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| Muhammad Auwal Ahmad |
On January 18th, 2024, I was at Federal University Gashua to collect my Statement of Result, officially confirming my status as a graduate of Computer Science. It marked the completion of a 4-year degree programme that had taken nearly seven years. January 18th was a historic day for me. Coincidentally, it was also the same day six years earlier that I attended my first lecture as an undergraduate student. It was held at the 500-CCH Hall, where Mr. A.A. Okeke taught Introduction to Mathematics (MTH 101) at around 8:15 AM. I remember sitting with my fellow students, Babagana Ali (now a Biochemist), Hussaini Bakau (a Political Scientist), and others, before the arrival of Usman Idris Kafur (a Home Scientist). Don’t be surprised — I document almost everything that happens in my life and rarely forget significant moments.
When I arrived home that Thursday with my Statement of Result, the first person I presented it to was Baba Tela, my late paternal grandfather who passed away on October 13th, 2024. He was sitting in the corridor of his traditional “rumfa” when I showed him the paper in my hand, saying, “Ga result din Baba.” Joy overwhelmed his face as he held it and prayed deeply for me. I then presented it to my father, my stepmother, my uncle, my siblings, cousins, and everyone else in my sweet home. It was a moment of immense happiness.
In early February 2024, after registering for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), I expressed to my father my wish to be posted to Kano State. However, when the call-up letter was released on February 14th, fate had other plans. Instead of Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, or Jigawa, I was posted to Kebbi State. My first thoughts about Kebbi were of notable figures like Prof. Attahiru Jega and Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Jega, and places like Birnin Kebbi and Argungu. However, I had never seriously considered being in Kebbi State.
When I informed my family, their reactions were filled with concern, objecting the status of going to Kebbi, “How can you drive through Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto, the dangerous places in the North at the moment, just to go to Kebbi for national service?” they inquired. They were right. Those days, the Funtua-Gusau-Talata Mafara-Tsafe road was notoriously dangerous, known as the “danger zone” or “death spot” due to frequent banditry. Kidnappings were rampant. Every single day, bandits used to perform operation day and night. They block the road, kidnap people and request for ransom. Someone who hardly gets N50,000 a month would be requested to pay N5,000,000 for his rescue or to be put on sword.
Despite trying various means to avoid Kebbi, I eventually accepted my fate and embarked on the journey, heading to Dakin Gari. After a two-day journey, I arrived at the Dakin Gari NYSC Orientation Camp on February 17th, 2024, at around 8:30 AM. Pardon me, back to Funtua-Tsafe axis, the road was not the way I expected, even though a car of our fellow PCMs was attacked and our driver was forced to reverse upon hearing that kidnappers were on the road, may be a few kilometres away from us. This is exactly what happened on September 2nd 2024 too, when we were a few kilometres away from Gusau, we were forced to stop at a military check-point to wait before the road is cleared, because, according witnesses, bandits were attacking and had even shot one driver. We had to wait for some minutes before we rushed. It was the first time in my life that I even urge a driver to speed up as fast as possible.
Serving in Kebbi State became an opportunity for growth. Despite the challenges, including unstable network connectivity and irregular electricity supply, I accepted my posting with a positive mindset. I reminded myself, “This can be a place for me to learn new things.” As a tech enthusiast and the CEO of a small internet startup, Flowdiary, I was determined to make an impact beyond my primary assignment. At GSTC Saminaka, where I was posted, I contributed in several ways:
- I taught Computer Science to SS1, SS2, and SS3 students.
- I organized extramural lessons and taught English Language and Mathematics.
- I developed a mobile app for the school, named "GSTC Saminaka Gallery."
Since my childhood, I wanted to build something that will impact people. I wanted to be the source of people's happiness. This is why Flowdiary exists. This is why I am dedicated at developing Flowdiary with all the resources with my fellow cofounders. So, I leveraged this hope in GSTC Saminaka to impact the people of the community not only focus on my primary assignment.
Saminaka is a nice place in terms of nature, but its extreme heat during summer is something many people —especially those that are not familiar with it —detest. I observed the community's youth, finding those who attended school to be well-behaved, while others lacked exposure to education. Living in a new environment for several months taught me invaluable lessons. I learned to understand and respect the behaviors, perspectives, and cultures of people from different regions.
Unfortunately, banditry and kidnapping in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara were rampant. News of attacks in neighboring villages became part of our routine.
In October 2024, after the Passing Out Parade (POP) of our colleagues, our CLO (Corps Liaison Officer) was attacked on his way home to Akwa Ibom, near the border of Kebbi and Niger States. Thankfully, he escaped, but a female corps member was kidnapped. Unsurprisingly, millions of Naira in ransom were demanded.
I can remember around August 2024, our fellow colleague stumbled upon a bandits' hideout just a few kilometers from GSTC Saminaka. At that moment, they were planning to kidnap a wealthy farmer from the village, who was only released after a ransom of six million Naira was paid three days later.
The local militia, known as 'Yan Banga, reportedly captured and killed bandits on two occasions during market days. Though we didn’t witness these events, the news circulated widely afterward. One thing about the village is, news like these wont be heard until afterwards. Because I don't usually go to the town when there's light, my in-door behaviour remains intact.
We were still in our PPA when the news about Lakurawa, a suspected international militant group operating in the area broke in September 2024. This caused panic among us. An urgent meeting was conducted to discuss safety measures, and we resolved to limit the use of our Khakis because of reports that militants targeted individuals associated with Western education.
In January 2025, just a few weeks before our POP, we trekked to a nearby village called Runtuwo — which we nicknamed “Runtown”, close to new Dangote Rice Mill factory. There, we learned of a recent kidnapping where a man had been abducted. All we could do was pray to God Almighty for protection.
Down to education sector, many people, particularly strangers and corps members, conclude that Kebbi State does not value education. This sentiment is not unfounded. Upon arriving in April 2024, we learned that Kebbi had the highest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, with 67.6%, according to Statisense.
This is a significant threat to education and national development. Unlike Yobe State, where Boko Haram insurgency is the main reason for school dropouts, Kebbi does not suffer from such calamities. However, the state faces other challenges that hinder educational progress, with one of the biggest being mindset.
In many villages, people are reluctant to send their children to school. They prioritize farming and hawking over education, considering them far more valuable. Even the youth seem to believe their circumstances are unchangeable, adopting a static mindset that prevents progress. This is deeply unfortunate. The truth is, youths are the backbone of any society. When they turn a blind eye to their community's development or share the same negative attitudes, the problem doubles itself.
Nevertheless, I would like to commend the state government for its efforts to revive the value of education. However, one issue I find troubling is the allocation of N2,000 as a monthly allowance to some corps members. Imagine giving just N2,000 (~$1.50) to two corps members out of ten — this is highly insufficient and should be reconsidered.
1. Motivate young graduates to participate in voluntary work by offering them a modest monthly allowance. In my home state, Yobe, young graduates often conduct voluntary work at the schools they attended. For example, in my hometown, Bayamari, I volunteered to teach Computer Science and Mathematics before my National Service.
2. Regular community outreach or public campaigns should be conducted to raise awareness about the value of education. Many people in villages still do not realize its importance. They often believe that even if their children study, they won’t secure jobs or achieve success. I observed this mindset during my interactions with the villagers and students. These misconceptions must be addressed, and people should be encouraged not to let their communities fall behind.
3. Religious leaders can play a crucial role in enlightening communities about the importance of education. State governments and traditional rulers should leverage the influence of clerics, as they often hold more credibility than government representatives.
4. Introduce local and state-level competitions and quizzes to inspire students and promote a culture of learning. For instance, every Friday at the secondary school where I volunteered, we organized quizzes between students to encourage continuous learning. Small prizes were awarded to winners, which motivated other students to participate actively.
5. Improve teachers’ welfare by increasing salaries, providing housing, ensuring access to adequate teaching materials, and offering professional training. Teachers sacrifice their time and happiness to educate the leaders of tomorrow, so their wellbeing should be prioritized. Their salaries should be sufficient to cover monthly expenses such as food, transportation, and medical bills.
6. Introduce a monthly state allowance of at least N15,000 for corps members to recognize their contributions. It is disappointing that some corps members receive only N2,000 as a state allowance. The federal allowance of N33,000 is insufficient to cover even basic living expenses, let alone additional costs like internet data and device charging. Corps members who travel hundreds or thousands of kilometers to serve their country by teaching young children deserve more respect and recognition.
7. Recruit experienced and talented individuals to improve the quality of education. There are many skilled individuals whose talents are underutilized. They should be engaged to help restore the value of education.
8. Provide periodic scholarships to exceptional students as incentives for academic excellence. These scholarships will inspire others to strive for similar achievements. In dear state, Yobe, for instance, over 200 youngsters were sponsored to India to study different disciplines. We have seen many examples from Kano, Borno, etc. Even domestic scholarship can play a crucial role.
9. Impose laws requiring parents to send their children to school, even during the rainy season. This is a significant issue in villages and requires urgent action.
10. Provide free resources such as uniforms, textbooks, food, and writing materials to primary and secondary school students to reduce financial barriers to education. For example, Jigawa State introduced free education for girls, from primary school up to PhD level. Kebbi State could implement similar initiatives to alleviate financial constraints on parents.
These recommendations are directed at the state government, non-governmental organizations, traditional rulers, stakeholders, and entire communities.
The reality is alarming: if young people are not educated during their formative years in secondary school, it may be too late for them to learn later. These young individuals are the future doctors, teachers, and leaders of our society. We cannot rely on foreigners to fill these roles in our communities; it is our responsibility to nurture the talent within.
I often say the revival of quality education depends on the collective effort of everyone, and not just the government.
Despite the odds and running up and down, I completed my primary assignment and returned home with a sense of fulfillment. I wasn't a “ghost corper”, I was present and engaged in Saminaka throughout my service year. My time there was a testament to resilience and the power of striving to make a difference, no matter the circumstances.
Thanks for reading my piece!
I can be always reached via: muhammad@flowdiary.com.ng
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