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Opinion

Adieu “Super HOD”! A tribute to late professor Balarabe Maikaba

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Balarabe Maikaba

Ibrahim Siraj Adhama

I must admit that I’m not good at writing tributes but as late Prof Maikaba’s student, supervisee, colleague and one of his closest friends and confidants of late, I feel personally indebted to write one this time around.

The dilemma, however, is where to start from given the avalanche of information that readers will be interested to know about him. Thankfully many of his former and current students have written excellently paying glowing tributes to their teacher and mentor, reminiscing about great moments shared together in the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano, where the late scholar spent his life teaching and shaping lives. They wrote about the Prof Maikaba they know, the academic giant he was, the research guru he personified as well as his relationship with students.

However, there is lot more that needs to be said about Prof Maikaba especially with regards to his leadership, his inclination towards doing the right thing, his love for academic excellence as well as his relationship with colleagues with whom he worked or was still working until his painful exit on 26th April, 2020.

Late Prof Maikaba started lecturing as a graduate assistant and rose through the ranks to become a Professor, thus reaching the peak of an academic career that spanned nearly thirty years.

He was opportuned to serve as the HOD Mass Communication for five consecutive years (two terms plus an acting period).

As the leader, he was able to steer the department to greatness through dedication and hard work.

A true leader

He proved to be a good leader both academically and administratively.

He led with passion and commitment, taking charge personally when necessary and delegating responsibility at the appropriate time.

His approach to problem solving was remarkable – always deploying tact, wisdom, foresight, consultation and a deep sense of responsibility.

Allah the almighty blessed his headship making it arguably the most successful as well as the most eventful in history particularly as it affects staff strength and development.

More than a dozen academic staff (including 7 at a go in 2012) were added to the Departmental workforce making Mass Communication, BUK reportedly the largest department in the country in terms of manpower.

So strong was the department that even when the new Department of Information and Media Studies was curved out and some important staff had to be transferred there, the mainstream Mass Communication was able to continue operating unperturbed.

I once wrote about how I always wanted to be a lecturer (though I considered it a tall dream knowing the job situation in the country) and how Prof Maikaba made it all too easy for me.

In 2012 (immediately after acquiring my Master’s degree) the then HOD saw in me what it takes to be a lecturer, considered me worthy of working in the Department and facilitated my appointment without being prompted by anyone.

Merit must always take precedence, for him.

The Bulldozer 

Similarly, there was never a time when staff acquired higher degrees as they did under Prof Maikaba’s headship.

Not less than 10 staff (including 7 in one fell swoop) acquired their PhDs in 2014 in addition to dozens of Masters’ degrees completed around that time.

This earned him the nickname “Super HOD” or “the Bulldozer of a HOD”, apologies Prof Abdalla Uba Adamu.

This feat though would not have been achieved without the push and support of such senior colleagues in the Department as Prof Malam, Prof Abdalla, Prof Pate, etc.

They must share in the credit.

Whoever worked with Prof Maikaba will know one thing about his insistence and inclination for what is right.

He wanted every single mark and every grade to be truly earned.

He was averse to favoritism or ‘alfarma‘ in whatever form or shape. He didn’t care if a particular student was Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba or Ibibio, and it didn’t matter to him if such a student came from Fagge of from Port-Harcourt: All he cared for was the student’s “capacity” and his/her ability to answer his questions.

He didn’t subscribe to the idea of “helping” students with free marks in order to graduate.

He believed that the system was accommodating enough to provide for two years of spill over to enable students make amends and that, before any talk about “help”, such opportunity must be fully utilized.

For Prof Maikaba, the position of a lecturer is a trust and every one of us will be held accountable.

A popular phrase of his which also underscores his penchant for due process is “things must take their natural course”, implying that what is right must be done under all circumstances devoid of unnecessary influence and interference.

Excellent Supervisor

Prof Maikaba’s attitude towards quality project was uncompromising.

His supervisees always found it a little more difficult to survive. They always had to work a bit harder to meet the standard set for them.

This is more so with postgraduate students on whom he always had higher expectation.

A Chapter could be written as many as five times until he was satisfied it approximated the quality expected of it.

Prof Maikaba has always warned against “cheapening” higher degrees because the name of the University was at stake.

Also, doing so could sink the name of the Department and its lecturers into gradual disrepute.

For him, a higher degree is not a life necessity and anyone who came for it must sweat to earn it.

Masters’ degree is not a “charity” he would say, and that only academic excellence, as against compassion, should determine who gets it.

One night he called me on phone and after exchanging the traditional pleasantries he said that he called purposely to appreciate my effort and that of other colleagues in adding value to our postgraduate defense sessions.

He told me that our contributions always made him proud as well as made him feel vindicated.

He urged us to always prioritize strengthening and improving the quality of work done by our postgraduate students.

At the end, he asked me to extend the same message to other colleagues he mentioned, something I did immediately after my conversation with him.

Since I became MSc Coordinator, there wasn’t a time we met without Prof Maikaba offering one suggestion or another to me on how to strengthen the program.

Sometimes he would call to offer his advice concerning how certain issues should be handled.

Honestly, I found all his advice useful, invaluably helpful as well as a great source of guidance.

Controversial Professor

Prof Maikaba earned the respect of all his colleagues.

He related very well with each and every one of them.

During meetings, his contributions were always invaluable.

His critical mind led him to see things differently from other colleagues thereby making his views subject to debate which he often won.

In situations where he couldn’t defend his position, he would laugh his way out and accept the majority decision.

He never harbored any ill feeling against his colleagues.

If he had any grouse against you, he would say it right in your face or to people he was very sure would convey same to you.

He believed in disagreeing to agree.

He was so outspoken and had always spoke his mind not minding whose ox was gored.

Humorous Person

He believed in reconciliation and compromise often making serious concessions in order to ensure that personal misunderstandings did not last long.

His sense of humor always helped to ease tension during stormy sessions.

This has often provided postgraduate students with some relief and helped them to stabilize or regain their composure.

He helped the Department and the University in various capacities where his assistance was sought.

He delivered on every responsibility assigned to him to the satisfaction of whoever gave him the assignment.

Prof Maikaba’s loss is a huge one.

He will be seriously missed by his students (former and current), his colleagues, the University Community, the communication family in Nigeria and world over, professional associations such as ACCE and ACSPN, media organizations in Kano who benefitted immensely from his resourcefulness, his visiting universities especially ABU Zaria and KASU as well as family, relations and many others too numerous to mention who are beneficiaries of his benevolence and philanthropy.

Allah ya jikansa da rahama, ya kyautata bayansa

Dr Ibrahim Siraj Adhama is a staff of Mass Communications Department, Bayero University Kano

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Opinion

The Growing Menace of Open Defecation in Kano: A Call for Urgent Action

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By H.Y. Sa’id MIAENG, MNCS, MNATE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite the introduction of stringent environmental laws aimed at curbing pollution, the persistent issue of open defecation in Kano continues to pose a severe public health and sanitation crisis. The problem is particularly acute in rapidly expanding settlements and Almajiri schools, where the absence of proper sanitation facilities forces residents and students to resort to defecating in open spaces, uncompleted buildings, and garbage dumps.

 

 

 

 

New Environmental Laws, Old Challenges

 

In response to growing environmental concerns, the Kano State government has implemented robust policies targeting pollution, improper waste disposal, and open defecation. These measures are in line with Nigeria’s National Policy on the Environment, which seeks to promote sustainable development through effective environmental management.

 

 

 

 

However, enforcement remains weak, particularly in underserved communities. The lack of adequate public toilets and poor urban planning have exacerbated the problem, leaving many residents with no viable alternatives.

 

 

 

 

Efforts to Improve Water Quality and Urban Planning

 

The Kano State Water Supply Policy sets stringent standards for water quality, mandating regular monitoring to ensure compliance with the Nigerian Drinking Water Quality Standard. Meanwhile, the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) is tasked with regulating urban expansion to create more organized and habitable neighborhoods.

 

 

 

 

Despite these initiatives, many new settlements lack basic infrastructure, including proper sewage systems, making open defecation a daily reality for thousands.

 

 

 

 

Key Agencies and Their Roles

 

Several government bodies have been established to enforce environmental regulations:

 

Kano State Environmental Planning and Protection Agency (KASEPPA): Oversees compliance with environmental laws and manages public land, including the construction of public toilets.

 

Kano State Watershed, Erosion, and Climate Change Management Agency (KN-WECCMA): Focuses on mitigating environmental hazards such as erosion, flooding, and storm water management.

 

 

 

 

Yet, the absence of functional toilets in Almajiri schools where thousands of young students reside remains a critical issue. With no access to sanitation facilities, these children are compelled to relieve themselves in open spaces, worsening public health risks.

 

 

 

 

The Human Cost of Poor Sanitation

 

Residents in affected areas report unbearable conditions, especially during the rainy season when stagnant water mixes with human waste, creating foul odors and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery.

 

 

 

 

When the first rains come, the whole area smells like a sewer, lamented, Malam Ibrahim, a resident of Walawa in Hotoro North Nassarawa LGA Kano State “Our children play near these dirty places, and we fear for their health.”

 

 

 

 

A Call for Immediate Action

 

To address this crisis, the government must:

 

1. Enforce existing sanitation laws, ensuring all schools especially Almajiri institutions, Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and some Tertiary Institutions provide proper toilet facilities.

 

2. Increase public toilet construction in high-risk areas to reduce open defecation.

 

3. Launch public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the dangers of poor sanitation.

 

4. Impose stricter penalties on violators to deter non-compliance.

 

Kano’s reputation as a thriving commercial and cultural hub should not be undermined by preventable sanitation failures. The state government must act decisively to enforce environmental laws, protect public health, and uphold the dignity of its citizens.

 

 

 

 

The time for action is now before the stench of neglect becomes an indelible stain on Kano’s future.

 

 

 

 

H.Y. Sa’id MIAENG, MNCS, MNATE

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Opinion

Abdussamad Rabi’u pays tribute to his father Khalifa Isyaku Rabi’u 

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My Dear Khalifa

 

It has been seven years, yet it feels like yesterday since you departed. Our memories of you remain vivid, priceless, and are deeply rooted in our hearts. The moments we shared, your teachings and your selfless example continue to shape us daily, to the admiration of many.

Your legacy, especially your deep devotion to Islam and its propagation, still echoes across generations and geographies. Through your life of service, you inspired countless others to embrace kindness, humility, and compassion. You lived not just for yourself but in service to others, and this principle continues to guide our path.

In honour of your memory, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to selfless service. We will continue to support noble causes and charitable undertakings that reflect the values you lived by, regardless of race, gender, or background.

May the Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, keep granting you Al Jannah Firdaus. May your soul continue to rest in the eternal peace and light of His divine presence.

Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, CON
For the Family

08.05.2025.

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Opinion

The need to restore the prestige of Kano Pillars FC

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Kano Pillars FC

Isyaku Ibrahim

 

There is no doubt whenever you talk about Enyimba of Aba in Nigeria’s top flight who won the competition nine time, the next team that will come to your mind is Kano Pillars that lifted the trophy on four good occasions. But nowadays,it seems the Kano darling is losing its prestige, recognition and above all popularity in the local league. 

 

This was as a result of lack of total commitment, determination, tenacity, patriotism,diligence and seriousness which the side was known for in the past.

 

To say the fact, the pyramid City lad was previously rated among the traditional teams in the top flight as they have established and tested players that would not disappoint their teeming fans no matter where they are playing.

 

It was based on this late Rashidi Yekini while watching the team at Adamasingba Stadium now Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan said if he was to play for a local team he would prefer to lace his boot for Kano Pillars ahead of others.

 

The reason he Said was simply due to excellent free flow football of the team but now it seems that has gone for bad.

When the club was established as early as 1990 among the objectives behind was to boost the name of the state through football and beside that win trophies with a view to competing favourably with others.

 

While those behind the idea should be commended to a large extent for their foresight in that respect in view of how the team is now a household name in the round leather game countrywide but there is the need for a collaborative effort with a view to normalising things in the ancient city side as the club has now stepped down from its aforementioned aims and objectives.

It is painful that the team’s main priority nowadays was not to lift the league as the case was previously but to survive relegation which was baseless,laughable and nothing to write home about considering their past experience particularly when they were based at Sabongari Stadium.

 

Definitely,this season is almost over as Remo Stars are as good as being crowned the winners of the event

The best option for Sai Masu Gida is to start early preparation for the upcoming season through putting their house in order aimed at restoring their winning culture as the teeming fans are tired of flimsy excuses on the reason behind their lack lustre performance year in year out.

 

Honestly, what they are basically hoping for is to see the club matches theory with practice through grabbing the trophy or at least earning one of the three continental tickets in the country.

optimistically this is achievable with the full support of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf coupled with that of his laborious and submissive Deputy Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam, good management, superb technical crew and the support of ardent fans who are always with the side in either thick or thin.

 

 

Ibrahim is a Director Public Enlightenment at Kano State Ministry of Special Duties. 

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