Stephen Enoch
The Aminu Kano Center for Democratic Studies, Bayero University (BUK), Kano, has flagged off the Mambayya House short certificate courses in Leadership and governance, Election Administration and Campaign Strategies, Law and Local Governments, Governance and Public Accountability, Democratic Development and Electoral Processes in Nigeria.
The programs are designed to impart knowledge to public servants, trade unionists, civil society, activists, and other individuals who are interested in learning issues surrounding democracy, governance, and public accountability.
Flagging off the courses on Monday at Sa’adu Zungur Auditorium Complex, Mambayya House, the Director of the Center, the Vice-Chancellor of BUK, Prof. Sagir Abbas who was represented by Prof. Hassan Gusau stated that the current set of participants is among the luckiest to be enrolled into the short certificate courses.
According to him, a program such as this isn’t intended to just test their abilities in the fields but to share knowledge and experiences to advance their proficiency in the courses.
“The knowledge these participants will gain here will enable them to provide solutions to real-life situations and be problem solvers.
“I implore you all to express ideas that will be beneficial to your colleagues so that we can make meaningful contributions to the betterment of Nigeria’s democracy.”
Following his remarks, he officially declared the courses opened.
Earlier, Prof. Habu Mohammed while delivering his opening remarks during the opening ceremony stated that the programs are geared towards putting Nigeria’s democracy on a good pedestal.
He noted that this will be done by adding value to the competence of the participants who will in turn contribute to fostering democratic development without hindrances in the country.
“The facilitators are seasoned professionals from various works of life who will facilitate the courses.
“When the democratic process of this country is gotten right and accountability is enhanced in all sectors, even individuals at the grassroots will benefit from this training indirectly,” he added.
Among the key personalities who are behind the concept of the courses is Prof. Ismail Zango, the immediate past Director of the Center.
He noted that the program concept began development as far as 2009.
Prof. Zango pointed out that the components of the program were developed by experts in BUK and outside the institution.
He said: “It is a collection of ideas from different scholars from different institutions.
“To this end, I urge you to use the knowledge you will gain here by translating it to reality, particularly those who will be engaged in election management and political party administration.
“Although we have democracy in this country, there are a lot of problems that need to be fixed especially from the country’s leadership at different levels.
“If we can experience a change, no matter how little, it will be a building block to greater successes and improved democracy in Nigeria.”
