By Abdullahi O Haruna Haru-spice
Ahmadu Bello University Zaria was a hub of ‘intellectual intercourse’ where lecturers engaged in radical thoughts and fierce debates. The university was so intellectually volatile that renowned journalist Dare Babarinsa once described it as a place where “lecturers teach what they were not paid to teach.” Life in ABU was defined by intellectualism, with leftists and rightists passionately debating prevailing realities.
Leading the radical school of thought were political historians Dr. Bala Usman, Dr. Ibrahim Tahir, Dr. Femi Odekunle, and Dr. Patrick Wilmot. These men made a lasting impact in the 1970s by engaging in robust discussions on pressing issues. Students gathered every evening at the Faculty of Medicine theatre to listen to their lecturers argue intelligently.
These debates extended beyond Zaria to other Nigerian cities. The iconic inter-university debate between Professors Sam Oyovbaere of the University of Benin and Yusuf Bala Usman of ABU Zaria was a national sensation, characterized by intellectual rigor, logic, research, and common sense, untainted by bitterness, ego, or malice. However, with the departure of these scholars from the academic scene, university domains became more focused on labor struggles and provincial intellectualism, where lecturers’ voices are often muffled.
Professor Isa Ali Pantami’s open invitation to university lecturers to debate his book titles, particularly the controversial “Skills Rather than Just Degrees,” signals a welcome revival of intellectual discourse. This development should be encouraged by all, especially those with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Now that Pantami has opened the door, let the debate begin!
