Isiaq Ibrahim reports
Professor Muhammad Gidado Liman, a lecturer from the department of Applied and Environmental Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto has achieved the feat of professorship after his 15-year services with the university from February, 2007 to 2022.
Speaking with the NEWS DIGEST PRESS, Prof Liman said his appointment was approved by the University Council at a meeting held on Thursday, 11th May 2023.
“The promotion is with effect from 1st January, 2022. I got the news from two council members who attended the meeting. The registry is expected to issue us a letter to that effect,” he said.
Speaking further, he expressed how he felt over the promotion:“I felt highly elated and grateful to almighty Allah for all His blessings and mercies that He has shown on him to be elevated in this exalted position, that every academic lecturer wants to reach.”
A native of Tambuwal, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Prof Liman narrated his bitter story and experience while pursuing his PhD program at University of Putra, Malaysia.
“I spent five years during my PhD program at University of Putra Malaysia from 2010 to 2015.”
“During my PhD program I encountered many challenges.”
“As human beings, if we encounter challenges in our daily life, it would be much expected to encounter challenges during PhD study.”
“Although you are not specific on the nature of the challenges, I will say that I certainly encountered some challenges during my Ph.D.”
He also added that, “Partly the challenges have to do with studying in a foreign land whose official language is not English; barely to leave my children behind in Nigeria when they needed me most and insufficient funding.”
Also, Prof Liman said he joined the services of the UDUS as a lecturer in February 2007 because he was privileged to have had teaching experience before joining the university.
I Was Declined to be Promoted to the Rank Senior Lecturer in 2009
When advising his colleagues, he shared a story on how he was declined to be promoted to the rank of professor in 2009 because he had not obtained his PhD at that time.
“When I was first employed in February 2007 as a Lecturer I, I was supposed to be promoted to Senior Lecturer at October, 2009 but was not promoted because I did not have PhD as at then, and it is well known that UDUS is one of the few Nigerian Universities that were adopting that rule.”
He said, “I went for my PhD in 2010 and finished in 2015. After the completion of my PhD, around January 2016, I was promoted as the senior lecturer of the University.”
“I should have got a promotion to the rank of professor by that time, but due to not obtaining my PhD, I was declined for promotion in 2016.”
“Meanwhile, I urge all the young lecturers who are yet to obtain their PhDs to make it a priority. More especially this time when there are enormous opportunities, and they shouldn’t insist on having their PhDs overseas because that insistence has retarded many of our colleagues.”
“Just be committed, focused and know your target. You can have people among your Faculty members who can effectively supervise your research and give you the desired mentorship,” he advised.
MashaAllah Barakallah Alhamdulillah may Allah swt bless you and make this promotion to be useful to him, family, community and humanity Amin
Maa shaa Allah!
May it be beneficial to you, your family and humanity in general.
Masha Allah. Prof we know how committed and dedicated you in the course of many aspects of day to day life beside academia. May Allah almighty continue to blessed guide, protect you and make your greener pasture even-greener! Ameen.