By Dr. Umar Mamman Maifata It is quite unfortunate that some individuals are calling for the relocation of Federal University D...
By Dr. Umar Mamman Maifata
It is quite unfortunate that some individuals are calling for the relocation of Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) due to security concerns. While insecurity is a national challenge that must be tackled, it is misleading to assume that relocation is the solution.
Many universities in Nigeria operate in areas facing serious security challenges, yet they continue to function effectively. The University of Maiduguri, for instance, has been at the center of Boko Haram insurgency for years, yet it remains one of the leading universities in the country. Similarly, Federal University Gusau operates in Zamfara State, an area frequently affected by banditry, but there has been no call for its relocation. Even Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious universities, has witnessed security breaches, including kidnappings of staff.
It is important to note that insecurity in Nigeria is not limited to specific locations. Bandits have even penetrated military barracks in Kaduna, which are supposed to be among the most secure places in the country. This clearly shows that the problem is not about where a university is located but about the general security situation in Nigeria, which requires a collective national effort to address.
On the issue of development, anyone who takes the time to assess Federal University Dutsin-Ma objectively will realize that it is far ahead of some universities that were established at the same time. Whether in terms of academic programs, infrastructure, or research output, FUDMA is making significant strides that deserve commendation rather than unnecessary distractions.
I strongly advise the writer to always seek adequate and factual information before making public assertions. A well-informed perspective, backed by concrete reasons, is essential for any meaningful discourse. Relocating a university is not a solution to insecurity; instead, efforts should be directed toward improving the security architecture of the entire country.
Dr. Umar Mamman Maifata is the Dean of the Faculty of Education at Federal University Dutsinma.
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