By Najib Sani
Bauchi
Pioneer registrar of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Alhaji Aliyu Umar Misau, has expressed disgust that 56 years after independence, “Nigeria still imports basic necessities of life for its citizens.”
Misau stated this while speaking during the special Ramadan fast breaking dinner organised by the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), for Muslims and Christians in Bauchi state on Monday.
He recalled that others countries such as India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan that obtained independence together with “Nigeria have now outdone it economically and technologically.”
“This country has adequate schools, primary, secondary and university where colossal sums of money are being chunked into these institutions but the
educational goals are nothing to write home about,” he said.
The former registrar attributed the underdevelopment of the country since independence to short of genuine co-existence among Nigerians generally, and commended organisers of the event, stressing that both Islam and Christianity had same historical origin to Prophet Abraham.
“There is no rationalisation whatsoever as to why Nigerians cannot live together peacefully and in harmony with one another irrespective of differences in religion or creed, and be proud of the country with all the patriotism it deserves.”
Misau said Bauchi, known for its hospitality and peaceful co-existence, had since stabilised interfaith mediation, and prayed to God to unite Nigerians for the growth and development of the country.
Earlier, in his address, the Director of the NGO, Rev. Bitrus Dangiwa, said the dinner was organised to foster unity and cement the relationship between Muslim and Christian faithful, adding that the gesture would be extended all over the nation.
