Retired Justice highlights genesis of Nigeria’s challenges

Muhammad spoke in Sokoto at the opening of the second National Conference of the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that theme of the conference is: ”History, People, Religion and Culture of Kebbi (Kabi) Kingdom since 1515”. Muhammad, who was the chairman of the occasion said: ”This neglect covers nearly all levels of our educational system. “It is disheartening that History, in spite of its relevance to the life of individual and group and its contributions to national development, we learned, has been phased out of the school curricula. “If what we continue to hear about the fate of History in our schools is true, then, this is shocking news for the nation, as we are merely helping to either erode or erase our own identities.” In his remarks, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State announced a donation of N30 million as a grant to the institution by three states- Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara- for further researches into the defunct Kebbi, Gobir and Kabi Kingdoms. Tambuwal also challenged the nation’s universities to help in proffering possible solutions to the problems bedeviling the nation. His Kebbi State counterpart, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, called for urgent revival and imbibing of values and ethics that the nation’s forefathers used to build a solid foundation for it. ”They include honesty, dedication, patriotism, peaceful coexistence, respect for one another, piety and patience,” he said. The keynote speaker, Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi (APC-Kebbi North), called for a spirited fight against corruption, the revival of local industries and the training of youths in modern skills. ”We must dig deep into our history to bring forth our values and traditions in the task of tackling the major problems facing us today and building our future. ” These include knowledge and scholarship, selfless leadership and strength of character, as well as tenacity, sense of purpose, religious faith and multiculturalism, among others,’’ Abdullahi said. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, said that the contributions of ancestors of the defunct Kabi Kingdom and their successors in building a virile society for the last five centuries were unparalleled. Zuru promised the university’s resolve to continue to discharge its mandate of diligent teaching and learning, as well as helping to solve societal problems. Also, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Mera, said any nation that does not know its history could hardly and accurately measure its progress and growth.]]>