command as well as professional conduct.

It is on record that troop welfare has also featured prominently on his agenda as he publicly emphasized that the morale and wellbeing of personnel are critical to mission success, he also pledged improved attention to logistics, equipment, healthcare and family support for service members.

As a graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy who attended several advanced military and leadership courses within and outside Nigeria, his career also includes participation in regional and multinational security initiatives, reinforcing Nigeria’s role in collective efforts to address cross-border threats in the sub-region as well as to install the nation’s dignity in the global focus.

As Defence Minister, Musa is expected to focus on defence policy coordination, military reforms, procurement oversight and the strengthening of civil-military relations. His background places him in a unique position to bridge the gap between policy formulation and operational realities, ensuring that decisions taken at the centre translate into tangible security outcomes across the country.

However, with insecurity still posing serious challenges nationwide, expectations are high and that is why we believe in the simple fact that Christopher Musa’s appointment represents a strategic recalibration that will chase the bandits, insurgents and other vices out of the country for a healthier, better and robust Nigeria of all good days.

To the bandits and the insurgents, get ready to repent or face the wrath of CG Musa, the Nigerian savior.

Sagir Ahmed writes from Kano and can be reach via email: ahmadtsagir@gmail.com

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Opinion

Why delivery will define Nigeria’s climate future-Erika Paredes

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2 days ago

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January 22, 2026

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By Erika Paredes

Across Nigeria, a recurrent question among policymakers and business leaders is no longer about climate ambition, but about outcomes. What matters is whether climate action translates into households with steady power, affordable energy for businesses, and jobs for young people.

Climate capital is available, and Nigeria ranks among the top destinations for climate investors. Capital is flowing to solar grids, electric buses, flood-proof roads, and drought-resistant crops. Yet the central doubt remains whether the country has the delivery capacity to move fast enough. Success hinges not on funding alone, but on bankable projects: clear timelines, assigned roles, transparent risks, and fast approvals. When done right, paper becomes power plants.

Nigeria’s international climate engagement has not lacked ambition. Recent statements make this clear. This momentum is already visible: in 2023, the World Bank approved a USD 750 million clean energy programme to expand access for over 17.5 million Nigerians, while a separate agreement with Siemens Energy is advancing grid modernisation. This shows that well-structured projects can attract investment.

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Climate finance is often seen as only about saving forests. In reality, for Nigeria, it can be a growth engine that attracts investment and creates employment at scale. Nigerian leaders are already engaging with these opportunities. When energy projects advance faster, power reaches households and businesses.
Countries that are beginning to scale climate finance successfully are not those announcing the largest targets. They are the ones strengthening the systems that turn opportunity into delivery, building confidence among investors and citizens alike. Successful top-scaler cases include Vietnam, with 17 GW of solar deployed in three years, and Chile, with 10 GW of renewables delivered through auctions and digital innovation.

Nigeria has the capacity and readiness to seize this moment. The next step is clear: shift decisively from ambition to execution, modernise and diversify project portfolios, and prioritise outcomes that Nigerians feel in their daily lives, particularly young people.

About the author: Erika Paredes is a Harvard-trained climate finance leader, former UN senior executive, and CEO of Climate Solutions for All. She has mobilised over USD 8 billion in development finance across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

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