Warning to Baba's teachers
By Reuben Abati

WHEN last week I wrote a piece entitled "Before Baba goes to school" (November 24), in which I took on the unauthorised, unsolicited, but well-meaning role of President Obasanjo's Student Affairs Adviser, little did I realise that Baba's matriculation as a student of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) would come so soon. On Wednesday, the President was officially admitted as a student of the University. He wore a matriculation gown, and swore to the usual oath of matriculation to be of good character, and respect the laws and regulations of the university, and be obedient to the Vice Chancellor and other officers of the University. The event took place in Aso Villa with NOUN Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbemiro Jegede welcoming his most famous student, and perhaps the oldest university student in Nigeria today. The new student with Matriculation Number NOU060323192 has been admitted into the Faculty of Arts and Social Science, to read Christian Theology.

I see that President Obasanjo has chosen to reject my advice, offered here last week, that he should enrol for a Law/Psychology combined Honours Degree programme. But no problem. Course advisers are not dictators. Our job is to counsel not to impose our will on our students. Ultimately, a student must make his own choices in line with his career goals and future expectations and he must accept responsibility for doing so. I shall return to this later.

But first, I suppose a word of congratulations is in order. The President's photograph appeared on the front page of many newspapers yesterday and he was actually beaming with smiles, looking every inch like a serious 68-year old student at the threshold of history. Obasanjo is the biggest advertisement for the National Open University of Nigeria. An imaginative copy writer could use his photograph, with his matriculation gown and his words on the occasion to run a credible, motivational campaign for adult literacy, education and NOUN. The symbolism of the act alone has its positive ends. The power of the act is in the gesture.

In practical terms, however, now that President Obasanjo has taken the initiative, part of the leadership challenge that he faces is to ensure that he completes the course of study. If he withdraws from the programme, he could be labelled a failed student and hounded endlessly by media analysts. And the President is hereby advised to concentrate on his studies. Cultism is a major problem in Nigerian universities generally. It is not impossible that the study centres of NOUN could become recruitment grounds for prospective members of Black Axe, Eiye Confraternity, Buccaneers, the Vikings etc. Any campus cult that can succeed in wooing such a prominent figure as Baba as a patron or even member, would be very glad indeed. We can be sure of course that Baba is too mature to join Campus cults, but Students Cultists are very bold. They could make an attempt to recruit him! I assume that Baba must have heard of "October Rush". It is an age-long tradition in our university system. When new students matriculate, and arrive freshly on campus, anxious young men struggle to start amorous relationships with the fresh-faced female students - the Jambitos - as they are otherwise called.

In Obasanjo's case, he is a rich, mature and influential student, and a grandfather with quite a legendary reputation as a women-loving, gender-sensitive alpha male, female students could be tempted to "rush" him the moment he shows up at a NOUN tutorial centre. Baba should not feel intimidated; it is part of a university's initiation process. The idea is that even as he seeks knowledge, he would have to learn to blend into his environment, and allow the richness of the university culture in its many phases, to rub off on him. I recall that as an undergraduate at the University of Calabar, many years ago, there were adult students on campus. We called them "Papa". At least one of them had his grandson with him in the same Department. These were men who had commanded troops in the Biafran war. But they related perfectly well with us and enjoyed the infectious camaraderie that such a linkage encourages. I shall offer the President more tips later about how a 68-year old can take full advantage of life as a student in the company of hot blooded young ones. And by the way, the girls no longer insist that a man must be handsome before they can hook up with him!

The pressure however, is not on President Obasanjo, but his teachers and the Vice Chancellor. For the next six months, at least for the next two semesters, Student No.NOU060323192 will also be the Visitor to the National Open University. He is technically the overall boss of the University. He is the employer so to speak of the Governing Council of the University as well as the Vice Chancellor, and other staff. This automatically creates a special power relationship, and a dilemma for the teachers. Ordinarily, lecturers are not in the habit of kow-towing to their students. Once in the classroom, the knowledge that they possess, the authority attached to their status, grants them a certain level of immunity. But how do you relate to a student who is also the Visitor to the University? Would Professor Jegede relate henceforth to the President, as the President's teacher? Baba has tried to put everyone at ease by promising to obey his teachers, but for the teachers, caution should be the watchword.

The President may be mirthful about his studentship but let no one be deceived that he would lose sight of his status as President of Nigeria. If the Vice Chancellor or any teacher tries to abuse the relationship, either by treating the President patronisingly or condescendingly, I predict that the reaction from the student would be swift and ruthless. President Obasanjo does not hesitate to use power. Jegede must be on his guard. He must ensure that he runs the university competently. The Visitor, who is also a student would be in a position to monitor the university and its operations closely. This particular student is also a military officer, with exposure to training in intelligence functions. If he stumbles upon information about any kind of misconduct by anyone in NOUN, he will immediately send the EFCC after the university authorities, or the particular officer. There is so much rot in the Nigerian education system. Universities are not just centres of learning, many have become centres of corruption. By admitting President Obasanjo into NOUN as a student, the Vice Chancellor may simply have opened the doors for the Chief Inspector of Education to pry into NOUN's affairs.

Individual teachers must also watch their steps. Matthew Obasanjo is not the kind of student that can be intimidated, either now, or six months later. We are told that he has chosen to study Christian Theology. This is a subject that President Obasanjo discovered during his imprisonment by the Abacha government. While in prison, Obasanjo discovered God and religion. He has since written three remarkable books of Theology: This Animal Called Man, Guide to Effective Prayer and Women of Virtue. He is something of a Baptist Pentecostal, often times affecting the manners of a licensed Pastor. Who can teach Obasanjo theology? This is a subject on which he considers himself an intellectual already. He has also probably written more books and attended more conferences than his teachers. He will need to be really humble to be able to listen to whatever his teachers have to say. His teachers will also need the patience of the Biblical Job.

And why Christian Theology? My gut feeling is that Baba may be planning a future career as a Pentecostal pastor. Next to farming, it is the second most attractive vocation in Nigeria today. It may even be argued that it is easier and far more rewarding and engaging than farming. All that President Obasanjo needs to do is to announce the establishment of a Christian Ministry. With a Post-graduate Diploma in Theology, he could take the logical step of announcing that he has received "the Anointing". Or that he has been called by the Almighty to win souls for Christ. To become a Pastor is the easiest thing in Nigeria. You could wake up with a nightmare, hallucinate for a few minutes and suddenly announce that you have just had an encounter with God. If Baba were to make such a declaration, no one would be shocked. Since 1999, he has repeatedly referred to God in his consideration of national issues. It took him some time in 2003 for example, before declaring his interest in re-election, because according to him, he was "conversing with God". A course of study in Christian Theology could be the beginning of a long conversation with God. And Baba could become Bishop Matthew Aremu Obasanjo, General Overseer, Founder and Superintendent of the Holy Ghost Evangelical Ministry, with headquarters in Ota. Thus giving his life to Jesus Christ would be in character for President Obasanjo: it would enable him to atone for the sins he has committed in the past seven years.

As a man of God, no other Pastor would be in a position to abuse him. Pastor Tunde Bakare, Baba's townsman, is on record as having criticised President Obasanjo again and again in the past seven years. Pastor Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly should be prepared to receive Baba in the Church of Christ as a colleague! The only problem that I foresee is increased traffic congestion on the Lagos-Ota road. Already, worshippers trooping to the Winner's Chapel led by Pastor David Oyedepo have increased the population of vehicles travelling in that direction. If an Obasanjo Church shows up in that area too, the traffic congestion can only get worse. There would be too many people who would want to witness the miracle of an Obasanjo as a man of God! If Obasanjo "receives the anointing", it will be a strong ontological proof of the existence of God.

Please note that President Obasanjo has not announced his interest in the Ministry of God, but as his adviser in the present circumstance, it is part of my responsibility to assist him in planning his school-to-work transition by defining what he can possibly do with the new qualification that he seeks. And if he is not interested in the Ministry (although I am convinced that he really needs to get closer to God), he could consider the option of studying up to the Doctorate level. He would not be the first big man to go to University while in office. Governor Orji Kalu of Abia State is a student of Political Science at the Abia State University! If President Obasanjo obtains a doctorate degree like General Yakubu Gowon before him, he would have also demonstrated that it is more honourable to earn an academic title, than to be dressed in borrowed intellectual robes.

I wish student NOU060323192, the best of luck with his studies. And I'd be back on this subject soon. Luckily, I am offering a voluntary service. Baba is not even in a position to fire me. After all, I am not required to submit my resignation letter in advance like the Ministers and Special Advisers in his cabinet....

Robot  # 1 | 01.12.2006 01:11

Warning to Baba's teachers By Reuben Abati ...Read the full article.

Abraxas  # 2 | 01.12.2006 02:00

Hi, folks! Indeed, if General Aremu Okikiolakan Segun Matiyu Obasanjo manages to obtain an unclassified diploma, or even an ordinary degree (i.e. below Third Class B.A. in Christian Theology), given that he is very much older than even the Vice Chancellor of the university, he would have also demonstrated that it is more honourable to earn a proper academic title, than to be dressed in bogus borrowed intellectual robes, glowing with the warped aura of a certified pseudo-intellectual that he has been over the past 40 years, or so, of his life. Muchas gracias. Don Juan Carlos ABRAXAS (III)

Dee1  # 3 | 01.12.2006 04:31

Reuben Abati’s articles are beginning to stink to the high heavens. What is going on fellow villagers? Have I missed an advert indicating who Abati’s current employer is? Or when did Abati join the league of OBJ’s 'boys', sorry, advisers – either paid or not? Is it indeed true that everyone has a price and you only need to raise the stakes to get them to succumb or are things just that bad generally in our dear land, Nigeria, that even an uncouth, egocentric, two faced 68 year old man is being trumpeted for by Reuben Abati? Our very own Reuben Abati? How sad. Please say it only in whispers at the village square, lest the news travel fast like wild fire. Are there no older men anymore in Nigeria, men of wisdom, men of discretion and integrity that Abati can look up to? To say Abati is loosing his touch is no gainsay. His recent writings have lost the flavour; the appeal; the challenge that his writings have been noted for – does anyone remember his article on the US based Nigerian Profession charged with child abuse or the last article on OBJ going to school? And now this one… OBJ is a man to whom much opportunity was given to but who has woefully failed to set Nigeria back on the right track. Baba Iyabo should be ashamed of himself and so should Abati be for groveling at his feet. His ‘Baba’ indeed.

Omovudu  # 4 | 01.12.2006 05:34

Dee1, Your response is biased, baseless and unwarranted. Whether you like OBJ or not, it is to his credit that he has elected to register for an academic pursuit. The mark of a refined gentleman is to see and acknowledge good wherever he sees it, even if it is in the hand of his "enemy". Even Abraxas, who "hates" OBJ with a passion and can't wait to see his back come May 2007 has commended the action of the president. OBJ's registration is one of the best things that has happened to the NOUN. It is even now on the BBC website (listed as "also in the news"). The National Open University should seize upon this opportunity to effectively market its potential to the Nigerian market. If you are following the statistics from Oby Ezekwesili, you would know that we need this institution more than ever before. It has also dealt a mortal blow to the craze for honorary degrees that are conferred on the usually unqualified in our society. In the meantime, at least we know that OBJ would be stepping down in May 07 and would be facing his studies. It is a task he can combine with the "leadership" role he wants to play in the PDP. Like Abati has mentioned, we should advice him to take some courses (even if only electives) in Law, philosophy, political science and psychology as he studies for his B.A in Theology. It would really help him understand some of the issues that occurred in his presidency. I don't think though he would turn out to be a preacher. Rather think he'd revert to lecturing, something that would be worth its while giving the level of experience and opportunity fate has bestowed on him. He would get to learn that in some courses A is for God and can only aspire to B or C or D (I no sure say any lecturer go get heart take fail am for any course). I wish him well in his pursuits as this is another good action that leaves a good taste in the mouth.

Ugochukwu  # 5 | 01.12.2006 06:52

=Dee1;140413>Reuben Abati’s articles are beginning to stink to the high heavens. What is going on fellow villagers? Have I missed an advert indicating who Abati’s current employer is? Or when did Abati join the league of OBJ’s 'boys', sorry, advisers – either paid or not? Is it indeed true that everyone has a price and you only need to raise the stakes to get them to succumb or are things just that bad generally in our dear land, Nigeria, that even an uncouth, egocentric, two faced 68 year old man is being trumpeted for by Reuben Abati? Our very own Reuben Abati? How sad. Please say it only in whispers at the village square, lest the news travel fast like wild fire. Are there no older men anymore in Nigeria, men of wisdom, men of discretion and integrity that Abati can look up to? To say Abati is loosing his touch is no gainsay. His recent writings have lost the flavour; the appeal; the challenge that his writings have been noted for – does anyone remember his article on the US based Nigerian Profession charged with child abuse or the last article on OBJ going to school? And now this one… OBJ is a man to whom much opportunity was given to but who has woefully failed to set Nigeria back on the right track. Baba Iyabo should be ashamed of himself and so should Abati be for groveling at his feet. His ‘Baba’ indeed. Dee1 I suggest you get somebody to help you understand the brilliant satire Reuben has written before jumping in to criticize and abuse him. This is an honest advice, my dear. Have a nice weekend.

lumidii  # 6 | 01.12.2006 07:00

Love him or loathe him, OBJ has done well for not only himself but also the NOUN and millions of Nigerians. I can only hope hope that his educational pursuits would survive the numerous strikes by ASUU, NASU, SSANU etc. It would also be interesting to see what OBJ has to say when he starts experiencing all these disruptions as a student, knowing fully well he has had many battles with the lecturers' unions as the President. Would he sympathise with his lecturers? Or is he going to retain his insulting all-knowing attitude? Time will tell!!!

Benjamin  # 7 | 01.12.2006 07:16

Dee 1, Did you read what Abati wrote or you just hate his gut? I can't see any reason for your funny outburst. Abati did not in any way support obasanjo. He only gave him an advice. Abeg if you have any personal issue with Abati, go resolve am. You sounded more like Obasanjo in your reply. It is most unfortunate. Ben

Auspicious  # 8 | 01.12.2006 08:23

Omovudu et al have spoken and, perhaps, I needn't comment on Dee1's ill-advised opata yarns any further - or maybe I do. Anyways, it is funny to read how a few people around jump to condemn Reuben Abati of bias or boring shallowness in his articles, while at the same time, the critics themselves display shallowness of humongous proportions in assessing him. The advice for Dee1 can only be summed-up in that phrase that has become quite popular amongst Nigerians these days: "SHINE YOUR EYE!" --- Sigh! Let just hope that the trend will change; that instead of these leaders going to school after they have brought their ignorance to bare in running our affairs, they would go to school and enlighten their minds before coming to manage our affairs as Presidents, Governors, Senators or Local Government Chairmen. Wether we like it or not, sound education brings a good measure of enlightenment and refineness - the kind that many of our leaders today(like Governor Fayose et al) are terribly deficient of. I guess one can also say to future leaders wannabe: Get Enlightened - shine your eye! Auspicious.

GirlWifanAttitude  # 9 | 01.12.2006 09:20

Dee1 (JJC), have you applied for temporary transit visa into this village? I can’t remember seeing your application/letter of introduction. How can you, a JJC, rain such magnitude of insults on one of our men of Timber and Caliber, an elder, and a distinguished writer for NVS just like that? If he wrote anything that warranted such vicious attack I would wholeheartedly understand and chill for you, but reading his article above I don’t see anything wrong with the article he presented. Even if you did not approve of Mr. Abati’s writings in the past why not give him the benefit of a doubt this time around and try and understand the angle his is coming from. Yes, Baba OBJ might be the most vicious villain the world has ever seen in your eyes, but it is an act of a great mind like one of my brothers have pointed out above, to acknowledge when a controversial character is doing right and encourage him. I personally think Baba as a man, on his own, is a good person, yes he has made many stupid decisions in the past as a leader, that he, and a lot of our people are still suffering from due largely to the advice of his egg-head cabinet and most dumb people around him, but lets give the man his due credit, could we? …and for OBJ studying theology…I personally give him two thumbs up for that (I don’t care what anyone thinks), whether he wants to use his degree to become a pastor or not is his cup of tea. What will be more enlightening and fulfilling to him at this point in his life to study, tell me…is it law, medicine, technology, politics, psychology, philosophy? What?

nsoul  # 10 | 01.12.2006 10:46

Dee1, It's either you didn't go to school or you went and you are so daft to comprehend what Dr Abati wrote. How can anyone in his right senses say Dr Abati is supporting Obasanjo. I mean if a JS 1 student read this article he would get the message. Young man you have simply not got the message

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