Deep Thought

 Re: #EndASUUStrike: Gbajabiamila, Epitome of Exemplary Leadership and Matters Arising By Prof. MK Othman The action of the distinguished Speaker, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila in #EndASUUStrike was highly valuable beyond quantification. He saved the situation at a critical moment when the Court of Appeal had ordered ASUU to do what some legal luminaries termed “doctrine of impossibility”, and when all hopes were almost lost. As mentioned in my piece last week, when a snake is killed, do not celebrate until the head is severed from the body. Therefore, Gbajabiamila’s action is a solid foundation for ending the strike but the edifice has to be completed by putting in place a strategy to ensure fulfillment of the agreement as when due by the Federal Government.   Today, the universities are re-opened but the lecturers lack the motivation, the strength and even the passion to face their students and happily teach, no thanks to government posture as the absolute winner of the imbro...

#EndASUUStrike: Gbajabiamila, Epitome of Exemplary Leadership and Matters Arising By Prof. MK Othman My first and last encounter with the honorable speaker, Olufemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila was at the public hearing of an Agricultural Bill after the commencement of the 9th Assembly. He walked into the venue of the event quietly and seamlessly without the paraphrenia and dust-raising protocol, talked to the audience, prayed for fruitful deliberation, and then walked out. I was impressed by his business-like look, core humility, and simplicity, and hardly believed he was the speaker of the National Assembly. Over the years, the conducts or misconduct of the National Assembly members leave much to be desired. Their conduct from the padding of budget, to the so-called constituency projects and earning jumbo salaries and allowances (perhaps, the highest in the world monetarily) to themselves has made many Nigerians lose hope in finding a saint among them, it is like finding a virgin in the mater...

 ABU@60: Giant, Still Briskly Walking in the Right Direction By Prof. M. K. Othman On Tuesday, 4th October 2022, my Alma Matter, my means of livelihood, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria was 60 years. As we fondly call it, the great ABU has transformed from a regional citadel of learning to the most cosmopolitan, diverse, nationalist breeding ground for the intelligentsia. Thanks to its founding fathers who had a clear vision of how knowledge could conquer the world without firing a shot.  Their vision made them realize achieving excellence in education requires merit, hard work, and dedication. There should be no room for nepotism, racism, tribalism, and religious inclination. This vision became the central pillar on which ABU was built. 60 years later, this academic octopus has lived up to its founding fathers’ vision and expectations. ABU is no doubt an icon of nation-building considering its giant contributions since its establishment. The University with two campuses, o...

 Re: #EndASUUStrike: Buhari should Save University System By Prof. M. K. Othman I must confess, from last year to date, no article elicited uncountable reactions from my readers more than this article, which was published last week. On the website of Blueprint, there were 79 shares, on my Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, personal blog, Telegram, etc, there were over 100 shares and countless comments. Only one comment was at variance with my write-up. That comment was from an obscure personality, perhaps, a foot-soldier of the hawks, people behind the sluggish and lackadaisical handling of the FGN-ASUU imbroglio. All other comments appeal to the Federal Government under the leadership of the people's president, President Muhammadu Buhari to accede to ASUU demands and end the strike immediately. People realize the importance of education particularly university education, which forms a rock foundation for the development of society. I am presenting a few from numerous comments to give t...