By Sadiq El-Saye

Aisha Sani Maikudi is a 41-year old professor of International Law, and since July 1, 2024 the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja. She is among the 80 scholars from within and outside Nigeria who have applied to become the next substantive vice chancellor of the university.

There appears, however, to be a well-oiled campaign of calumny, rooted in a conspiratorial grand plot, to stop her, ostensibly – and ironically – because of who she is: a young (too young they argue), beautiful, and exceptionally brilliant and administratively savvy female academic from Katsina. On another day these should have counted as the qualities that recommend her for the job.

In this, 21st, century that has witnessed the emergence of a number of 40-something-year old (and even less) presidents and prime ministers across the world, including in some of the most developed countries, age – not accomplishments, competence and experience – is being bandied by some obscurantists and chauvinists as an obstacle to becoming a vice chancellor. The hypocrisy, nourished in intellectual dishonesty, is that these nay-sayers have conveniently forgotten numerous instances within the very Nigerian university system where dashing young academics held forte as vice chancellors (Iya Abubakar and Akinkugbe in the 1970s, Jibril Aminu in the early 1980s, A S Sambo in the early 2000s, J.D. Amin, Gwarzo and others in the last decade and half). In the same University of Abuja, Gambo Laraba Abdullahi was in 1999 appointed VC in her forties, and she was not even a professor as at the time (just like many others before and after her).

The falsehood being peddled by those opposed to Aisha Maikudi is that she cannot be VC because only a professor of 10 years and above can be. That is pure hogwash. The easily verifiable fact is that there is no such provision in the Universities Miscellaneous Act and the University of Abuja Act (the two legal instruments that decide who becomes VC in the university). As a matter of fact, a simple check can reveal that more than half of the vice chancellors of all Nigerian universities (federal, state and private) attained the positions with less than 10-year experience as professors as at the time of appointment. Faruk Kuta, the incumbent Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Minna, was promoted professor in 2021 and became VC less than two years later. Within the last one year, more than half a dozen federal universities have sought to fill vacant vice chancellors positions. The powers to appoint VC rests solely with Council, and each has the discretion on the kind of experience a candidate should possess. Only few days ago, the University of Nigeria Nsukka pegged 8 years as a minimum number of years a professor wishing to be their VC should be on that rank (earlier on, Usumanu Danfodio University Sokoto like the University of Abuja did not fix any minimum number of years on the professorial rank).

Another falsehood being deliberately and maliciously concocted and spread is that standard was lowered in the second advert (placed in August) to enable Aisha Maikudi apply. Nigerians could vividly recall how ASUU in particular (and some of the people now complaining) protested and insisted that the first advert must be canceled (or at least reviewed). ASUU even embarked on an 83-day strike action to press home their demands. Eventually, Council conceded and reviewed the advert to the open elation of many. For two months all was calm – until when it emerged that Aisha Maikudi was among the 25 fresh applicants!

Those who are opposed to Aisha Maikudi are simply scared stiff of her intimidating CV: academic and administrative accomplishments. For instance, she is the only one among the applicants who has been Head of Department, Deputy Dean of Faculty, Director of one of the key centres of the university, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Acting Vice Chancellor. This is in addition to being a world-class scholar and international citizen with vast contacts that she has deployed for the service and benefit of the university.

Clearly Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi is a towering intellectual titan and proven deft administrator. This reality is very difficult to accept by her detractors and those angling to return UniAbuja to the years of the locust.

Dr El-Saye is of the Faculty of Social Science, University of Abuja.

By Abba Anwar

Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to tackling insecurity and promoting economic growth through the domestication of the National Policy on Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (nMSMEs).

Katsina state, under Radda, is the first state in the country that domesticates the National Policy on nMSMEs. This bold move underscores his administration’s dedication to empowering youth, fostering entrepreneurship, and stimulating economic development. With this unwavering move he beats the imagination of many of his colleagues, governors across Nigeria.

Few months into the domestication period, governor Radda recently celebrated the unveiling and graduation of 217 young entrepreneurs from Katsina State Employability Project, purposely designed to address youth restiveness, criminal activities and creating corridor for growth and development.

During the graduation celebration, that took place at Kofar Bai Conference Hall, Katsina, the governor reiterated his commitment to economic growth, when he reveals that, “Katsina state is the first in the country to domesticate the National Policy on MSMEs and develop our State nMSMEs Policy.”

To comply with the global best practices, this initiative gives priority to areas that have to do with modern technology and Artificial Intelligence. Those graduands acquired skills that include, web development, social media and email marketing, graphics and product design and entrepreneurial development.

This speaks volumes of how focused and committed the governor is. Which undoubtedly places him above many governors in entrepreneurial development and youth inclusion in the state economy, governance and social cohesion, among many others.

As the only governor in Nigeria with the distinction of having led the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Governor Radda brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. His vision for Katsina State’s economic development is anchored on a multifaceted approach:

1. MSME growth
2. Skill acquisition
3. Job creation
4. Poverty alleviation
5. Improved standard of living

The establishment of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) marks a significant milestone in Governor Radda’s quest to drive MSME development and youth empowerment. Under the able leadership of Hajiya A’isha Aminu as Director General, KASEDA has recorded remarkable achievements, including:

– Launch of Dikko BDS Corp

– Training of numerous entrepreneurs

– Selection and Needs Assessment of Businesses with Growth Potentials

– Capacity-building training for KASEDA pioneer staff

– Partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI) yielding the N5 Billion MSMEs Revolving Matching and Managed Fund

– Study tour to Lagos and Abuja to learn from similar agencies

– Ongoing training of 3 youth at Social Innovation Academy, Uganda

All within a period of one year! This is amazing from all standpoints.

Governor Radda’s commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in his directive for quarterly progress reports from KASEDA, ensuring the agency remains focused on its objectives.

The Katsina MSMEs Policy, carefully crafted to align with the National Policy on MSMEs and the Katsina State Development Plan (2024-2043) Framework, serves as a blueprint for sustainable economic growth. Key components include:

– Promoting entrepreneurship education
– Enhancing access to finance
– Improving business environment
– Encouraging innovation and technology

His leadership has instilled a sense of hope and optimism among the people of Katsina State. His administration’s strides in MSME development and youth empowerment offer a replicable model for tackling insecurity and promoting economic growth.

As we celebrate these achievements, we urge other state governments to draw inspiration from Governor Radda’s visionary leadership. His commitment to empowering youth and fostering entrepreneurship will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Katsina State’s economic future.

Having studied his giant strides in all facets of life, as a governor, especially in the area of entrepreneurial development and youth empowerment, I have the following suggestions for sustainability purpose and good tracking system. Hence the following suggestions:

Short-term Suggestions of 0-2 years period. See below:

1. Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track KASEDA’s progress. As the governor paves way for this, right from day one.

2. Develop a mentorship program pairing successful entrepreneurs with start-ups.

3. Organize regular entrepreneurship fairs and exhibitions.

4. Collaborate with financial institutions to provide access to affordable credit.

5. Intensify skills acquisition training programs.

Medium-term Suggestions of 2-5 years. See below:

1. Develop industrial clusters and specialized economic zones.

2. Establish partnerships with international organizations for technical assistance.

3. Create a venture capital fund to support innovative start-ups.

4. Develop an e-commerce platform for MSMEs to access global markets.

5. Introduce business incubation centers.

Long-term Suggestions of 5+ years. See below:

1. Develop a comprehensive entrepreneurship curriculum for schools.

2. Establish a Katsina State Entrepreneurship Development Fund.

3. Create a network of business ambassadors and investors.

4. Develop strategic partnerships with neighboring states for regional economic growth.

5. Establish a research and development center for innovation.

My governor may need the following Cross-Cutting Suggestions again. See below:

1. Ensure inclusive participation of women and youth in MSME development programs.

2. Leverage technology for efficient program management and service delivery.

3. Foster partnerships with private sector stakeholders.

4. Develop a robust database of MSMEs for targeted interventions.

5. Encourage sustainable and environmentally-friendly business practices.

I personally believe that, by implementing these suggestions, Katsina State can:

– Enhance entrepreneurship culture
– Increase job creation
– Stimulate economic growth
– Improve living standards
– Reduce insecurity

These recommendations will help Katsina State sustain and build upon the progress made in MSME development, ensuring a brighter economic future for its citizens.

Kudos to Governor Radda for his unwavering commitment to the people of Katsina State!

Abba Anwar writes from Kano and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

By Henry Akinduro

In 2021 the then Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, bringing to a close a 20-year effort to reform Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, with the aim of creating an environment more conducive for growth of the sector and addressing legitimate grievances of communities most impacted by extractive industries.

A lot has changed in the sector domestically and globally since the reform efforts began. The number of indigenous oil and gas firms has grown, but so has the number of oil-producing countries in the region. Militancy in oil-rich communities, while remaining, has diminished. Concerns over climate change have fueled aggressive efforts to reduce global consumption of fossil fuels—driving divestment from oil and gas by companies, institutions, and countries.

The PIA represents an effort by Africa’s leading oil-producing country to respond to this changing environment. In 2019, the oil and gas sector accounted for about 5.8 percent of Nigeria’s real GDP and was responsible for 95 percent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and 80 percent of its budget revenues. In addition, because the law is far-reaching in its remit, it is complex and not easy to summarize.

If properly and vigorously implemented, the PIA can represent the gold standard of natural resource management, with clear and separate roles for the subsectors of the industry; the existence of a commercially-oriented and profit-driven national petroleum company; the codification of transparency, good governance, and accountability in the administration of the petroleum resources of Nigeria; the economic and social development of host communities; environmental remediation; and a business environment conducive for oil and gas operations to thrive in the country. However, these results are conditional on Nigeria’s political and oil industry leaders overcoming some key challenges that are discussed following the summary of the key provisions of the act.

The PIA overhauls the regulation and governance of the oil and gas industry. The law provides for two regulatory agencies—the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, (NMDPRA)—that will be responsible for the technical and commercial regulation of petroleum operations in their respective sectors, and have the power to acquire, hold, and dispose of property, as well as sue and be sued in their own name.

The law commercializes the perennially loss-making state-owned enterprise, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), turning it into the NNPC Ltd, a quasi-commercial entity the ownership of which shares shall be vested with the government, and the ministries of Finance and Petroleum shall hold the shares on behalf of the government. Per the PIA, the president of Nigeria will appoint the president of NNPC Ltd as well as heads and members of the regulatory agencies.

Separately, the minister of petroleum, then, will head the industry with a wide range of powers to formulate, monitor, and administer government policy under the PIA.

Importantly, the PIA provides that 30 percent of the profits of the NNPC Ltd will fund a new entity, to finance exploration in other basins in the country (Frontier Exploration Fund). Ten percent of rents on petroleum prospecting licenses and 10 percent of rents on petroleum mining leases are also assigned to Frontier exploration. The act is unclear on whether there will continue to be exploration in existing basins.

The relationship between oil and gas host communities in Nigeria has historically been very poor. The PIA aims to address this problem by creating the Host Community Development Trust Fund (HCDTF) whose purpose will be to, among others, foster sustainable prosperity, provide direct social and economic benefits from petroleum to host communities, and enhance peaceful and harmonious coexistence between licensees or lessees and host communities.

Specifically, the law stipulates that existing host community projects must be transferred to the HCDTF, and each settlor (or oil license holder) must make an annual contribution of an amount equal to 3 percent of its operating expenditure for the relevant operations from the previous year.

The management committee of the trust must include one member of the host community. In addition, the act stipulates a penalty for failure to comply with host community obligations, including revocation of license.

Henry Akinduro is the chairman of Total Grace Foundation.