Author: Hafsat Salisu Kabara

This week marks the 14th-month anniversary of the above piece. Precisely on 25 December 2023, I penned this piece on the confusing state of the Census issue in the country, as the problem persists, permit me, dear readers, to use this occasion to republish this piece again. A CENSUS is the procedure of systematically calculating, acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. This term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common censuses include the census of agriculture, and other censuses such as the traditional culture, business, supplies, and traffic censuses.…

IN contrast, private universities tend to have smaller class sizes, modern facilities, and more individualized attention for students. The tuition fees, which are significantly higher than those of federal institutions, are used to enhance the learning environment. But, while private institutions can offer a more tailored academic experience, it is my established perception that they lack the rigorous standards of federal universities. Some critics last week reached out to me after reading the first part of column, they also argued that it is true private universities focus more on profits than on providing quality education, leading to concerns about the…

I WAS having a conversation with my brother, who was in the middle of his exams, about how he’s almost done for the semester. In the midst of our discussion, someone else joined us and remarked how quickly they were progressing. My brother, puzzled, asked, “Fast, how?” Initially, it was his JAMB score that kept him from gaining admission into the university, forcing him to wait an extra year. Just as things were looking up, COVID-19 came, delaying everything further. Then came the strike — another year at home before he finally gained admission. Yet, some people seem to think…

WHILE the construction of flyovers and new roads can be important for urban development and reducing traffic congestion, and for states like Sokoto, the renovation of boreholes worth billions is key, and many Nigerians question the need for such projects when basic amenities are lacking. Governors often champion these kinds of projects, especially in urban areas, to win political support, but they don’t directly address the urgent issues facing the majority of citizens, especially those in rural areas. True governance goes beyond showy infrastructure projects. It should be about improving the lives of citizens on a fundamental leveel and ensuring…

IT’S been a brief break, but I’m thrilled to be back with you all. While I was away I took time to read the numerous feedbacks and comments from you, my esteemed readers and I promsie to publish them soon but some of those comments really got me cracked up especially those who mentioned how I write with lots of youthful exuberance and I wonder who told them I am actually an elderly person – yours truly is a youth. But that’s that. Life and work sometimes call for a little pause, but the conversation never stops. I’m excited to…

WELL, it’s been a whole year, and we’ve all clearly been waiting for the government to ‘carefully consider’ the loss of hundreds of lives lost, which occurred on Sunday, December 3, 2023, which resulted in dozens of casualties and injuries to residents of Tudun Biri, Ugara and Sabon Gida after they converged at Tudun Biri to celebrate Maulud. An innocent community wiped out by a ‘mistaken’ bomb drop—because, clearly, when you’re a military with thousands of trained professionals, ‘oops’ is just a part of the job description. Who could rush to address such a small thing, right? After all, it’s…

YOUTH unemployment in Nigeria is a growing crisis. According to recent reports from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the unemployment rate for Nigerians has surpassed 40%, making it one of the highest in the world. In a country with a population of over 200 million, this staggering figure highlights a significant challenge: what does the future hold for young Nigerians who find themselves without work? As opportunities in the formal sector dwindle, many are turning to entrepreneurship—not just as a choice, but as a salvation. Yet, the path to entrepreneurship is far from easy. It’s not for the faint…

IS the government not supposed to protect us? How can this government be so unmoved when it persistently harms those it’s supposed to protect? Food price hike, we adjust, feul hike, we adjust, blackout, we adjust and now persecuting minors, really? Thats horrifying, especially under these circumstances, is incredibly unjust. We are not living like a normal people in this country. I can’t wrap my head around how anyone could consider this approach fair. Leaving these young kids malnourished and demanding an impossible bail condition only adds to the cruelty that all but seem designed to break their spirits and…

What exactly is happening in the North? Arewa gida! Is the North only valued when it’s time to vote? I got my mid week reminder to write, but this week I kept opening and closing my notepad, just staring at a blank screen. There’s so much to say, yet deep down, I wonder if it would change anything. Would it? Haven’t the North suffered enough? Why is the North always at the receiving end? If you wonder where I am headed, then tell me please you ain’t bothered about the terrible blackout in Northern Nigeria. First, it was the National…

BEFORE I continue, I will like to categorically state that this piece is no campaign for any candidate or the president himself. Having said that, let’s continue, I visited my hairdresser earlier last week, Thursday to be specific, and for the first time in years, the saloon was completely empty. Typically, Thursdays to Saturdays are her busiest days, so I usually go on Sundays to avoid these crowds but to my surprise that Thursday, the place was empty. On that Thursday, I was the only customer, which led to some interesting conversation. Of course, there was no electricity, she only…

STORYTELLING has long been a cornerstone of Nigerian culture, serving as a vital means of communication, education, and preservation of heritage. For generations, oral traditions have allowed elders to pass down knowledge, morals, and history through captivating narratives. These stories, rich with lessons and cultural values, not only entertain but also shape the identity of communities. From folktales about clever tortoises to cautionary tales that warn against greed, each narrative carries a piece of wisdom that resonates across generations. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, storytelling has adapted and evolved into new forms. Contemporary Nigerian authors like Chimamanda…

IT is time Nigerians stop over relying on formal education as the only path to success and start prioritizing skills. People have become so focused on using schooling to succeed that they forget to explore their natural talents, abilities, and skills. They have no concept of what they can accomplish after secondary school or varsity since they have no idea what their talents are. Nigerians spend an average of about nineteen years in school, only to graduate and face the harsh reality of unemployment. Besides, anything taught to a child after 1pm is almost pointless, the brain is exhausted by…

EXACTLY a month ago, traders were given one month ultimatum to crash exploitative prices in the market. It’s 30 days already but nothing has been done. Is like they don’t understand the gravity of the situation and the urgency of the need to check this unwholesome development. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, gave a month’s notice to traders and other market stakeholders involved in exploitative pricing to crash the prices of goods. They held a meeting to address the growing trend of unreasonable pricing of consumer goods and services and unwholesome practices of market associations. According to…

What baffles me more is the choice of minister of defense, but what do I know? See that first protest that was between the government and hoodlums? Another will strike again, by kidnapped victims and their families or rather more kidnappings since it’s the new found business and the culprits are going free. Nigerians finished protesting and BAT saw how weak the protest was and slapped us with another price hike for wasting his time. In the midst of all the chaos happening, people were still mourning the brutal killing of Emir of Gobir because everyone saw his video pleading…

“I WILL hit the ground running”. Mr president sure did and we all are running with him. This piece is going to be a jumpy record of things that have gotten Nigerians to a certain level of anger. The failure of governance in Nigeria manifests in the declining capacity of political leaders to recognize systemic risks such as election fraud, terrorist attacks, herder-farmer conflict, armed banditry, and police brutality and put in place the necessary measures to navigate these challenges. Let’s go down memory lane. The Kano January 2012, Boko Haram multiple attacks – imprinted in the minds and hearts…

DADA Yar’adua, mother of former President, Umaru Yar’adua, and former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarter to General Obasanjo’s military regime, General Shehu Yar’adua, is dead. News Point Nigeria gathered that she died at the Katsina Teaching Hospital on Monday evening after a brief illness. She also died at the age of 102 years. Hajiya Dada was also the mother of Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the current Chairman, Senate Committee on Army. Funeral prayer will be conducted at the Yar’adua’s family house, Yar’adua area of Katsina metropolis by 1:30pm on Tuesday. Umaru Musa Yar’adua served as the president of Nigeria from…

There is this saying, “A widow is the only woman who knows where her man is every night – he is in his grave” Is infidelity solely defined by intimate acts with someone outside of marriage? Or does it also encompass the deception and lies that precede and accompany such actions? Is it not a form of infidelity to enter into a marriage with the full knowledge that you are untruthful and unfaithful? Deceiving your partner is a profound betrayal, isn’t it? Why hide behind falsehoods instead of being honest and transparent? What secrets are you concealing? It’s no wonder…

ABOUT two weeks ago, I had an encounter with a married woman who was behaving in a way that made me feel uncomfortable, particularly in the context of Hausa society’s cultural norms. People, especially women, often gossip or focus on trivial matters when they gather. This person is an attention seeker, too loud for my liking. What’s my business? None, right? But she’s someone I know, not long enough though. I for one, crave more substantial conversations about personal growth, business, and meaningful topics. Let’s talk money-making, let’s talk skin care, let’s talk new recipes, let’s talk about goals. Our…

THE Oxford dictionary defines peaceful protest as nonviolent resistance or nonviolent action – the act of expressing disapproval through a statement or action without the use of violence. This definition does not exist in the vocabulary of my Kano people. Definitely not. The whole of my adult life, I have never witnessed a peaceful demonstration in Kano even when it’s the Labour Congress, you hear annoying stories of violence and looting in some areas – the hoodlums seem to plan and strategize for these demonstrations. Sadly. I got the first memo of what was to come in Kano when 48…

AMID the reign of terror by thugs in the Sharada Ja’en, Sheka and Dorayi areas of Kano, respite came, according to an analysis by News Point Nigeria and Daily Trust. Salman-Dogo Garba has assumed office as the 46th Commissioner of Police for the Kano State Police Command to spearhead the activities surrounding the security affairs of the state. By virtue of the position and in the traditional setting, the Commissioner of Police takes charge as the head of the joint security heads committee in the state. The return of violent acts of thuggery in the state is seemingly one of…