Kaduna State Government And Her Blockhead Teachers. By Sulaiman Kazeem.

Indisputably, it is disheartening to read sympathetic write-ups from supposed notable citizens and others faulting the decision of the Kaduna State Government to relieve teachers who failed the 'Competency Test' organized by the State Government and consider some of them for compensation. Left to some of us who don't give a hoot, those teachers should be made to refund their 2 years paid salaries, and pay damages to their pupils and the system.

Hypothetically, the decision to conduct a competency test for teachers in Kaduna State was a premeditated and well orchestrated move by the Governor Nasir Elrufai led government to downsize the over bloated workforce of the State. But how can you in your right senses castigate the Kaduna State Government and put up a defense for those teachers who failed the competence test, woefully.

It should bother you that the questions contained in the the said competency test are meant for primary school pupils. Sad, those shameless blockheads even went ahead to stage a protest against the State Government.

Interestingly, these blockheads won't teach their pupils well, because they can not give what they don't have. The bad eggs among Nigerian teachers sits in their staff rooms to gossip about others and sell their goods. On the long run, they will suggest extra coaching classes to the parents of their pupils who are performing poorly in class and later recommend 'paid' examination malpractices for their pupils.

In fact, many of us have scars we got from their merciless 'torture' and memories of how we were humiliated, because we had poor scores in our class works.

Again, those blockheads teachers are the ones who sexually abuse our girls and boys. Sad, they have brought disrepute to the noble profession and to the country at large.

TBH, this mess is not peculiar to elementary school teachers. Either as undergraduate students or as graduate students, we all know two or more lecturers who falls in this crappy category. These lecturers extorts their students and force their lecture materials which must have been downloaded from the internet, on helpless students. Believe me, it's a messier situation in higher institutions.

It is a huge shame to say that teaching jobs are now distributed like campaign materials to rogues and party members who are illiterates, as compensation for their roles during elections and as a price for their loyalty to their political party.

Lest we fail to say that the decadence in our educational section is a generational buildup and monumental. Thus, the approach to solving this aged mess must be pragmatic and very brutal. Pause and think about it, how do you tell the world that 75% of teachers in a particular Nigerian State failed 'Competency Test'.

Considering the inability of many State Governors to pay salaries, you will agree with me that the same calamity awaits their 'same-same' colleagues in other States. Left to me, I want the Kaduna State Government and other States to extend the competence test to other ministries.

Moreover, why the fuss, who says the examiners who examines students and marks exam answer booklets can not be examined.

Now, you know how we got here. Now, you know why year in and year out, students performance and pass rate in national examinations keep nose diving in many States.

@MrSteam_
14/11/2017

NIGERIA: UNDER HAMMER OR RESTRUCTURING? – By Olalekan Ayuba

Nigeria is the giant of the African continent. Not just because the country is ranked the most populous in Africa and one of the countries with the highest population in the world, but because the country has done incredibly well in building the biggest sustainable economy in Africa. No doubt, Nigeria is the business hub and the biggest market in Africa.

Today, Nigeria’s population accounts for one-sixth of African population, and one-fifth of the sub-Saharan African population. More so, approximately 50% of Nigeria population lives in the urban area. Invariably, more than hundred thousand (100,000) Nigerians live in twenty-four (24) cities each. Nigeria has three hundred and eighty-nine (389) ethnic groups, rich in culture with various customs, languages and various traditions, which gives a very phenomenal cultural diversity.

Inarguably, Nigeria is the pride of Africa, because she takes pride in whatever she does, being the best and stands out from her contemporaries. Nigeria’s colonial masters stand tall in the world economy, which calls for emulousness. Statistically, there are about fifteen million Nigerians in Diaspora, with people who cuts across all strata and works of life. However, vast majority of Nigerians in Diaspora are known for an unflinching drive to succeed in their chosen field of pursuits. Recently, a Nigerian family in the United Kingdom was named the smartest family in the UK. This is an addendum to the claim that Eighty percent (80%) Nigerians living in the United States of America are known to posses at least a first degree certificate, which makes Nigerians the most educated people in the United States of America.

A nation with a population of over 170 million people is bound to be faced with few challenges, one of which is recession and insecurity. It should interest you that the country was able to move its economy out of recession by fully leveraging on a vast number of work-force. In addition, it is plausible to give accolades to the current administration, for its successes in making the country safe for the citizens and for visitors. No doubt, this achievements would eventually encourage foreign investors, and in return make meaningful impacts on the economy, if and only if, corruption is dramatically addressed and drastically reduced.

Age-long, after Nigeria got her independence in 1960, the structure of Nigeria’s government was infiltrated by different factors which made abuse inevitable in the society. Several heroes of change have emerged, political movements that have the keen passion and interest for change came into play, but were all silenced. It’s been very difficult to disparate the good from the bad, because, the good ones have been overshadowed by the bad ones. Every Nigerian is overwhelmed by the struggle to survive, which make Nigerians focus on the present solution to their financial situation. Rather than prioritize the future, their focus is on the present.

Literally, as much there a lot of Nigerians who climbed the ladder of success, doing legitimate businesses and having regards for the rule of law, one should not shy away from the belief that there are a few who engages in illegal acts. Apparently, religion has taken over the mindset of a large population, making them susceptible to extortions and other forms of abuse.

Nigeria is a nation where corruption is endemic and deeply rooted in government apparatus, and in the lives of an average citizen. Claw marks of corruption has defaced her, and the zeal to continue to exist depreciates by the day. Criminals are being celebrated, the legit citizens are the naive. You won’t be wrong to say that nepotism has become a bane in leadership, this is prevalent in employment processes. Hence, Nigeria recycles the bad ones into public offices. Some people are of the believe that criminality is the easiest way to success. Since the dilapidation of the Nigerian economy, it’s been extremely difficult to preserve and leverage on Nigerian talents. Hence, the standard of living seem to be on the low.

Nigeria’s inability to explore science and nature of life is as a result of a lack of well structured educational systems. Companies that once built the economy deserted Nigeria due to lack of stable power supply. Few people who call themselves the government have taken over the economy for selfish interests. Nigeria cries for help, request for mind renewal and revival. Nigeria’s beauty has been displaced, and replaced with gruesomeness.

I hereby ask “SHOULD NIGERIA BE UNDER HAMMER, OR BE RESTRUCTURED? “. Putting Nigeria under hammer every year have made the her an object of ridicule to the world. The obsolete style of governance in Nigeria have influenced her stagnancy in a coon’s age, and have pertinently impacted the mindset of the youths through believing that the Nation’s affairs should be handed over to the highest bidder, thereby ignorantly selling off the future, hence, Nigeria is placed under hammer. To ensure retracement back to base, Nigerian youths need to relentlessly strive to demonetize politics, so as to throw the corrupt leaders off the throne, hence, the process of putting Nigeria under hammer is eliminated. Today, there is a need to provide opportunity to young people.

Above all, the question “SHOULD NIGERIA BE UNDER HAMMER OR BE RESTRUCTURED?” can best be answered by the youths, via either taking the future into their hands by rising up for the truth and becoming a stakeholder for change, or trading the future for just a bowl of porridge.

Olalekan Ayuba
18/11/2017
United Kingdom.

ASUU Strike: Governments Should Either Fund Education Or Build More Prisons.

By Sulaiman Kazeem.

Caveat: If you can't build good schools and provide adequate funds for them, then, beef up security and build more prisons.

For the umpteenth time, I wish to share my thoughts provoking opinion and reiterate my concerns about the nonchalance of past and present State and Federal Governments to education and the resultant industrial actions embarked on by the Academic Staff Union Of Universities and other concerned Unions. Again, it is not for EVERYBODY but for people who care to listen and maybe act right. At least, I will be absorbed in history and it will be kind to me.

FYI, neither am I expected to partake in the buck passing between the Unions and their paymaster, nor am I expected to discuss the ingenuity or otherwise of the Union's demands and the position of the Federal Government. Instead, my keen interest should be the failures of State and Federal Governments to grease the wheels of education in my country. No doubt, you will agree with me that the conspicuous failure of this organ is a flash point for the dangers ahead of us and a threat to our future as a people.

Once upon a time, I wrote about how public schools in Nigeria keep the poor in poverty and deny them of the necessary ingredients and the needed recipes to stand shoulder to shoulder with the rich. Unfortunately, only a few people were able to synchronize with my thoughts and fears for the known and the unknown. Today, the government must make a choice to either fund education adequately or build more secured prisons for the 'monsters' they have created.

Hey guys, is it cheaper for the government to build more prisons and renovate the existing ones, get them equipped, recruit more prison warders and deploy adequate security to them, than to build good schools, get them well equipped, provide continuous funding for them, and encourage our young people to get education? Let's ignore the economic importance of the duo.

Today, the Nigerian Prison Service can boast of 144 Prisons including farm centers and 83 Satellite Prisons. Recently, the commission reopened 8 out of the 9 Satellite Prisons that were closed down in the wake of Boko Haram insurgency, built 12 new satellite prisons and 3 Prison hospitals and went further to commission 133 Assistant Superintendent of Prisons who have just concluded their six months training at the Prison Staff College.

Interestingly, there are 40 Federal Universities, 44 State Universities in Nigeria and 68 private universities in Nigeria as approved and released by the Nigeria Universities Commission. The total number of Government owned Universities is far below the total number of prisons and slightly above the number of private universities alone. Please ponder on this.

A government that fails to build good schools and provide adequate funds for their running should not bother to build hospitals and other health care facilities for the people because the facilities will need trained health officers, such a government do not need to support or invest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics because it will be in futility, such a government should not invite or welcome foreign investors or encourage locals to invest in the country because businesses thrives only in an enabling and safe environment.

Instead of wasting the crumbs in their 'self-looted' treasury on construction of white elephant projects that will eventually get consumed by the 'monsters' they have created, such a failed government should expect unprecedented terrorism, the government should expect a brain drained country, such a shameless government should expect a sharp rise in unemployment rate, such a myopic government should expect to see a steady rise in prostitution, such a retrogressive government should be ready to welcome kidnapping on a larger scale and should also expect a rise in the rate of theft and armed robbery in the country. Above it all, a country with such attitude towards education can never be in the league of great nations.

Logically, the most suitable infrastructure such a government should provide for the people are not airports, not state of the heart trade zones and definitely not manufacturing industries to mention a few but security vans for regular patrols, feared prisons, satellite prisons and prison facilities, because the monsters they have created must be in chains or caged, else the safety of the ruling elites can not be guaranteed. Mind you, a congested prison with un-sentenced detainees leads to prison break.

On a final note, let me remind them that a majority of the miscreants we have in our present day society are grown up kids of the poor, who were denied education and a future. FYI, never will they stop to make the country ungovernable for the ruling elite.

Tweet at: @MrSteam_
17/08/2017

Stop separating politicians from their political parties, for they are inseparable.

 

By Sulaiman Kazeem

In 2015, a majority of the Nigerian voting population stood against the then ruling political party, evicted its members from the country's presidential villa and ended the party's dominance in our political sphere. The decision to cause defects in the then ruling party's vision to stay in power for 100 years, deflate the party's dominance and ego in our polity and terminate their keenly pursued strategic plan to become the biggest political party in the African continent, was taken by the people, at the polls.

The seeming 'untimely' rejection by a majority of the Nigerian voting population was as a result of the mindless mismanagement of resources, unprecedented state of insecurity, crass impunity and epitomic financial recklessness. These claims and allegations of financial recklessness and abuse of office during the last administration has been substantiated with numerous evidences and solidified with a stream of exhibits in the public domain.

For the first time ever, as a people, Nigerians were in unison against failed incumbents in their respective levels and locations but this was obviously done with thoughts and with respect to interests. Yes, their decision was influenced by the poor leadership as exhibited by some ambassadors of the then ruling party and not necessarily by the competence of those in the then opposition party.

Just as an exercise to differentiate between a score and twenty is an exercise in futility, it will be morally corrupt to prove that there are no good ambassadors who have displayed exemplary leadership in the PDP or that those in the APC are saints. But what seem more evident is that some Nigerians voted on perceived ethnic sentiments and sheered nepotism, by throwing away the bathing water with the baby.

Interestingly, you will have to agree with me that the turmoil in our political terrain is as a result of our collective failure to separate the wheat from the shaft, during the 2015 general elections. Unfortunately, EVERYBODY was allowed to ride to power, on the platform of the then emerging political party, All Progressives Congress. This avoidable mistake has left us with conspicuous scars and will definitely remain indelible in our memories. Today, many ambassadors of the ruling party have underproduced or failed in their leadership capacities.

Fast forward to 2019 general elections, it is pertinent for Nigerians to be very careful with a majority of their politicians, who obviously are extremely deceitful and probably the craftiest of all, especially, has we prepare to begin another political campaigns. We must not repeat the mistakes we made in 2015, for as much as we must separate the wheat from the shaft, we must also separate sentiments and thoughts from what is ideal.

Nigerian politicians are very manipulative and deceitful that they have been able to keep the people in 'unconscious' starvation and mental slavery, for a time that beats humanity and may decide to keep them in perpetual abject poverty, if they choose to. These has been made possible through whipping political sentiments and aged mediocrity.

Today, as the people of Osun State, Ekiti State and Oyo State prepare to meet at the polls to elect their leaders, the people must be ready to reject 'rogues' from clinching political positions, disallow failed leaders from installing their stooges and from continuing in office. The time is now.

Going by the leadership performance of some individuals in public offices, particularly, those with political identities, to believe that Nigerian political parties have ideologies and manifestos that guides their ambassadors is nothing but fallacious and delusionary. Don't be swayed by their political machinations, political parties with ideologies and manifestos will always make good ambassadors and make contributions that will leave their footprints on the marble of time.

Dear friends, political parties with failed ambassadors are not worth getting our votes.

Times have changed, and so the people must also change.

Think about this.

Tweet at: @MrSteam_
15/08/2017.

The Attack On Charly Boy, at Wuse Market - Abuja: Stop Thinking With Your 'STOMACH', Use Your Brains.

By Sulaiman Kazeem.

Firstly, you will agree with me that both great nations and unprosperous nations are products of thoughts and actions, of their leaders and undaunted supports from a majority of the people. Specifically, great nations are not products of political mediocrity, bad leadership, distorted loyalty, ethnic rivalries and religious hypocrisy.

Today, again, the Nigerian layer in the social media sphere has been filled with opinions and comments from concerned Nigerians, on the recent attack on Charly Boy at Wuse market, Abuja. Interestingly, these opinions and comments have again further substantiate my submission that we are our own very problems and that we are not ready to change our ways of life and lines of thoughts for better. Thus, we are yet to begin our journey to sustainable greatness.

You have the suffrage to choose to be either on the side of those uneducated miscreants who almost lynched Charly Boy to death because he is of the opinion that President Buhari's return from his medical leave is long overdue and then go further to criticise him for taking his 'protest' to a market dominated by Northerners or choose to applaud his decision, share in his concerns and demand that those involved in the inhuman action are arrested and dealt with accordingly. The choice is yours.

Mind you, neither am I interested in whose side you have chosen nor am I ready to criticise you or give accolades but let me reawaken your brutalised brains and sentiment-filled minds that violence is neither a sexist nor a tribalist.

Today, a majority of you guys are always battle ready to shout down and cast aspersions on anybody seen or perceived as an antagonist of the present day President Buhari led government and remind them of where they have erred in the past and how their forefathers misjudged. Unfortunately, your preys knows no bound and includes senior citizens and those who have made meaningful contributions to the growth of the country, if they dare say anything against President Buhari or his led government. Issorait, tiri gbosas for you pipus.

Hey guys, this is definitely not loyalty or patriotism at any level, but stupidity, gullibility and crass illiteracy at its ugliest form. Let me remind you that speaking the truth to power and redirecting the cameras of the ruling class to matters that affects the downtrodden is patriotism and revolutionary. This new trend of jungle justice on suspected criminals and attacks on anti-government protesters will boomerang very soon, if not well checked.

Grab your internet enabled device and write as many fantastic and appealing words as you can, all to show your unflinching loyalty to the incumbent administration and to castigate people who refuse to align with your thoughts and opinions. It is very fine, but be reminded that something unprecedented will hit the ground running sooner than you may think, and change the rhetorics forever. You may just be consumed or completely paralyzed by the monster you have joined to create or by your own very shadow.

Guys, read about democracy, and how it is practiced in great countries. However, democracy is the government of the people by the people and for the people, until proven otherwise.

Tweet at: @MrSteam_
16/08/2017

Armed Policemen or 'Armed Robbers'? By Sulaiman Kazeem

Doesn't it bother you that the decadence in the Nigeria Police has grown periodically over the last two decades and seem irredeemable? Well, I am very perturbed but you may choose to feel otherwise.

Today, as always, there is a need to address the diminishing honor in the present crops of men in black, not as bequeathed to them by those before them. The growing impunity in the ranks and file of the Nigerian Police, the extortion, the harassment and the hostilities being meted by Nigerians on fellow Nigerians, day in day out.

Unfortunately, the motto of the Nigerian Police reads 'To serve and protect'. No doubt, this is contrary to their shameful activities in our communities and on our highways. Today, the men of the Nigerian Police, particularly those who call themselves State Anti-Crime Response Squad (SARS) are nothing but oppressors, armed robbers, extortionists, pedophiles and bullies who provide covers for criminals in exchange for tips, flee at the sight of men of the highways but humiliates travelers and rob them of their belongings. At times, they even go as far as implicating and brutalizing innocent people, and taking their lives when they pose a threat or refuse to yield. Well, that does not mean that there are no good ones among them.

So much, if not enough has been said of these inhumane treatments that we suffer from the bad eggs in the Nigerian Police, but it seem to me that it's either nothing has been done to curb this menace or the leadership of the Nigerian Police needs to do more than paying lip service. Please don't talk about the Ministry Of Police Affairs, Ministry Of Interior, House Committee On Police Affairs and what have you, they are just like dummies.

Unfortunately, a majority of the present crops of officers in the high ranks of the Nigerian Police are also beneficiaries of the corrupt system. They get their shares from the bribes Nigerians are being coerced to pay as bail or pure cases of daylight extortion from motorists, other road users and people going about their daily legal activities.

We can not continue like this, we can not continue to live like all is well, we can not continue to live in pretense and self denial. Now or never, we must choose to live in opprobrium and not to continue to live with the brutalities from the men of the Nigerian Police and our insensitive ruling class.

Today, there is a thin line between the entity called Nigeria and a Banana Republic, where some people are outlaws, if at all there are laws, and enjoys covers by those that should persecute them for crimes, while law abiding citizens are being harassed and unjustly killed in some cases by those who should protect and serve. Unfortunately, these officers have been unable to subdue the heightened level of crimes in major cities in the country.

I am very perturbed by the hostility on law abiding Nigerians, by men of the Nigerian Police and the inability of the system to checkmate the bad eggs among them. But I know, someday, Nigeria would be hit by an event that will change EVERYTHING forever.

Believe me, that day is closer than you think.

12/07/2017

Ogbeni Aregbesola; Retreat but do not surrender. By Sulaiman Kazeem

Firstly, let me quickly remind you that history has been very kind to you and that you have been treated very fairly by life itself. So, should we then say that you have forgotten that fate has put you in the category of men who rose from rags to tags, even amidst controversies and hopelessness.

For the sake of posterity, let me also remind you that life has showered you with so much fortune than you have ever wished for and made you a cornerstone. You won a political battle that served as a precedence for many others that followed, using the good people of Osun State as unpaid foot soldiers. The people who supported you gave up everything; some lost their properties, freedom, loved ones and even their lives to the brutality from your predecessor, the former military man turned executive governor.

No doubt, life has treated you with much favoured partiality that you were able to beat the odds and get the people of Osun State whom your leadership errors have submerged in extreme starvation and abject penury, standing by you and with you for more than two years of financial misfortunes and seemingly infrastructural decadence. Now, should we ask if you have met their expectations.

Interestingly, you have been able to prove to critics that it is possible to win it all and retire unbeaten like the likes of Muhammed Ali. But unfortunately, not only have you disappointed your mammoth followers and unrepentant supporters by towing the path of the beaten, but you have given the people who were indifferent about your leadership flaws more reasons to sympathize with the major opposition party, in their ploy to dim your popularity.

Today, should you be reminded of what becomes of warlords when they decide to embark on a war unprepared or continue to fight a war that they lack the required capacity and the needed resources to win, when it seem that you have proved to many that you don't believe in peaceful resolution of conflicts of interests and that sovereignty is embedded in the office of the executive governor of Osun State.

You may choose to agree with those sycophants and bootlickers in your administration, if you disagree with me that your party, the All Progressives Congress lost the Osun West senatorial District elections as a result of your leadership inadequacies, unguided political utterances, nonchalant and egoistic attitudes towards the people of Osun State, who ones believed in your messianic stature and in your political grandstanding. The truth if you care to listen is that the people of Osun State are very disappointed in your leadership and would not hesitate to read it aloud at every given opportunity.

Ogbeni Aregbesola, you would be ungrateful to God and to the people of Osun State, if you decide to tow the lane of tyrants who damned the consequences of kidnapping freedom and holding justice to ransom. FYI, the soaring honor of tyrants diminishes before sunset, leaving them in perpetual dishonor.

Interestingly, power can be perpetual but its holders are mere mortals with a predestined number of days. So, we must always tow with caution and remember that stewardship awaits all of us. Yes, politics is a non-emotional game but we should not loose our humanity in the course of pursuing things that are earthly.

Inarguably, the results of the just concluded Osun West senatorial District elections is a bad precedence for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State. But let me also inform you that the defeat suffered by your political party has nothing to do with the credibility of your party's candidate or merit on the part of the winner. It was the most preferred medium to express their grievances for your leadership inadequacies, this they have done with fulfillment and are ready to nurture the birthed toddler till maturity. Should anyone blame the people of Osun West senatorial District for their anger influenced decision, when it was caused by the failures of your administration to boost the State's internally generated revenues, pay workers salaries and meet their other needs.

Again, fate has presented to you yet another opportunity to get to work and fix the damages in your party and in your led government, so do it right. Else, you will be remembered as a man who rose to power, having enjoyed the peoples sympathy and the beams of fortune, but eventually betrayed the people and the party on whose he rose to power. Sir, such men are not men of honor, such men lacks valour and the required integrity to be in the hall of fame of men whose immense contributions to creating a better world is heroic.

It is on record that I was among those who followed your case at the tribunal to its later end, agitating that justice is served. I was also instrumental to your emergence at the polls, when you presented yourself for reelection. This you can enquire from people around you, particularly those who know me well. However, I still feel it's unnecessary to write about myself and my relationship with the government of Osun State under your watch, because you are a phone call away from everyone's details.

In conclusion, your excellency should spend time to look inward, retrace your steps and make amends before you lose it all.

11/07/2017.

IT IS SUNSET; RESTRUCTURE NIGERIA OR GIVE ‘US’ BIAFRA. BY S. KAZEEM

Preempt the intention of this write-up as a warm romance with the agitators of Republic of Biafra or a bid to earn Yorubas a place in the good books of Eastern Nigeria, at your own risk. Also, it is morally corrupt to see this as a write up to promote disunity. However, my focus would be on the creation of Oduduwa Republic. That’s where I will belong.

FYI, the original intention of General Murtala and his fellow coup plotters was to engineer the secession of the Northern region from Nigeria, because the North never believed in the prospect of the ‘proposition’ and because Igbos and Yorubas already dominated the polity and Federal Civil Service due to their early acceptability of western education ahead of the North, but Gen. Murtala and his fellow coup plotters were subsequently dissuaded of their plans by several advisors who had interests in the Nigerian polity. Today, following their reorientation, times have changed.

Agitation for secession is not peculiar to Eastern Nigeria. At a time, South-west Nigeria also tested the waters but could not hold their ground and was not ready to pay the ultimate price for freedom from the chains of slavery. Well, the then frontier movement was comprised of men of honor, but unfortunately, they were dissuaded and the center could no longer hold. Sad, the sunset of that agitation came too soon. Today, they are in various national political party and have abandoned their dream for Oduduwa Republic.

Today, as Yorubas, we seem to have lived a considerable part of our life in the contraption called Nigeria, scared, frightened of things that could happen, might happen and might not happen, if we decide to agitate for the creation of Oduduwa Republic. One day, we will realize that our fear to break out of the failed 1914 amalgamation is the worst of it, that’s the real enemy. We must not wait until we get too close to the Sun, because our dreams of creating Oduduwa Republic may just melt away.

We, the Yorubas don’t want to fight because of the love we have for our own people, YET BY JINGO, if we choose to, we have got the ships and jets, we have got brave men and women, we have got the spirit and soul, we have got the technology and other required resources. We cannot remain in a marriage meant to promote corruption, human slavery and mismanagement of resources. The worst was the system of government given to us – robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Give Yorubas Oduduwa Republic, Give Igbos Republic Of Biafra, Give Hausas Arewa Republic; to remain in Nigeria is not by force.

Now or never, particularly, under this center serving system of government, we must come to an agreement that our togetherness is to the detriments of the masses but to the gross advantage of the Nigerian corrupt ruling class. They have converted the country to their patrimony, and leave the citizens to wallow in quantum poverty. Inarguably, Nigerian politicians are very corrupt and selfish, they have been unable to maintain law and order and guarantee the safety of lives and property.

Give us Oduduwa Republic.

In Limitation, I see the infinite.

ThinkABOUTiT

MA Sulaiman Kazeem

03/06/2017

‘ONE LANE’ INFRASTRUCTURE; EKITI STATE IN FOCUS.

‘ONE LANE’ INFRASTRUCTURE; EKITI STATE IN FOCUS.

Recently, i wrote about how politicians create the monster called POVERTY and make it feed fat on its victims, the poor masses – submerge them in extreme starvation and dwarf their ability to think and seek answers to questions that affects their individual lives and their communities. Interestingly, the deprived majority who choose to live in chains of slavery are being controlled with the aid of the ‘monster’.

To many, the erstwhile governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Kayode Fayemi suffered the most disappointing loss in the history of gubernatorial elections in Nigeria, at the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State because he failed to deliver on his campaign promises – he lost to the incumbent, Governor Ayodele Fayose, in all the 16 LGAs in the State. Yes, it was that terrible and horrible, a sitting governor could not score 1/16 in his re-election bid. Afterwards, the incumbent President, Mr. Buhari also lost in the entire 16 LGAs in Ekiti State to former Pres. Jonathan, in the 2015 presidential election.

Interestingly, to others, it was about a governor who provided basic amenities that made lives ‘better’ for the people of Ekiti State, but failed to rehabilitate the ‘one lane’ of a selected few who controls the voting majority. Perhaps, should a grassroots politician undermine the importance of rehabilitating the ‘one lane’ of powerful 'power brokers' in various LGAs – in Nigeria, this is not wise.

The two aforementioned ‘contestants’ at the 2014 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State were caught ‘pants down’ doing what politicians knows how to do best – sharing food items, campaign materials and money to registered voters, in other to sway voters to their side. Inarguably, Mr. Fayemi lagged in the payment of salaries and pension, failed to bring significant growth to the State and create multiple sources of revenue for the State. He STARVED THE PEOPLE OF FOOD AND OTHER NECESSITIES, so they resulted to queuing up for food items from him and his opponent, during the campaigns.

How else can you describe LEADERSHIP FAILURE, if what played out at the said Ekiti guber does not synchronize with you?. By the way, Mr. Fayemi is a serving Minister in the present government... Lol

Today, Ekiti State is one of those lazy States who have failed to be innovative and creative. Rather, the State government is complacent, feeds fat on the monthly federal allocation and still owe salaries and pension up to the tune of 5 months or more. Unfortunately, even at that, there are no significant infrastructural development in those States. Judging by the present aura in Ekiti State, it will be difficult to tell who is better between Mr. Fayemi and Gov. Fayose. Well, let the people of Ekiti tell.

As the people of Ekiti State and other States prepare to meet at the polls again, the deprived majority are not expected to repeat their mistakes but time will definitely tell – the people must rebuke politicians who lack bold ideas on how to alleviate poverty but choose to share food items and campaign materials during campaigns.

Thank you.

MA Sulaiman Kazeem
22/05/2017.

LAUTECH TODAY; THE STUDENTS AND THEIR POSITION(S).

Prior to the reopening of my Alma mata, LAUTECH, after an industrial action that lasted for about 9 months, i wrote an open letter to the two owner State Governors, where my disappointment was expressed and another open letter to ‘maybe’ the University management, tagged THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY. In the latter, I wrote about the personality of the Vice Chancellor and how he has been able to bring a face lift to the university, even amidst so many corrupt retrogrades within the university setup, who are not in support of his administration, and some externals in the the State(s) corridors of power, who are hell bent on hijacking the university for their selfish purposes. Unfortunately, some stakeholders in the university saw it as an attack on them.

Today, it is copious that the said ‘selfish power brokers and retrogrades’ have upped their quest to seize power and take absolute control of the university. These sets of degenerated persons were the ones who infiltrated the Students and politicized the students protest for the reopening of the university, gained more relevance and made financial kickbacks – in Ibadan, where and when Governor Ajimobi made the ‘CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY’ speech and hurled several abuses on the protesters. Let history be kind to those innocent students who were used as pawns by those who should be role models to them and guide them right, for they were ready to dance to the tones of the piper player, in order to get their university reopened and restore academic activities.

Again, these 'confusionists' have succeeded in causing chaos amidst the students and brewing enmity between them, the vice chancellor and the Chancellor of the university. All to satisfy personal gains.

Being a former president of the university Students’ Union and also as a victim of incessant industrial actions in LAUTECH, i understand the horrible situation, share in the disappointments and pains of the students but still, i have a feeling of doubt with regard to the morality of a course of action ‘claimed’ to have been taken by the said aggrieved students – demanding for the resignation of the vice chancellor and wishing him dead, on issues that absolutely rest on the shoulders of the owner States.

I hope this is not a disappointing end to their impressive agitations for better funding of my Alma mata, which is invariably the pivot for the ownership crisis wobbling, undulating and oscillating the university. Again, instead of staying in course, the aggrieved students have been swayed by these groups of unscrupulous dividers in the university system and outside the walls of the university.

No doubt, a national outcry that is capable of halting the stability of the both owner States would have relieved the shadows on the issues militating against the progress of the university but instead their agitation took a sponsored lane – this is very disheartening but understandable.

As a man of admirable resume, humble personality and vast scholastic experience in the university system, it is my wish that he understands the undertones of the students most recent attacks on him and would be very willing to LET GO of his disappointments in them and continue in his efforts to mediate between the owner States towards the betterment of the university.

Today, times have changed in LAUTECH, the system is hastily deriding, the standard is derailing and the hopes of the students are fading into the thin air – courtesy of the laughable failures of the owner States to meet their obligations to the university. No doubt, the owners States incumbent governors and other stakeholders shall be remembered by their deeds – let posterity be at the center and let karma be the judge.

Today and always, I stand with the over 30,000 LAUTECH Students and pray that times change for better in the university. However, let the man who takes home an ants infested wood expect the visitation of the lizards.

LAUTECH shall rise again

The struggle continues…

MA Sulaiman Kazeem
19/05/2017.

SYRIA: A BATTLE GROUND FOR AMERICA AND RUSSIA.

It is disheartening that more than 250,000 Syrians have lost their lives while more than 10 million others have been forced from their homes as forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and those opposed to his rule battle each other - as well as jihadist militants from the Islamic State, in the five-and-a-half years of armed conflict, which began with anti-govt protests before escalating into a full-scale civil war.

It is hypothetical that the United States and Russia reached a 'backdoor agreement' to take their battle for power and supremacy to Syria, with Russia supporting the Assad govt and the US supporting Anti-Assad forces - formed in March 2011 after the Assad govt use of force to crush the dissent protesters.

By July 2011, hundreds of thousands were taking to the streets across the country to protest the arrest and torture of some teenagers who painted revolutionary slogans on a school wall and also demand President Assad's resignation. Afterwards, opposition supporters eventually began to take up arms, first to defend themselves and later to expel security forces from their local areas.


Today, Russia is faced with mounting pressure to abandon the Assad led Syrian government and with a threat that Russian officers could face sanctions. Either ways, the Trump led govt is considering carrying out further strikes on Syria, because the Pentagon suspects chemical weapons are still in the Syrian air base.


The civil war in Syria has left over 108 million people in extreme starvation, over 50 million people malnourished, lead to death of over 250,000 people. Even at that, President Trump considered a cut in foreign aid to troubled nations like Syria and others. Indeed, this is inhumanity at its peak – America can not be exonerated from the blames. No doubt, the Syrian civil war is the deadliest conflict the 21st century has witnessed thus far.


The Trump government claimed that he ordered a cruise missile strike against Syria in retaliation for the chemical attack by Pres. Bashar al-Assad led government on civilians, but some observers hold a different view, saying it is a fight for the soul of Syria, between the US and Russia.


In the face of the storm and following Friday's cruise missile attack on Syria, the trio of Russia, Iran and Lebanon (Hezbolla) has reaffirmed their support for the Bashar al-Assad led Syrian government and have warned the US, saying they will “RESPOND WITH FORCE” if their own “RED LINES” are crossed in Syria.

For America and its allies, getting Assad out of power is not only a priority but a task they have considered non-negotiable. While Iran has been fighting what it calls US hegemony for over four decades, unfortunately, the world has turned its back at the ongoing inhumanity and civil war in Syria.

You still don't understand what is going on in Syria or How the civil war started? Then, read this update again.


Tweet at: @MrSteam_  

THE EXECUTIVE ARM AND THE SENATE LEADERSHIP; THE 'CAT AND RAT' RELATIONSHIP. BY S. KAZEEM

It will be in the best interest of the Nigerian masses, if the executive arm, the senate leadership, and all other concerned parties enter into negotiations committed to achieving an outcome that supports the strong mutual interests of both the leaders and the led. In-arguably, these negotiations will be complex and arduous, but must be conducted in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect, if they are to achieve the outcome that works for all stakeholders, the public and the future. No doubt, the ‘CAT AND RAT’ relationship between the executive arm and the senate leadership, and in the ranks and file of the ruling party is an impedance to the economic growth and infrastructural development of the country. This display of SHAME AND GROSS INCOMPETENCE is hurting the Nigerian masses and damaging our reputation. Sad, instead of checking the scorecard of the present government, criticizing the evident failures and proffering solutions to our numerous challenges, the Nigerian people seem to be ENJOYING the SHOW OF SHAME AND GROSS INCOMPETENCE by the executive arm and their senators. Today, it is paramount for the concerned arms of government to resolve their differences, work in synergy to save the country from an imminent collapse and create equal opportunities for EVERYBODY, rather than continue the FIGHT FOR POWER AND SUPREMACY. Nigerians MUST call the executive arm and the leadership of the senate to order, else POLITICAL ANARCHY is certain. This could be REAL FUN for these incompetent representatives and an escape route for the failures of the executives, but it is hurting the Nigerian people. Get to work NOW. Tweet at: @MrSteam_ 30/03/2017.

NIGERIANS VOTED A GENERAL, NOT A CONVERTED DEMOCRAT! BY S.KAZEEM

Dear President Muhammadu Buhari,

Sir, we understand the 'unfolding' that led to the inclusion of 'I AM A CONVERTED DEMOCRAT...' in a speech you delivered at the Chatham House, London, during the 2015 Presidential campaign. But should that take away the GENERAL in you...!

Sir, it is of utmost importance to remind you that 'NIGERIANS VOTED A GENERAL', not a converted democrat, because we needed one to save our country from perpetual retrogression, personified corruption, gross mismanagement, and from the 'anti-people' cabal. Sir, it is very pertinent for you to ACT RIGHT; set the records straight and PROSECUTE those retrogrades in your government.

Sir, your led government is hastily becoming unpopular and obviously loosing its grip. ACT NOW, because Nigerians have started revolting against your FAILURE to act like a GENERAL.

Sai Baba, IF YOU CHOOSE TO BE A CONVERTED DEMOCRAT, THEN, I WILL IMPLORE YOU TO BE LIKE THAT OF CHIEF OLUSEGUN OBASANJO. BUT REMAIN INCORRUPTIBLE.

NB: we remain resolute in our support for your administration, because it is our wish that your government succeed.

NIGERIANS VOTED A GENERAL!

Tweet at: @MrSteam_ 

OPEN LETTER TO GOV. AKINWUNMI AMBODE; AS UNAUTHORIZED DUMP SITES RETURNS.

Hitherto, I do like to acknowledge your efforts in consolidating on the achievements of your predecessor and in positioning the ‘center of excellence’ in a prestigious position among African countries that are steps ahead in human and infrastructural development. Sir, no doubt, daily sanitation in the central business district, government reserved areas and other high brow areas in the fastest growing cosmopolitan city in West Africa, Lagos, is of a high priority to the State. But unfortunately, under your watch, the rate of emergence of unauthorized dump sites in other parts of Lagos, to include the rural areas has increased to a disturbing number and calls for worry.

Sir, it is no gainsaying that your government inherited a clean and a prosperous Lagos, from your immediate predecessor. The clean Lagos we were all very proud of was a result of the 'over a decade' combined concerted efforts from the pioneer of the new Lagos master-plan and that of your immediate predecessor. Thus, it is of a great importance for your led government to take pragmatic steps, with the inclusions of all State agencies and government at all levels, to get rid of the rising rate of unauthorized dump sites in the city of Lagos. Even if this will require a reorientation of the people in the State, paying highway cleaners more and getting more personnel on Lagos roads, placing a fine on environmental law defaulters and maybe a change of leadership of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), if the later is necessary.

Sir, the rising rate of unauthorized ‘hazardous’ dump sites in the State denigrates your office, is bringing so much discomfort to the people and also cast a shadow on our pride as residents of Lagos. In all honesty, the time to save the people of the State from a possible outbreak of diseases is now and we all must put all hands on deck.

Sir, it is not hypothetical that tax payers in the State deserve to get a value for their hard earned money.

Best regards.

MA Sulaiman Kazeem

Tweet at: @MrSteam_

15/03/2017

OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR NASIRU EL-RUFAI; ON THE MASKED GENOCIDE AND MASS SLAUGHTER IN SOUTHERN KADUNA.

Sir, the ongoing masked genocide and mass slaughter in Southern Kaduna are worse problems facing the people in those communities, these are worse than the lack of government's presence, the abject poverty staring at their faces and even war. We need to understand why, but it is a great difficulty conveying human beings whose behavior seems to defy understanding, and are beyond belief.

Sir, it is quite true that nobody disbelieves that the mass killings by Fulani Herdsmen in Agatu - Benue State, Enugu State and other States happened, and that the massacres in Southern Kaduna happened and is still happening. What they have difficulty understanding is why its happening, and accepting notions that violate their own common sense understandings of the world.

Sir, there is a certain paradox, because sometimes one accepts very highly, seemingly original, profound theories, and sometimes the explanation is relatively simple. The actual explanations are threatening and unsettling to people. The notion that ordinary people would willfully butcher other people, torture them, including women and children, slaughter them, while the government of the day fail to protect them and their properties, is a very disturbing notion to people, particularly if they are looking upon people with whom they identify. So they seek explanations which are not really more comforting, but less threatening to them.

When religious and ethnic 'leaders' start encouraging their followers to protect themselves and fight back when attacked, then you will agree that Kaduna State is comfortably sitting on a KEG OF GUN POWDER that is waiting to explode. Sir, your administration and authorities empowered by law and with the responsibilities of providing security for the people must make concerted efforts to put a stop to the ongoing AGED masked genocide and massacre in Southern Kaduna. In other to save us from another ANARCHY in Nigeria.

This is real and frown. The Southern Kaduna killings has taken a new dimension, that is capable of resulting to a national ethnic crises. Sir, the President Buhari led federal government have technically reduced Boko Haram from a large group who were killing in hundreds, bombing incessantly, and erecting their flags in communities, to a small nontechnical disgruntled group of devils. We can not contain another SOCIO-ETHNO-RELIGIOUS uprising from Southern Kaduna.

Sir, if you turn blind eye and deaf ears, and go about making soothing speeches, instead of taking pragmatic steps towards putting off the conflagration, INJUSTICE AND OTHER CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY in a State under your watch, then you are as guilty as those perpetrating the evils.

Thank you.

#SaveSouthernKaduna

MA Sulaiman Kazeem
Tweet at: @MrSteam_
02/02/17.

A Blunt and Counterproductive Travel Ban. By Mohamed El-Erian

A Blunt and Counterproductive Travel Ban

Mohamed El-Erian

FollowMohamed El-Erian

Chief Economic Advisor, Allianz;

Some bold and simple policies have merit; Friday’s executive order that temporarily bans the citizens of certain countries from coming to the U.S., and stops indefinitely the entry of Syrian refugees, is not one of them.

As designed and implemented, there are genuine doubts about the order’s effectiveness in meeting its stated objective of preventing terrorism. It also risks a lot of collateral damage and unintended consequences that ultimately could prove counterproductive and harmful to national security, the economy, and America’s moral authority, values and standing in the world. Even the order's merits as a domestic signal are in doubt, and it risks damaging the credibility and effectiveness of future policy initiatives from the White House. 

The travel ban is succinctly stated: “To protect the American people from terrorist attacks by foreign nationals admitted to the United States.” With immediate effect, it forbids entry for specified periods of time to citizens from seven countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen). 

But this is an extremely blunt approach to an important issue. Early reports on its application suggest that even long-time holders of multiyear visas for the U.S., together with green card holders and dual nationals, are are being refused entry at airports or being prevented from boarding planes destined for America. This includes people who have been living in the U.S. legally for many years, have been vetted, and are productive and integrated members of their local communities. Judging by Google, which stated that more than 100 of its employees traveling abroad are impacted by the order, it also covers tax-paying U.S.-based workers who productively contribute to national growth and, as of this weekend, were on business trips or holidays abroad. They may now be stranded.

It is not clear whether the travel ban also applies to those working at the international institutions that the U.S. hosts, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The uncertainty is enough to stop some staff from traveling abroad on business, thereby reducing the effectiveness of these institutions. Then there are the students at U.S. educational institutions, some of whom are still in the process of returning for their new terms.

No wonder so many people from across the political spectrum are questioning the executive order -- and deploring its highly discriminatory nature and the related threats to what makes the U.S. so special and so admired. The ban risks undermining the U.S.'s moral authority, along with its standing and the respect it commands. In turn, this can undermine the credibility of President Donald Trump's administration, creating potential headwinds to the effectiveness of its future measures in a wide range of areas.

I suppose that some may feel that all this would be warranted if the ban can deliver on its objective. But here, too, there are problems.

Several people have already pointed out that none of the terrorist incidents suffered by the U.S. in recent times, including the horrible Sept. 11 attacks, were perpetuated by citizens from the seven designated countries. The ban could have other harmful consequences. Some have noted that it applies to people who fought alongside American troops in dangerous situations, and includes some who acted heroically, saving our men and women in uniform. This is but one of the adverse signals that the executive order transmits to the many supporters and fans of the U.S. living in the named countries.

I understand, and very much share, the desire to reduce terrorist risks. As currently designed and implemented, the travel ban is not a good way to do so.

This post originally appeared on Bloomberg View.

OPEN LETTER TO THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE, ON POLICE HOSTILITY, EXTORTION AND BRUTALITY. BY S.KAZEEM

OPEN LETTER TO THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE, ON POLICE HOSTILITY, EXTORTION AND BRUTALITY. Again, I have decided to express my concerns about the increasing rate of mindless hostility, shameful extortion and dreaded brutality by men of the Nigerian police. Lest I forget, let me give accolades to a very few among your men who have distinguished themselves in their services to our fatherland but unfortunately, their diligence on their job go unnoticed and un-celebrated by the day. This is due to the huge criticism and damaging remarks from the victims of these cruelties. Today, not only has 'OPEN' collection of bribe at check points – major bus stops, payment for bail and unlawful detention at police stations come to stay and unreported but it has become a thing of pride for the bad eggs among your men. They even go as far as ‘raiding’ innocent people returning from work and sometimes dispose them of their hard earned money and other valuables. Extortion by Policemen is aged and the victims are too many, but it can be stopped. Your men have brought so much disrepute to the Nigerian Police, so the bad eggs among them must be brought to book before it is too late. No doubt, Nigeria would have become an admirable place for all, had the mindless hostility and dreaded brutality by your men be on criminals and law defaulters but unfortunately their cruelties are on innocent tax payers who engage in lawful businesses and respect the rule of law. In-arguably, the aforementioned acts seem to have become embedded in the psyche of an average policeman whose desire for luxury is mind disturbing and have eventually got the number of bad eggs among your men to ‘cube square’ those who ‘serve and protect with integrity’. Sad, the senior officers among your men are products of these shameful reactants, and tend to encourage these among junior officers, all because a certain percentage of the ill gotten money also stops at their offices. It is no news that some mindless DPOs in the NPF are fond of replacing criminals in their custody with innocent people ‘raided’ on the streets, in exchange for huge sums of money. Sir, the cruelty of your men have resulted to an increased crime rate, loss of so many lives and property, and left so many innocent people handicapped. As a frantic opinion writer, it is pertinent for me to tell the other side of every story, in a curative manner that is devoid of sentiments and self aggrandizement. In affirmative of the aforesaid, let me say that the 'rotten state' of the NPF is an indication of a successive failed leadership, mindless corruption, crass impunity and a lack of political will to end this mess in the NPF. The plague in the NPF is curable and discipline can still be instilled in your men, only and only if your leadership can embark on a well funded strategic orientation and reorientation of your men, prosecute and get rid of the hardened bad eggs to a minimum and provide sustainable benefits and build confidence in the good ones. Sir, it is time to stop the ‘mental slavery’ among your men, it is pertinent to stop attaching your men as drivers to public office holders, hand bag carriers and maids to the wives of the rich. The time to stop your men from harassing other road users with their vans is now, the time to end selective arrest of offenders is now. Policeman should not be seen as friends to criminals, but rather they should be friends to law abiding citizens. In conclusion, let me say that the approach to restoring sanity and sanctity in the Nigeria police can not be achieved, if the salaries and other allowances of your men still get delayed or shortened by their senior colleagues, if your men are denied a conducive living environment and other benefits, if your men are denied of their training and retraining allowances, if their gratuities and pensions are being siphoned by their senior colleagues. So, it is very important for your office to also look into the rots among the ranks and files of the NPF, if your leadership desire to leave good legacies and is sincere with the much talked about ‘change begins with me’ slogan. AGAIN, I CAN ONLY EMPATHIZE WITH ALL VICTIMS OF POLICE HOSTILITY AND BRUTALITY, BECAUSE WHO DO YOU CALL WHEN YOU ARE BEING BRUTALIZED BY THE POLICE. Sad, it is "POLICE EVERYWHERE, JUSTICE NOWHERE". I see hope! Thank you. Sulaiman Kazeem 27 Jan, 2017.

LAUTECH CRISES; THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY. BY S.KAZEEM

LAUTECH CRISES; THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY.

Contrary to the opinions of a majority of LAUTECH stakeholders and my stance in previous open letters to the two official visitors, which puts them at the center of the blame game, this time, i have deemed it fit to redirect the focus of our cameras to the bloated leadership of the university which is infested with economic and financial fraud, corruption, true dereliction, abuse of power and mismanagement of resources.

If you look at great tertiary institutions, from the Premier University to Great Ife, you will see that most do not fail due inherent instability but because of internal weakness, corruption, embezzlement, mismanagement, and a failure to manifest the values and ideals they espouse. Truly, these are characteristics that exist everywhere to include tertiary institutions. What successful leadership do is keep them to a minimum because no one has ever eliminated any of those stuffs. Today, LAUTECH is dancing at the corridors of shame and ridicule as a result of the highlighted factors.

By the way, I would like to register my displeasure for the show of impunity and force by the Nigerian Police, during the students’ most recent 'protest for resumption'. Well, those guys in black uniforms are foremen and obey orders from their superiors who often times sits in their offices. Sad, instead of ‘answering their over 200 days prayers’, the owners State allowed the Nigerian Police to shoot tear gas at protesting students, who deemed it fit to express their displeasure for the ‘indefinite mid semester break’ and the industrial action by various unions on the campus, leaving some injured and arrested a few among them. Well, this is not coming as a surprise to me, something worse was done to us when we staged a protest demanding for tuition fee reversal among others.

Before I take on the aforementioned factors, let me give honor to whom honor is due, a reputable role model and a vice chancellor per excellence, Professor Sulaiman Gbadegesin. It is on record that the successes of the Sulaiman Kazeem led Students’ Union Government were built on the cordial relationship we had with the university Senate under his leadership.  Sadly, it is practically impossible to exempt this ‘foreman’ from the failed leadership of the university, even with the face lift he has given to the university campus, administrative buildings and the lecture theaters. Unfortunately, his leadership failed to pivot the politics to a balance, end economic and financial crimes and keep mismanagement in the university to a minimum.

Firstly, we all must agree that corruption and mismanagement has reached an unacceptable level in our beloved LAUTECH. It has devoured the resources that could have been devoted to the growth and development of the university and impeded the proper carrying out of the university rules and penalize the honest and capable. Yes, I am open to a broader discuss, if need be but before that, allow me to drop a list of the sources of internally generated revenues of the university. Think about this, LAUTECH has an average of 30,000 undergraduate students, enrolls an average of 4,000 Pre-degree students in two folds a year, have an average of 15,000 Part-time registered students, have an average of 10,000 Masters Degree students, have an average of 10,000 MBA students, have an average of 10,000 PGD Students, students pays department and faculty dues and buy study materials at exorbitant amounts, LAUTECH is a beneficiary of ETF, international donations for research and educational development, LAUTECH ventures, matriculation and convocation dues, donations from corporate bodies and individuals, to mention a few pronounced ones. Now, you can make your findings on how much each student in each category pays for acceptance fee and for tuition and then do the mathematics.

However, in the event that the annual IGR is not enough to meet the needs of the university, then an amount far less than the subvention from the owners States should be perfectly enough. Please be reminded that the previous meeting between the two owners States was ended with a committee constituted to review the finances of the university. This is in phase with my stance that the visitors are also of the opinion that there is corruption and mismanagement in the university.

Yes, funding education is a social responsibility of the government but it gagging when the tertiary institution becomes a complete liability. Unfortunately, the ownership crises seem to have overshadowed the infractions in the leadership of the university. Sad, the said ownership tussle is being fueled by some self serving group of people who are hell bent on robbing Esau of his inheritance for Jacob. May posterity never forget us. However, it is in the best interest of the owners States and other stakeholders to reach a sincere collaboration.

Before I am found guilty of putting up a biased opinion or accused of attacking the leadership of the university, let me say that the owners States also failed to checkmate the leadership of the university and also in their moral and financial responsibilities to the university. At this juncture, the blame game has to stop and a sustainable solution must be proffered to the crises.

In conclusion, until the day the university management and the owners States meet at a round table to discuss how the students can return to class in a wink, I am going to do what I can, regardless of the cost to me, to speak against the awful corruption and mismanagement destroying my beloved Alma-mata and get the students back in classrooms.

Yes, we must set aside our divides and set the record straight because through the inevitable mismanagement of resources and goods at the disposal of the university, all forms of collectivism would eventually lead to tyranny and anarchy.

NB: The figures in paragraph 5 is subject to change.

Thank you.

Sulaiman Kazeem
LAUTECH Alumnus.
13-12-2016