The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University

  • IBB varsity loses Deputy VC

    IBB varsity loses Deputy VC

    The Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Academic, Prof Samuel Kolo Tswanya, is dead. The professor of Applied Linguistics and Communication Skills passed on last Friday after a brief illness.

    His death threw the management, staff and students of the school into grief.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Muhammad Nasir Maiture, described the death of his deputy as “a tragic”, expressing his sympathy to staff and student. He said the management received the news of Twsanya’s death with rude shock.

    In a statement to officially announce Tswanya’s death, the Deputy Registrar and Head of Information Unit, Mallam Baba Akote, described the late DVC as “a prolific scholar and erudite researcher”, saying he left unrivalled legacies in the school.

    The statement reads: “The late Prof Tswanya was not only an erudite professor of Applied Linguistics and Communication Skills, but a university don on international repute. His outstanding contributions to the development of IBBU were immeasurable and would remain cherished legacies.

    “The management of IBBU wishes to offer its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and teeming associates of the deceased over the irreparable loss. It is our belief that Prof. Twsanya’s soul will find eternal tranquility in the Lord’s bossom.”

    Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello also expressed shock over Twsanya’s death. He described the late DVC as a “brilliant scholar whose erudition and extraordinary wisdom will be greatly missed”.

    The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, M. Jibrin Ndace, said: “Prof Twsanya left at a time the state and members of the academia needed him most to help rejuvenate the dwindling fortune of our education. His enduring footprints and sterling contributions are what will offer us a soothing comfort at this distraught moment.”

    The late Prof Tswanya was born in 1952. He was an indigene of Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

    He was a civil servant in the state before joining service of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA) as a lecturer in 2002. He was appointed as Commissioner for Information, Arts and Culture in 1997.

    In 2012, he joined the IBBU where he set up Faculty of Languages and Communication, and became its pioneer Dean. The late Tswanya has since been buried in his hometown of Mokwa.

  • IBBU, RMRDC complete mapping of raw materials in three states 

    IBBU, RMRDC complete mapping of raw materials in three states 

    The Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University ( IBBU ), Lapai, has completed mapping and characterization of industrial mineral deposits in Nasarawa, Kwara and Niger states.

    This is contained in a press statement signed by the Vice Chancellor of IBBU, Prof. Muhammad Maiturare, made available on Thursday in Minna.

    Maiturare said the university was commissioned to undertaken the project by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council ( RMRDC ).

    He said that the full report of the project had been submitted to the Director General of RMRDC, Dr Hussaini Ibrahim.

    The vice chancellor commended the council for supporting the project through a research grant to the university, stressing that the gesture was in line with current focus on developing solid minerals to diversify the economy.

    He said, the study mapped and geochemically characterized five strategic industrial minerals, namely, Clay, Marble, Barite, Talc and Feldspar.

    ” The results showed that cosmetic, jewellery, cement, battery, paint, ceramics, pharmaceutical and building materials industries could be developed and sustained in these areas using the mapped industrial minerals.”

    Maiturare noted that sustained mining of solid minerals would generate employment, reduce poverty, create wealth and empower women and youth in the country.

    The Director General of RMRDC, Dr Hussaini Ibrahim, said when he received the report that the council would be commissioned to undertake similar study in the remaining states of North Central zone.

    NAN

  • IBB varsity honours debate team

    IBB varsity honours debate team

    Members of the debate team of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, have been hosted to a colourful reception by the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Muhammad Nasir Maiturare.

    Led by Vice President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Zainab Saidu, the IBBU’s four-member team came second at a debate organised by the National Female Students’ Association of Nigeria (NAFESA) conference.

    The conference theme was Women supporting women, and it held in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.

    The theme of the debate was: Women are the backbone of the society. Therefore, they make better Leaders. The IBBU team, which spoke against the motion, competed with their counterparts from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, Ritman University in Uyo, and Abia State University (ABSU) in Uturu, among others.

    At the end of the debate, the IBBU team was the first runner-up, receiving medals, certificates, plaques and cash prize.

    Presenting the debate team members to the VC, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Aliyu Ma’ali, described the team’s skill in debate as “amazing”, saying their quick grasp of the topic contributed to their success at the event. Dr Ma’ali praised the management for supporting the team.

    He said: “Our students gave their opponents, who represented prominent institutions, a good run. The eloquence, impressive argumentative skill and oratorical prowess did not go unnoticed. It was unfortunate they were not crowned as the champion, but coming second is a big feat for the school.”

    Prof Maiturare said he was delighted by the students’ “exceptional performance”, saying: “Indeed, your performance deserves applause and commendation. Today, the management celebrates you for making our university proud. It is imperative that you are honoured and rewarded.”

    The VC advised students to study hard and show commitment towards their academic pursuits. He described the team members as “iconic ambassadors”, urging other students to emulate them.

    Zainab, who spoke on behalf of the team, appreciated the VC for the honouring their feat.  She said: “The contest was a memorable experience for us.Our self-confidence and determination coupled with the sound mentorship by our lecturers became source of inspiration for us to accomplish the feat.”

    Zainab, a final year student, also got a Certificate of Merit in recognition of her feat in academics and students’ unionism.

  • Ritman varsity students win women debate

    Ritman University (RU) students have emerged winners of a debate organised by Women Supporting Women National Conference.

    Their colleagues from the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, came second in the contest aimed at promoting women emancipation.

    The debate with the theme: Women are the backbone of society, they make better leaders, held during the national conference of National Female Students Association of Nigeria, attended by students, women leaders, academics and government representatives.

    Delegates were drawn from various tertiary institutions, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Abia State University (ABSU), University of Uyo (UNIUYO), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), and Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic in Rivers State.

    Christiana Obiala, Melody Dodoh and Enobong Nyahette debated for Ritman University and spoke in support of the theme.

    The conference was designed to encourage female students to discuss opportunities, promote spirit of entrepreneurship, education, health, security and economic empowerment.

  • Ritman varsity students win women debate

    Ritman varsity students win women debate

    Ritman University (RU) students have emerged winners of a debate organised by Women Supporting Women National Conference. Their colleagues from the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, came second in the contest to promote women emancipation.

    The debate with the theme: Women are the backbone of society, they make better leaders, was held during the national conference of National Female Students Association of Nigeria, which was graced by students, women leaders, academics and government representatives.

    Delegates at the conference were drawn from various tertiary institutions, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Abia State University (ABSU), University of Uyo (UNIUYO), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), and Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic in Rivers State, among others.

    Christiana Obiala, Melody Dodoh and Enobong Nyahette debated for Ritman University and spoke in support of the theme.

    The conference was designed to encourage female students to discuss opportunities, promote spirit of entrepreneurship, education, health, security and economic empowerment.

  • Display of royal culture

    Display of royal culture

    Culture was on display at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, when the Hausa-Fulani Students’ Association (HAFUSA) held its Cultural Day and Bikin Dawra Rawani (coronation) for its new Sarkin (leader). MAHMUD ABDULSALAM reports.

    By 10 a.m, the Fada (palace) had been filled. Made from bamboo straws, the makeshift palace was beautifully decorated. Seated at the palace’s entrance were guests and students, waiting for the emir.

    Moment after, sounds of Kaakaki (traditional trumpet) permeated the air, heralding the arrival of the ‘emir’ and his entourage.

    Welcome to the Bikin Dawra Rawani (coronation) and cultural day of the Hausa-Fulani Students’ Association (HAFUSA) at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, which was held last Saturday.

    The emir, Isah Yahaya, his Gimbiya (queen) and chiefs made their way into the palace on royal horses adorned with chains of coins and leather materials. Clad in Baban Riga (flowing robes) and Rawani (turban), the emir and his chiefs in the Masarauta (emirate council) were cheerfully received by the guests.

    As he prepared to get off the horse, the emir  threw kola nuts at his ‘subjects’ . In response, they chanted Ranke ya dade! (Long shall you live, Your Highness). Others hailed the emir, screaming: Sarki, an gaishe ka (Your Majesty, we salute you), Allah ya jazamin Sarki (May God prolong your reign, Your Majesty).

    Surrounded by a group of red-cloth palace guards, the emir held a staff with his left hand and raised his firmly-clenched right fist to acknowledge the compliments.

    As the coronation rites were going on in the forecourt of the Management Lecture Theatre (MLT), the Yan Wasan Kwaikwayo (traditional palace jesters) threw rib-cracking jokes to entertain the audience. After the coronation, the emir and his chiefs stepped out for ‘special prayers’ by religious clerics.

    The association’s Patron, Mallam Idris Kusharki, explained the importance of the event in Hausa-Fulani society. Coronation of emir, he said, is an important heritage in Hausa-Fulani culture, without which a society is doom, if the coronation rites are not performed.

    He said the ceremony would help foster peace and promote love among diverse members of a community, adding that integrity, moral character and leadership credibility of the emir could be put to question if the rights are not performed.

    He said: “Coronation is seen as harbinger of positive changes in a traditional Hausa-Fulani society. It is a belief that, only emirs who are likely to be oppressive, arrogant and egocentric will shun coronation.”

    Kusharki prayed for divine wisdom to direct the affairs of the incoming leaders. He advised them to be humble and to seek counsel in the running of the association’s affair.

    The outgoing emir, Muhammad Salihu, expressed gratitude to Allah for having a “hitch-free”reign, saying: “The association has achieved outstanding progress under our reign.”

    He added: “We have projected the association to become strong and influential, even beyond the campus. By our humble achievements, we have redefined the concept of service and servant leadership. These are part of the legacies my administration is leaving behind.

    “We projected our culture by organising strategic cultural events, which we used to build bridges of unity by ensuring our members cohabit peacefully with students from other ethnic groups. The legacy projects we promised when we came had been completed.”

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Muhammad Nasir Maiturare, who was the special guest of honour, noted that Hausa-Fulani’s culture promotes social order and unique belief system, advising members of the association to reject negative values that would tarnish the image of the association and their heritage.

    He said: “As Hausa-Fulani ethnic groups, we have been portrayed wickedly by stereotypical words and languages. The onus lies on you all to always show decent public conduct. This will help in correcting the wrong stereotypes about northerners, Muslims and Hausa-Fulani in particular.”

    The emir conferred a traditional title of Na’isan (Dependable trustee) on the VC during the ceremony. In his acceptance message, Prof Maiturare appreciated members of the association for the honour, admonishing them to be law-abiding and take their studies seriously.

    The VC said: “The Hausa-Fulani are renowned for their scholarship. Historically, they are not known to have condemned any form of knowledge. Instead, they are passionate about education. We have northerners becoming renowned clerics, professors and industrialists. You must reject any idea that says you should not acquire education.”

    Stepping out to address the guests, Isah hailed his predecessor for making “valuable contributions” to the growth of the association, promising to consolidate on Muhammad’s achievements.

    He said he would welcome constructive criticisms from members of the association, adding that he would not reject “wise counsel” that would help the association’s progress. The emir cautioned his ‘subjects’ against vices that may bring disrepute to the name of the association.

    After the emir’s speech, the guests were entertained by a troupe of Yan mata (young ladies) that performed traditional dance steps. As this was going on, sumptuous traditional delicacies, such as Dambu, Dan Wake, Fura da Nono, Alewa, Kunu, Tuwo, Masa, and Zogale, were served.

    Some students told CAMPUSLIFE that the event as spectacular, saying it was a display of a tradition.

    A 300-Level student, Happiness Christopher, said the event erased the wrong impression she had about Hausa-Fulani people. Fascinated by the cultural display, Happiness said: “The Hausa-Fulani people are not actually what they are perceived to be. I learnt many things about their tradition, belief system and food, which changed my impression about these unique people. I have been shown that Hausa-Fulani people are intelligent, literate and accommodating.”

    Another student, Zainab Abdulmalik, said the event made her proud of her heritage, adding: “It was fun to be served my best meal at the event.”

    The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Aliyu Ma’ali, advised members of other cultural groups on the campus to promote values that would foster peace and unity in the school. He described the emir’s coronation as a “colourful display of tradition”, noting that Hausa-Fulani culture does not support illiteracy and laziness.

    He said: “There is no culture that does not have its values and distinct belief system. As we have seen from this event, the culture of Hausa-Fulani people promotes co-habitation, respect and good virtues. It is an act of mischief to use actions of a few misguided people should to judge a whole race. From what we seen here, illiteracy and laziness do not have basis in our culture. I advise other cultural groups to emulate the association by showcasing their cultural heritages in this colourful manner that would enable their colleagues learn and respect their cultures.”

  • Why students need efficient counsellors, by don

    Why students need efficient counsellors, by don

    A professor of Guidance and Counselling, George Eweniyi, has delivered the 9th inaugural lecture of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, with the focus on the benefit of good counselling. MAHMUD ABDULSALAM reports.

    Making powerful decisions that can affect students’ career positively requires professional counselling from experts, George Eweniyi, a professor of Guidance and Counselling at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, has said.

    The don called for the institutionalisation of guidance and counselling in public schools, saying many youths chose wrong career paths because of the lack of good counselling.

    Eweniyi spoke while delivering the 9th inaugural lecture of the university entitled: Strengthening the third main force of Nigerian education system for effective academic performance of students: A counsellor’s clarion call.

    The event was held at the main auditorium.

    Describing Guidance and Counselling as a “selfless vocation”, the inaugural lecturer said the profession was purposely created to help students to develop abilities to make informed and realistic choices in their academic and personal life.

    He said proper counselling would help in checkmating the spate of vices among students, while also assisting students in developing efficient study cultures to overcome obstacles responsible for poor academic performance.

    Eweniyi said: ‘’It is through counselling that students find their spiritual and ethical bearing necessary to overcome life challenges. If this fact is admitted, there is need for institutionalisation of this noble profession in all public schools. When implemented, it will help students making good decisions and drop bad ideas that can lead them to criminality.

    “No matter how efficient our education policies may be, if guidance and counseling is not prioritised and made an integral part of the education curriculum, we would keep producing disoriented youths from our academic institutions. Guidance and counselling is the last pillar of the nation’s education tripod after teachers and school administrators. The profession is fundamental, because it helps to deal with psychological issues affecting their studies.”

    He said effective counselling would help shape students’ behaviour and inculcate a culture of discipline in them. Eweniyi added that the profession can help bridge the communication gap between students and schools’ authorities.

    He, however, noted that guidance and counselling services were yet to fully take off in most public schools, linking the challenges to dearth of professional counsellors and absence of necessary facilities. He added that lack of funding, inadequate time allotted for counseling activities, students’ nervousness over full disclosure and government’s lukewarm attitude towards counselling programmes remained the bane of the profession.

    He said: “Guidance and counseling is a rehabilitation process for students. It is an instrument to fight ignorance, trauma, depression, mental and emotional disorder, drug addiction, relationships’ issues and sexual abuse. Domesticating the profession in all categories of schools becomes imperative.”

    Eweniyi urged the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) to organise periodic sensitisation programmes to galvanise interest among school administrators, teachers, parents and policymakers.

    He recommended that guidance and counselling be given prominence in the education policy, saying: “CASSON should collaborate with the federal and state governments to enforce guidance and counselling practice in public schools. The association needs to ensure the profession receives legal backing and adequate funding for efficient counselling.”

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Muhammad Nasir Maiturare, described the lecturer as a “quintessential scholar”, noting that many African countries had adopted guidance and counselling as a tool to combat students’ depression and emotional problem.

    If the recommendations are implemented, the VC said it would lead to socio-economic development, adding: “Counselling is a vital tool for efficient manpower development.”

  • Bello appeals to lecturers to resume work, promises to address all issues

    Bello appeals to lecturers to resume work, promises to address all issues

    Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger has appealed to lecturers in state-owned tertiary institutions to call off their ongoing industrial action.

    Bello made the appeal in Minna during a meeting with the state Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Fatima Madugu, and Prof. Muhammad Maiturare, Chairman, Governing Board, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University.

    The governor gave an assurance that pending issues concerning the demands of the lecturers would be addressed immediately.

    He said that the Head of Service and the affected ministries would meet with the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress to address pending issues.

    He noted that the industrial action by the academic staff of state-owned institutions was not healthy for the state and future generation.

    Similarly, Madugu also appealed to the affected workers to return to work because the state government was committed to meeting their demands.

    “The governor is very passionate about education and committed to meeting the demands of the striking workers.

    “We have a responsible and a responsive governor; I am appealing to our striking workers to call off their action and return to work.”

    Maiturare also urged the state government to resolve all pending issues for immediate resumption of academic activities in the state.

  • Expert urges FG to build water plant in rural areas

    The Federal Government has been urged to build water treatment plants in perennial rivers in rural areas to avert water borne diseases.

    Dr Samuel Ibrahim, a senior lecturer in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, made the call on Thursday in Lapai in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Ibrahim, an expert in domestic water resources, Department of Geography and Regional Planning said that such treatment plant would be able to solve water problem among the rural dwellers.

    “Rural dwellers are more vulnerable to epidemics because of poor quality of water at their disposal, “he said.

    He explained that the water treatment plant would be veritable if built close to perennial rivers as a preventive measure against water borne diseases.

    According to him, the bulk of the food comes from the rural areas and the water they are living on most time is contaminated by animals in the cause of grazing around such rivers.

    “some of the local foods (fura de nunu) the rural women bring to the city are sometimes contaminated by use of infected water from rivers already contaminated by animals’ dung,” he said.

    Ibrahim said that as a result of poor water quality, a lot of diseases can also be transported from the rural areas to the cities.

     

  • New VC resumes

    New VC resumes

    The new Vice-Chancellor appointed by the Niger State Governor, Dr. Mua’azu Babangida Aliyu to pilot the affairs of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai for a single term of five years has promised to give priority to workers’ welfare.

    Addressing workers, Prof Muhammad Nasir Maiturare, disclosed that the vision of the university would be difficult to realise if they are not motivated

    He also assured them that he would make efforts to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor and urged for the support and cooperation of the university community to realise this objective.

    The Vice-Chancellor enjoined the workers to be committed and diligent to their statutory duties at all times so that the university would attain enviable height.