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Environmental Crisis Causing Security Challenges – University Don
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Dean, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES), Bayero University, Kano, Professor Aliyu Salisu Barau has described the incessant maltreatment of the environment as one of the factors igniting security crisis in Nigeria and other countries. He said if drastic measures are not taken the future looks bleak.
Speaking at the 1st interdisciplinary hybrid conference on sustainability and ecological resilience in the Muslim world with the theme: Addressing Global and Local Environmental Crises” Islamic Perspectives and Muslim Experiences held in Kano, Prof Barau said we are already engulfed by multiple ecological crises that amplify massive social insecurity and economic collapse that loom large everywhere.
He said without necessarily sounding pessimistic, the future of human prosperity is gloomy.
The University Don noted that the human race has thrown away responsibility and accountability for the planet that God entrusted us with for intergenerational use and sharing.
He said since centuries ago, colonization sowed the seeds of ecological destruction for gains of the few. He said the current neo-colonial and unfair global trade regimes reinforce that at the detriment of the majority of human race.
According to him, in many countries, the per capita luxury CO2 emissions of 10% of their population is higher than the essential emissions of the 90% of poorer population.
He said over the decades, we have witnessed efforts put in place by governments, international institutions, universities, media and civil society to save the planet.
Nevertheless, the crises keep rising steadily, deeply and irreversibly disturbing. For instance, since the last five years, every year is hotter than its predecessor and this is seriously threatening our lives, wellbeing, mental health and resilience to diseases
Prof Barau insists that as land degradation escalate globally, security threats, droughts, floods, storms and other climate extreme events push us off a clip and points of no return.
Chief Host and the Vice Chancellor of BUK, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, said “this conference is not a merely an academic exercise; it is a call to action. We must harness the power of faith to inspire collective action and create a world where environmental sustainability is not just an ambition, but a lived reality.
“As a leading institution of learning and scholarship in Nigeria, we are committed to using our platform to bridge the gap between knowledge and action, between faith and practice.
“We believe that through collaboration, dialogue, and a shared commitment to the principles of Islam, we can build a more just and sustainable future for generations to come,” said Abbas.
Chairman of the occasion, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed said environment has been a topical issue of discussion for over two decades and is being discussed at several international and national fora to address its sustainability.
He said neglecting the environment is neglecting the wellbeing of people, while protecting it is protecting their lives.
Prof Rasheed, commended the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences for organizing the conference which would address one of the critical issues affecting the people.
He added that environmental sustainability was firmly embedded in Islam as Quar’anic verses and Prophet Muhammad’s traditions (Hadiths) talked about environmental cleanliness and protection.
Prof Rasheed, who is the immediate past Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), explained that from Islamic perspectives, God created a balanced world which must be preserved and protected by man through justice, adding that people must be environmentally conscious.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has taken a decisive step to address the prolonged challenges faced by Kano students unable to access their academic certificates throughout Ganduje’s administration.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday, it was revealed that Governor Yusuf held a critical meeting with the management of Near East University in Cyprus to tackle the issue.
The discussion focused on the overdue release of certificates for Kano students who graduated between 2015 and 2019.
Many of these graduates, particularly from fields such as Medicine and Nursing, have been unable to advance in their careers due to the non-payment of tuition fees by the Ganduje led immediat past administration.
The governor described the situation as a major setback, not only for the affected students but also for the state, which has been deprived of skilled professionals in critical sectors particularly the healthcare service.
However, he expressed optimism following what he called fruitful discussions with the university management aimed at settling the liabilities and facilitating the release of the certificates.
“This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise,” the governor remarked.
“One cannot imagine that as governor, Ganduje cannot pay for tuition of these medical students who much need for immediate employment with Kano state government, it is a shame on him”
“We remain committed to prioritizing education and the welfare of our people as a foundation for sustainable growth.”
Governor Yusuf’s intervention underscores his administration’s resolve to address systemic challenges in the education sector.
The anticipated resolution of this issue is expected to enable the graduates to fulfill their potential and make meaningful contributions to Kano State’s development.
This effort signals a new chapter of hope for the affected graduates and reaffirms the government’s commitment to building a brighter future for its citizens.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Bayero University, Kano (BUK) received five teams from the National Universities Commission (NUC) on Monday, December 9, 2024, to accredit nine academic programmes.
KANO FOCUS reports that the programmes under review include BSc Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Engineering, BSc Forensic Science, Masters in Entrepreneurship, Early Childhood Education, and Primary Education.
This marks the third phase of BUK’s ongoing accreditation process, following the successful review of 30 programmes between November 18 and 30, 2024 under phase one and two.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Sani Muhammad Gumel, emphasized the significance of accreditation as a peer-review exercise that enhances the quality of teaching and research at the university.
Professor Bashir Maina, speaking on behalf of the teams, highlighted their mission to assess the programmes and provide recommendations in line with global best practices.
The Director of Academic Planning, Professor Yusuf Garba, explained that the current accreditation process is part of the final phase, which involves the evaluation of 22 programmes in total.
The NUC accreditation teams are expected to submit their findings and recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor later this week.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Farin Dutse community Sunday celebrated one of their own, Abduljabbar Idris Farin Dutse, for emerging as the Winner of the 2024 Jigawa state highest category, which is 60 Hizb (Qur’anic recitation, Tafsir, and Qira’at) held at the state capital, Dutse.
KANO FOCUS reports that the competition, which attracted participants from various communities across the state, highlights the importance of Quranic studies and memorization in promoting Islamic education.
The event was marked by a special Walima with large turnout of community members in attendance, with the Village Head of Farin Dutse Malam Mustapha Hassan and other prominent individuals.
While making remarks the village Head urged his wards to pursue Islamic Knowledge and adhere to the teachings of Islamic religion that they can be recognised here and hereafter as today Abduljabbar is making the whole community proud.
He further commended the Executive Governor of Jigawa State Mallam Umar Namadi fca for the sound policies, plans, programme and initiative that allows the less privilege to benefit from the bounties of his leadership style, he sincerely appreciates what has been accorded to their own-son and assured His Excellency their unflinching support.
The traditional ruler l also appreciate the gesture demonstrated by the Rt Honourable Speaker JSHoA Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, for donating cash gifts to the top winner worth N100,000.
The Village Head of further reassured their continued support to the Emir of Dutse Alhaji Hamim Nuhu Muhammad Sunusi under whose guidance and leadership the indigent of the Emirate found it encouraging to send their wards to attain both Islamic and Western education,
While commenting after reading from the glorious Quaran, Malam Abduljabbar Idris Farin Dutse, expressed gratitude for the support from his Parents, teachers, family and community members, emphasizing the role of perseverance and dedication in achieving his goals. He encouraged other youth in the community to engage in Quranic memorization and seek knowledge.
Malam Bala Idris, the Imam of the Farin Dutse Sunnah Mosque praised achievement and recollect how dedication of some selected few individuals had yielded results stating that it serves as an inspiration for the younger generation and reflects the community’s commitment to fostering Islamic values and education.
The Farin Dutse community members went home with commitment to supporting their wards furtherance of both Quranic and Western education initiatives and nurturing future scholars to make difference in the scheme of societal upbringing.
AbdulJabbar Idris Farin Dutse Winner of the 2024 Jigawa state highest category, which is 60 Hizb (Qur’anic recitation, Tafsir, and Qira’at).
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