Nigeria's North faces desperate situation due to lost values – former university vice-chancellor
Elder statesman Ango Abdullahi, a prominent figure in Nigerian governance and academia, has issued a stark warning that the North of Nigeria is experiencing severe stagnation and decline. This comes from speeches made during the third edition of the Late Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina Memorial Conference held at Arewa House, Kaduna.
The former Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) emphasized that the roots of this crisis lie in a fundamental loss of values inherited from Nigeria's formative leaders and parents generations. 'If we have not lost the values we inherited from our pioneers,' Abdullahi asserts, 'the North wouldn't be where it is today.'
This declaration highlights a deeper societal issue beyond just material or infrastructural development, pointing directly to a crisis of ethics and community standards that has been simmering beneath Nigeria's surface.
— According to reporting by Daily Post Nigeria
The Pathetic State of the North
A Abdullahi argues that modern-day challenges are not just about lack of development initiatives or physical infrastructure. He maintains that without returning to foundational values, the region's situation is unlikely to improve in any meaningful way.
Economic and Social Impact
The former ABU Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the broader economic and social implications of this value-loss, suggesting that without a cultural renaissance, key areas like education and governance will remain underdeveloped. 'If we can go back to those values,' he stressed, 'the North could very well take off.'
Call for Action
A call has been issued for Nigerians across the country, but specifically in the North, to revisit and uphold traditional moral teachings. Abdullahi believes this is essential not just for individual growth but for the holistic development of communities.
— According to reporting by Daily Post Nigeria
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does senior politician Ango Abdullahi claim the North has stagnated?
According to Abdullahi, the North is in a depressed state because its values have been lost. He believes that if these values were maintained, Nigeria's north would be flourishing.
What are the main reasons behind this loss of values?
Abdullahi attributes the decline mainly to the erosion over time of traditional values and norms, which he feels should be prioritized.
How can these values be restored in practice?
The former vice-chancellor suggests that efforts should focus on education and community programs aimed at teaching and reinforcing moral principles.