University Don, Dalhat decries insecurity, educational deficits in Northern Nigeria

By: Ajiya Ayuba,Bauchi

A lecturer at the Abubakar Tafawa-Baleawa University (ATBU), Bala Sulaiman Dalhat has lamented that Northern Nigeria faced significant Socio-Economic challenges of poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and educational deficits.

Dalhat made this known during a one day program at the command quest conference hall Bauchi, that was organized by the Coalition of Northern Groups, Bauchi State chapter with the theme: “Imperative of popular participation in tackling Socio-Economic Challenges Bedeviling Northern Nigeria, through Driven Solutions”.

He said that “These issues are often exacerbated by underlying factors like population growth, weak infrastructure, and political instability. Following economic reforms, especially with decentralization, financial inclusion policies, and infrastructural investment, there is a growing need for communal solutions that can complement government actions”

“Some strategies that could provide relief and potentially lead to sustainable development in Northern Nigeria include of Reinforcing Cooperative Societies which have a long tradition in many northern communities.

“They can play a pivotal role in addressing economic inequalities by Pooling resources for business ventures or community development.Facilitating access to finance for farmers, small businesses, and artisans, especially women and youth.

Dalhat said that offering micro-lending and revolving loans that can ease financial exclusion. Encouraging savings and collective investment in agriculture, trade, and manufacturing.

He further said that by strengthening and formalizing cooperatives, communities can have a structured way to share resources, mitigate economic risks, and tackle unemployment.

The Tafawa-Baleawa University Don noted further that traditional rulers and community leaders play influential roles in Northern Nigeria by Serving as mediators between the government and people, ensuring that reforms align with community needs. Promote peacebuilding and conflict resolution, especially in regions affected by insurgencies and communal clashes.

Dalhat said that fostering local entrepreneurial ecosystems can drive economic empowerment could involve in

Setting up community innovation hubs where people can come together to share ideas, develop skills, and build start-ups, creating communal investment funds that members can contribute to and benefit from for setting up small businesses.

“Northern Nigeria’s security challenges, from banditry to insurgency, have a profound economic impact. Community-led security initiatives can provide immediate relief by supporting local vigilante groups or community policing that works in collaboration with formal security agencies. Establishing conflict-resolution platforms where inter-ethnic or inter-religious tensions can be addressed peacefully”

In his part, the coordinator of the Northern coalition groups, Bauchi chapter, comrade Hashim Bala Pali expressed his appreciation to the speaker of the occasion and other distinguish personalities who graced the occasion.

“It was an honor to have you as a guest, your presence contributed to the event’s beauty and refinement.Your energy, optimism, and engaging approach were much appreciated and added to the event’s unforgettable success recorded. It was a pleasure to have you along for the ride, and we hope you had a wonderful time as we did today”

He said that “This gathering represents a crucial opportunity for us to reflect on our current socio-political landscape and strategize on how we can foster community engagement to address the pressing issues facing our dear State and the region” he stated.