Opinion
PROFESSOR ABDUL-RASHEED NA’ALLAH – A ROLE MODEL FOR FUTURE LEADERS
As the sun sets on his illustrious tenure, students and staff of the Centre for SIWES (CSIWES) and Centre for Student Employment and Mentoring (CSEM), stand in awe of the transformative legacy that would be left behind by our esteemed Vice Chancellor, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah. With boundless dedication and unwavering commitment, Professor Na’Allah has propelled our university to new heights, leaving an indelible mark on the academia’s landscape.
Among his myriad accomplishments, perhaps this shines brightest-the establishment of Student Employment and Mentoring Schemes. This beacon of opportunity has not only provided financial assistance to countless students but also served as a nurturing ground for personal and professional growth. Through the visionary Student Employment Scheme (SES) pioneered by Professor Na’Allah, over 500 graduates with exemplary academic records have been empowered to contribute meaningfully to campus life while easing the burden of education expenses. Their stories stand as a testament to the transformative power of empowerment and opportunity.
The SES, launched upon his assumption of office in July 2019, allowed students with first class or second class upper CGPA to work on campus, gaining invaluable work experience while receiving stipends for hours worked. The scheme not only taught students crucial lessons of money and time management, but also assisted many in paying their school and hostel fees amongst other expenses. The personal stories of those who benefited from the SES are testament to its success. Chigozie Ogbuagbu expressed gratitude, stating, “Thanks to the efforts of the Vice Chancellor and the Student Employment Scheme. I was able to purchase a laptop, pay house bills, and boost my self-esteem in both work and personal interactions.” Similarly, Aregbesola Marvelous said, “Thanks to the Vice Chancellor, valuable experience was gained during my time as a student worker—experience that others often have to pay for in the outside world.” Otteh Ernest added, “The SES gave me a reason to continually improve my grades, as remaining a worker was contingent upon continued academic excellence.” These testimonials are just a few among many that highlights the profound impact of the SES.
In December 2023, student workers erected a monument in honour of Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, expressing their appreciation for the lasting legacy of this initiative.
Furthermore, under Professor Na’Allah’s stewardship, CSEM has blossomed into a hub of mentorship and guidance. The Student Mentoring Scheme (SMS), another significant and treasured initiative that paired 100 and 200 level students as mentees with 300 level and above who have been trained as mentors also emerged. Thanks to the visionary leadership of the Vice Chancellor, over 10,000 students are productively engaged while over 2,000 have successfully passed through the Scheme with testimonials of varying positive impact. The Mentoring scheme, along with the Student Employment Scheme, has now been institutionalized as a university policy for all undergraduate students. The Centre has fostered a culture of support and camaraderie, transcending academic boundaries to nurture holistic development. Countless hearts and minds have been enriched through the wisdom imparted by these student mentors, forging lifelong bonds and inspiring dreams anew.
On the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Professor Na’Allah revolutionized the programme, improving the SIWES experience for students and changing the narrative of the struggling old SIWES unit when he took over. Not less than three awards have been received for the Centre’s sterling contributions to SIWES under his tenure. Today, the SIWES Centre is up-to-date in its operations and administration, thanks to his effective leadership and outstanding support of Na’Allah’s distinguishedleadership.
Several milestone achievements have been recorded during his tenure. A few of these include:
• Creation of the Graduate Trainee Scheme which enables retention of outstanding graduating student workers by the university for youth service thus providing a seamless transition into professional roles nationally and internationally.
• Student Employment Scheme Policy statement that enhances all university partners to engage students covering 5 to 10% of their work force as part of their corporate social responsibility as well as other versions of the Scheme
• Not less than ten student workers, have benefitted from the Undergraduate Research grants. Two teams from the Centre won the prestigious Wageningen University grant for Food System Challenge.
• Involvement in Key University Activities: Student workers played significant roles in supporting various university Centres, Units, Departments, etc.
• Enhanced Capacity Building: The SES project team developed innovative tools, such as the SIWES Animation Teacher (SWAT 1.0 and 2.0), the first of its kind in any Nigerian university, the CSSME communication App in the google play store, several digital channels to enhance productive and creative engagement of students participating in the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme, Student Employment and Mentoring Schemes.
• The first ever University of Abuja SIWES handbook and optimized logbook was developed in his tenure as Vice Chancellor.
• Not less than 30 student workers graduated with First Class honours from the 25th to 28th convocation ceremonies.
As we bid farewell to our beloved Vice Chancellor, we do so with hearts full of gratitude, admiration and well wishes for his greater elevation in bigger places. Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah’s vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication to student welfare have left an indelible imprint on students collective consciousness. Though he may move on from our midst, his legacy will endure; he is a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. We extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Professor Na’Allah as he embarks on new adventures. May the same spirit of innovation, compassion, and excellence that defined his tenure continue to guide him on his journey. Farewell, dear Vice Chancellor, and may the world be forever enriched by your boundless passion and vision. May you be richly blessed for your kind heart and unwavering determination to raise a generation of trailblazing youths. Indeed Professor Na’Allah, is a bedrock of youth development and empowerment.
Dr Ogunlade-Anibasa, Grace Oyiza
Director, CSEM/CSIWES
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
On assumption of duty in January, 2025 , the new Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Boss and well grounded World Bank expert , Aisha Garba envisaged the need to reposition the Basic Education through interfacing with the critical stakeholders.
Amongst them is the office of the National Security Adviser , NSA, led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu whose achievements in the last few years in the area of security has become distinct and outstanding.
Therefore, seeking to cooperate and collaborate with the office became germane and needful particularly the protection of lives and properties of actors in the promotion of Basic Education ranging from the pupils , teachers , workers and facilitators to enable it drive the new wave to curb Out of School Children OOSC in the country.
Aside providing the basic security arrangements for schools , the need to engage the security apparatus at the level of National Security Adviser NSA became needful, so as to address the sophistry of security problems in the country, to nip in the bud any unforseen circumstances.
With the high rates of kidnappings, abduction , banditry, cattle rustling, ritual tendencies among many other vices, the idea of bringing on board , the security architecture of the country in all ramifications will assist the commission to consolidate the implementation of Basic Education policies and programs, also introduce new ones .
Since pupils at the Primary, Junior Secondary and Secondary Schools are prone to such ugly development and security issues , the need to be proactive on the part of the commission became timely and desiring.
This led to the success story of the bilateral interface between the management of the commission and NSA, to streamline, perfect and chart a new course on the issue of security of actors in the Basic Education.
The visit described as timely and long overdue, discussed fruitfully the way forward and the immediate and long term intervention of both agencies in the area of collaboration.
According to the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba she stated by discussing” strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access and security in Nigeria. ”
She further said” the engagement focused on strategies to address challenges such as the safety of schools, particularly in vulnerable regions, and the promotion of equitable education for all children.”
“the meeting highlighted the critical intersection between education and national security and the need for collaboration between UBEC and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on improving access to basic education and safety of safety schools across the nation. ”
“This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive learning environment as part of its broader agenda to strengthen the nation’s educational framework,” it added.
“UBEC boss had pledged to engage critical stakeholders to break down barriers to education and create inclusive learning opportunities for children across the six geopolitical regions of the country.”
“She said: “My goal is to deliver on this mandate which includes strengthening collaboration, partnerships and institutional learning for effective service delivery. ”
“Together, we will work to increase access, improve quality, provide conducive and safe learning environments, supply adequate teaching and learning materials, and adopt the concept of ‘best fit’ in addressing specific basic education challenges, state by state and region by region”.
Highlights of the program which included the engagement of both bodies with a commitment to ensure the introduction of security architecture in schools in Nigeria is achievable.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.