By Maryam Ado Haruna.

The December edition of the Inspiring Leadership Reflection Interactive Series, which was held today 10th December, 2018 at CITAD’s head office, hosted Prof. Jibril Ibrahim who is a reputable academic, researcher, Activist and columnist with Daily Trust newspaper.

In his welcoming remarks, the executive director of Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Dr. Yunusa Ya’u explained that the main idea of ILERIS was to complement other youths’ development programmes, adding that the current youths’development programmes focused on skills acquisition, but ILERIS focuses on changing the mindset of the youths. He lameneted that when discussing the issue of values, nowadays, people cherish money more than knowledge,  number of cars owned by a particular individual over his contribution to the society, and also less cherish hardworking.

The Executive Director continued to explain that it was for such reasons CITAD invites in every month, successful people to inspire young people for them to see the struggles, mistakes, challenges and how they overcome them, and  experiences in the lives of these people with the aim of changing the mindset of the youths. It was also expected of the participants to step out of the programme not only moved by what they have listened, but fully motivated and inspired with the lives of the guest.

Introducing himself to the audience, the guest, Prof. Jibril Ibrahim expressed his pleasure to in such an important programme. His opening point was on the issue of unity especially from the face of religious differences. He explained that it is more important and a way forward for Nigerians to have their focus on what united them in worship since they all worship the same God. The Prof. lamented how religious crisis has many of his neighbours and friends masscared in 1966. He described the incident as traumatic and disturbing and also described it to cut across all the nation whenever an ethnic or religious crisis occurred.

Prof. Jibril Emphasized on poor education to be the key factor resulting into failure of the Nigerian system. It is noted that education for all was initiated after the civil war during General Yakubun Gowan’s regime, to prevent reoccurrence of another civil war. Unfortunately, the policy of universal basic education was not effectively implemented nor maintained as there was rapid expansion of schools but inadequate number of teachers in those schools. The elites during that time realised the quality of education was declining and therefore, they removed their children to private schools were they could get better education. It was from then, budgets for public schools started declining. The 2010 statistics is disturbing as it revealed that 75% of children of age group are out of schools in Kano state. The situation is also similar throughout the north East and north west, and this out of school children are the once we have as Boko Haram, suicidal bombing youths and other criminal groups in Nigeria.

The Prof. also cried out how government has refused to invest sufficiently in respond to the dynamics and population in each region education. He gave an instance with the northeast and northwest Nigeria where studies showed 13.2 million of it populace do not go to school as of 2017. This is also related to the fertility rate in the two regions of 7.3. However, in Lagos the fertility rate is averagely 3 and the number of school age children is 95%. This is because the women in Lagos take into consideration that fact that they have limited resources and want to give the best to their children.

By Yakubu Salisu, Kano.

A group, Centre for Information, Technology Development (CITAD), has launched a Gender-based Violence campaign in Kano, Bauchi and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of the UN-sanctioned 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. The Campaign, Tagged: Take Back the Tech, with hashtag #TBTT, is a global and collaborative campaign for anyone using the Internet and technology to protest violence against women online. According to the Programme Officer, Gender and Internet Advocacy, Maryam Ado Haruna, the campaign which was initiated by Association for Progressive Communications’ women’s program (APC WNSP), in 2006, was built by a diverse movement of individuals, organizations, and communities which aim to shape, define, participate, use and share knowledge, technology, and to create digital spaces that are safe and equal. Haruna said CITAD, decided to take the campaign with both online and offline activities in Kano and Bauchi states, and the FCT respectively by engaging students in different schools on the topic “Understanding GBVO: its effects on our society”, as well as “Countering Gender Violence Online: Towards a safer online space for young girls in Nigeria”. She said the Take Back the Tech campaign which offers safety roadmaps and information, calls all users of information and communications technologies (ICTs), especially girls and women and also men and boys to take control of technology and consciously use it to change unequal power relations. CITAD, member of the Association for Progressive Communication (APC), usually takes part in the campaign from November 25th, to 10th of December of every year. Speaking during a press conference yesterday, Maryam stated that CITAD feels it is necessary to involve the Media, which is an important stakeholder in the quest of combating gender violence against women and girls online, empowering them with digital skills and protection of women and girls digital rights. She stressed that “for our nation to become fully developed, we have to support women and girls who constitute 50% of the total population, to become self-empowered and reliant”, adding that, the nation can never progress if 50 percent of its population is dependent on the other half.

By Binta Shama.

The Centre for Information, Technology and Development (CITAD), has embarked on a 16-day of Activism against gender-based violence which began on the 25th of November as a means to shape, define, participate, use and share knowledge, information and technology, and to create digital spaces that are safe and equal.

CITAD made this known at a press conference in Abuja.

According to the spokesperson, Programme Assistant Gender and Internet Advocacy (CITAD), Ms. Salma Abdulwaheed, the campaign was initiated by the Association for Progressive Communications’ women’s programme (APC WNSP), in 2006, and built by a diverse movement of individuals, organizations, collectives and communities which is the UN-sanction.

Abdulwaheed further said: “CITAD a member of the Association for Progressive Communication (APC), usually takes part in the  campaign from November 25th, to 10th of December in every year. This year, CITAD decided to take the campaign with  both online and offline activities in Kano and Bauchi states, and the FCT respectively”

Adding that CITAD campaign took turn on engaging students in different schools on the topic: “Understanding GBVO: its effects on our society”, as well as “Countering Gender Violence Online: Towards a safer online space for young girls in Nigeria”. Which other activities included discussion programme on both radio and TV stations respectively, with the  CITAD team also holding twitter and Facebook campaigns as part of the online efforts.

She further stressed: “Take Back the Tech! calls all users of information and communications technologies (ICTs)  especially girls and women and  also men and boys to take control of technology and consciously use it to change unequal power relations. Take Back the Tech!.”

She disclosed that the campaign would offer safety roadmaps and information and providing an avenue for taking action, adding that the Take Back the Tech! has led several campaigns at various points in the year, but that the biggest annual campaign takes place during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence from the 25th of November, to tomorrow the 10th of December.

“During campaigns, Take Back the Tech! announces actions that combine creative and strategic use of information and communication technology (ICT) with the issue of VAW. Campaigners organize actions that respond to their local priorities, such as workshops on online safety, media monitoring on rape reporting, solidarity actions on the streets and in online spaces, and discussions on women’s right to privacy.”

“CITAD feels it is necessary therefore to involve the Media, which is an important stakeholder in the quest of combating gender violence against women and girls online, empowering them with digital skills and protection of women and girls digital rights,” she added

According to the programme assistant, CITAD urged the media to lend their voices to reach the larger society so that the society could fully understand the menace of online gender violence and also take action in countering it.

“Together, we can make our society better and safer for all women and girls both online and offline. Remember, for our nation to become fully developed, we have to support women and girls who constitute 50% of the total population, to become self-empowered and or reliant. The nation can never progress if 50% of it’s population is dependent on the other half,” Abdulwaheed stated.

Take Back the Tech! with a hashtag #TBTT is a global and collaborative campaign for anyone using the Internet and technology to protest violence against women online (GBVO).

Over the years the teaching of philosophical thought, especially in the social sciences and political theory has declined. This has affected the quality of critical thinking of current graduates. Yet, without critical thinking, we get graduates of university who are no more different from students of craft school who narrowly acquired craft skills without understanding the underlying logics of either the skills or the trade they will practice.

in its quest to bring about sustainable development in Nigeria by equipping the youths with a more realistic way of  thinking, Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has organised a 3-day Philosophical interactive session for participants from various states in Nigeria. CITAD organised and sponsored the institute in order to engage the younger generations of students and graduates in critical thinking and reasoning and become positive thinkers and also provide them with a guiding principle of resolving their societal problems by instituting an annual institute for philosophical thoughts for young people that will be grounded these aspects of intellectual grooming by getting Ibrahim Muazzam principally, but also many other critical thinkers to facilitate the sessions of institute. The institute also aimed at preparing the participants with a philosophical thinking in an attempt to conquer the lackadaisical attitudes and laziness in acquiring knowledge a reading books which have covered the minds of many Nigerians especially the youths.

The 2nd  Edition of the Institute of Philosophy was named after the inspiring mentor, Ibrahim Mu’azzam  of department of Political Science, Bayero  University, Kano.  Ibrahim Muazzam has extensive experience teaching political theory, political philosophy, third world theories and other related topics that have continued to influence the critical thinking of many people who have passed through Bayero University, Kano. Many of these courses have either been phased out or that the explosion in student population has made it impossible to maintain the ambience of the past that allowed for debates and more rigorous treatment of many important topics that impact on the critical thinking faculty of students.

The 3-day institute devoted to three key engagements:  reading of the classical political thought, theory and philosophy through lectures; engagement with current topics of interest such as imperialism in the context of globalization; and debates to shape the intellectual engagement of the participants.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Director  of  CITAD,  Dr.  Yunusa  Ya’u  stated that  the December 2018 edition of the institute of Philosophy is the second after the maiden edition in January 2018.  He explained that it was established with the view to engage young people to be involved in asking serious and critical question. This was also in line with making them possess a critical mind and thinking in order to develop a deep and better understanding of issues and ideas and enquire for the truth and justice.

Dr. Ya’u also  explained that the institute was not only a academic and philosophical exercise, but to honour someone of high reputable image who has dedicated himself to mentoring and training students. The resourcefulness, versatility, depth of knowledge, roundedness and intellectual robustness of Ibrahim Muazzam is reflected in the glowing nostalgia with which many of his former students and associates reflect on what they took from him on online platforms. CITAD therefore saw a need to provide an avenue for practical discussion and interaction with this renowned philosopher. This resulted into the Ibrahim Mu’azzam Institute of Philosophy.

In his speech, the Executive Director further added that it is also part of the development process to contribute as well try to make people question the system which could help in regaining hope in the country.

Professor Ismaila Zango, who is the Director of the Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies – Mambayya House, welcomed all participants to the institute and assured them of not having only

interesting and exciting discussion with Ibrahim Mu’azzam, but a lot of learning and takeaways. He

ended by wishing the participants a successful and fruitful programme.

At the  beginning  of  the  first  day  of  the  institute, the  mentor, Ibrahim  Mu’azzam  stated with explaining  the  concept of the  philosophy itself. He described the  term  “Philosophy” as central  to any knowledge-based society, since Philosophy is the key to knowledge. He explained that whenever we search for wisdom, we are being philosophical. Muazzam added that philosophy is explaining concepts based on intellectual capacity. He further explained that Philosophy provides humans with the foundation of knowledge and freedom from rumours and assumptions adding that it encourages people to question and interrogate every idea they come across as there is no understanding without questioning making which makes it an essential aspect of their life. It is a continuous enquiries and not one single one. Philosophy is also how to advance critical thinking in an individual and enquiring for the truth. If we don’t doubt and question, that means we don’t think.

He continued with a lot has happened in this country and people are running away from critical thinking. People have become fond of accepting whatever is been presented to them without question how that position was arrived at. People do not question policies and other decisions passed by the state which are obviously fallible. People do not question budgets that were not executed or poorly executed. It is also very common to find someone possessing one or more degrees without reading a single but whole book relating to his field of study in his entire life. Our leaders also do not acquire knowledge nor do they try to find out the reality of what is happening in the society. They don’t read  books nor do they read  daily newspapers.

He called on the participants to never let others to think for them because that will only give them the opportunity to manipulate people. He said youth must sound philosophical; understand our need, understand our differences and similarities; how the society itself comes into being; and even how were created.

Muazzam emphasized the need for reading. He elaborated reading as engagement to seek for knowledge and not the fanning of papers or reading for leisure or fun. He further added that one of the biggest problems in Nigeria is that the people are not willing to learn their history. In fact people are killing their histories as they don’t want to read  about  it. There  is a chronic dependency. Nigerians including the elites depend a lot on the foreign services including health, education, and information etcetera. People refer and rely to international media and wait for these media to feed them with information about happenings in their locals.

People don’t learn,  adopt and  domesticate,  people  just  adopt foreign  schemes and  ideologies

without considering the differences. This brings about crisis in our process of development.

At the end of the day, he strongly advised that a nation should never let other people think for them and make their culture. People should be the ones to determine and create their political and economic culture and histories not outsiders. He also advised the participants to start reading pointing that there is knowledge in reading. They should set a reading timetable starting from few minutes to hours.

He shouldered the society with the responsibility of finding a way of transforming and channeling the energy possessed and exhibited by the youths in entertainment such as football, music etc, to channel it into critical thinking in issues that matter. Little thinking and reflection are capable of yielding so much good in our society because youths are capable changing the society.

The mentor gave the mentees some text to read and deliberate on before the following day.

In the second day of the Institute, the facilitator began the discussion with the lackadaisical attitudes of the Nigerian youths. Nigerian youths  don’t have focus and don’t even  know themselves properly. Their psych has been taken away from  them  and therefore unable to make any reasonable or critical thinking. It is not right to say that Nigerians are incapable of thinking. They do think but get it wrong because they are intellectually lazy. Colonialisation has dominated Nigerians’ thinking and  had  made them  mentally lazy. Muazzam emphasized that unless people think outside the box, they cannot have any knowledge. Knowledge is beyond what classroom teaching, but requires additional energy of analysing things beyond their physical appearance.

During the second day interaction, the mentor testified that they are lots of youths who are dedicated and hardworking in Nigeria, but were not able to find hope and support from the society. He explained that becoming a critical thinker also lies in the dreams. While it is a fact that dreams have the potentiality of becoming reality, must of Nigerians do not ream and believe in what they want to become

Thinking outside the box is another parameter for a philosopher. It is very crucial and fundamental to think beyond the level of other people, but Nigerians are lazy and even among the youths, they don’t buy the reading behavior which supposed to make them more vibrant.

One of the factors inhibiting Nigeria’s development also is that they accepted the culture of impunity from those in government. If any political officer would be punished accordingly, the rate of political crimes and or embezzlement would be cut down. It is very important for Nigerians to understand that every government can be impeached for its failure. Another factor is that Nigeria adopts development theories directly from the western countries without domesticating it to Nigerian context.

Muazzam concluded the day by restating the aim of the institute which was to inspire youths in order for them to actualise their dreams, their thoughts and rediscover themselves.

On the third day which was the final day of the institution, they session started with the readings from the texts that were given in the previous day. The discussion lasted until 12:00pm and certificates were presented to all participants.

On behalf of the Executive Director of CITAD, the coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Aliyu thanked all participants for honouring this invitation to learn knowledge. He added that another version of the Institute will soon come up as the programme has already attracted interest of outside the organisation.

While appreciating this effort made by CITAD, many participants expressed their enthusiasm for the programme. They also explained that it is a privilege to be part of this Institute. Among them one participant stated that the Institute of Philosophy has really changed the way they view societal problems and now think both inside and outside the box. All participants have also expressed their appreciation to this effort by CITAD and have promised to utilize what they have learnt effectively. The created an alumni to programme activities that will benefit and engage other youths who were not part of the institute.

Participants’ Profile

The total number of the participants that took part in the 2nd  edition of the institute is 35. The participants included lecturers and teachers from different institutions, university graduates, civil servant and members of the civil society drawn from various states across Nigeria.

1. Abdulaziz Sani Labaran, BA English, Gombe state.
2. Abdullahi Musa Yola, BSc. Criminology, Kano state.
3. Abubakar Abubakar Khaleed, PhD Physics, ABU Zaria
4. Abubakar Suleiman Dauda, BSc Political Science, Department of Social Studies, FCE Kano.
5. Ahmad Muhammad Idris, MSc Geography,
6. Bilyaminu Usman Polytechnic, Hadejia, Jigawa
7. Aminu Abubakar Isah, BSc Ed Geography, Ahmadu Bello Way, Kano
8. Aminu Ali, MSc. Sociology, BUK
9. Hafizu Sule Abubakar, LLB, NBA, Dutse, Jigawa state.
10. Hauwah Ahmad Said, BSc. Economics, Kano
11. Ibrahim Adamu Basirka, MSc Sociology, BUK.
12. Ibrahim Sadiq Surajo, BSc Political Science, Hausawa Layout, Kano
13. Ibrahim Sulaiman, BA Arch & History, Department of History, BUK
14. Ibrahim Waiya, LLB, Kano state.
15. Idris Musbahu, BSc. Geography, FCDA Scheme Kubwa, FCT
16. Idris Alhassan Alkasim, BSc Pol Science, CAS (KACEPS) Kano
17. Jaafar Muhammad Lawan, MSc. Pol Science, Kano
18. Jamilu Aminu Ahmad, Master in Power Engr, MBA, Kano
19. Khalid Imam, BA Hausa, Kano.
20. Mariam Salihu, BSc., Criminology, Enugu
21. Maryam Idris Gatawa, BSc Economics, Kano
22. Muhammad Muazu Hassan, BSc. Public Administration, Malam Madori, Jigawa
23. Murtala Muhammad, PhD, KUST Wudil
24. Mustapha Nasiru Muhamad, HND Business Administration, Kano
25. Najib Adamu Suleiman, MA, Public Relations, BUK.
26. Nasira Suleiman, BSc Criminology, Dutse, Jigawa state.
27. Nasir Ingawa, Masters in Public Policy, Asokoro, FCT Abuja
28. Said Danna Ali, BSc Sociology & Anthrop, Maiduguri, Borno state.
29. Muktar Umar Amin, Diploma English, Kano state.
30. Adam Abdulmalik, BA History, Kano state.
31. Isyaku Abubakar Musa, Enterprenueship Studies, Kano state.
32. Sani Bala Shehu, BA, MPPA, MDS, Kano state.
33. Aliyu Dahiru Aliyu, CITAD
34. Harira Abdurrahman Wakili, CITAD
35. Maryam Ado Haruna, CITAD