By Obinna F. Nwachukwu
Professor Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali needs little or no introduction. He is a prominent Nigerian academic, political scientist, and veteran politician from Gombe State. He is widely recognized for his high-profile roles across major Nigerian political parties and his extensive academic career. He is a Professor of Political Science, and served as Visiting Professor at the National Universities Commission (NUC), Abuja, Nigeria for several years.
A graduate of Political Science at Bayero University, Kano, Professor Alkali had his M. Sc. (International Relations), at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Ph.D. (Political Economy) at the University of Reading, United Kingdom. He taught at the University of Maiduguri; Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna; and the National Open University of Nigeria.
Alkali has numerous publications to his credit, including: The World Bank in Nigeria: Cornucopia or Pandoras Box? Issues in International Relations and Nigerian Foreign Policy; This is Life – A Treatise; Tales of Clever Rabbit; and Raina Kama.
Professor Alkali has held numerous Academic and Political appointments. He served as Honourable Commissioner, in four different Ministries, under various Governors (both Military and Civilian Administrations), in Gombe State.
Prof Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali was the pioneer Hon Commissioner, Ministry of Special Duties, Higher Education and Students Affairs, during which he also served as the Chairman, Technical Committee for the establishment of Gombe state University and subsequently, Chairman, Implementation Committee of the State University (GSU).
Prof Alkali moved on to serve as the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, (2008-2012); Special Adviser on Political Affairs to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, (2014-2015); and National Chairman, New Nigeria Peoples Party, 2022-2023.
Professor Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali is a consummate University Administrator. He served for two consecutive terms, as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria, 2009 – 2013, and 2013 – 2017. Prof Alkali is a Member and Fellow of numerous Professional Organizations including: Fellow, Nigerian Political Science Association, NPSA; Fellow, Nigerian Society of Peace Studies and Practice; Fellow, Institute of Corporate Executives of Nigeria; and Fellow, 21st Century Trust. Prof Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali is also an active member of the Nigerian Society of International Affairs (NSIA).
In one of his media interviews, the former presidential adviser on political affairs, said issues confronting Nigeria are inherent not only in the structure but also in the leadership and the people.
“Nigeria’s issues are inherent in its leadership and people. It is time for our ruling elite to realise that if we push our people, if you mobilise them and push them to a particular place, you cannot take them back. That is why they will take up arms, to fend for themselves,” Alkali said.
He likened the situation of the country’s leadership to fixing square pegs in triangular slots.
According to him, politicians and leaders should at all times learn to speak with the people clearly, to ascertain the precise issues that the population face, “rather than claim to solve issues without understanding the pressing needs of the populace.”
Speaking further on structural issues and solutions to crises in the nation, the university advised Nigerian leaders to step up their responsibility to the public.
On restructuring, Alkali said the issue is not new, stressing that it is as old as Nigeria itself.
His words: “The history of Nigeria is the history of restructuring in the nation. The issue of restructuring in Nigeria dates back to the 1916’s to 1940’s up to 1960 and 1963 during the First Republic.
“If we were to look deeper into the call for restructuring, we will list about ten items for debates like, state police, creation of more states, devolution of power from the Federal Government, resource control, the abolition of local governments and many more, which usually are reasons for debate and continuous discussions.” Alkali stated.
Presently, Professor Alkali is a leading member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the National Chairman of the National Movement for Tinubu Shettima – 2027 – Forward Nigeria, a movement dedicated to galvanizing support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the APC at all levels nationwide.
Aside from politics, Prof Alkali is a firm believer in human capital development, industrialization, free market principles and liberal economy. At any point in time his esteemed presence graced the public arena, Prof Alkali does not hesitate to disseminate, with unusual candor and simplicity, his invaluable tutorials for politics and political economy, constitutional reform and exemplary leadership. One of his popular sayings is “Let things work in Nigeria.”
As a panacea for positive transformation of self and society, he believes on the need for well-rounded development that comprises the following: total education, the maximal use of one’s intellectual capabilities and physical endowment, rule of law, volunteerism, self-employment, as well as the cultivation of a personal resolve to solve problems.
He is a realist with prodigious energy even at old age. And he carries out any responsibility given to him with the same commitment and dedication he manages his role as a husband, father, grand- father, guardian and mentor.
As we celebrate this amazing Daily Newscraft Newspaper “Personality of the Week”, the legacy he so faithfully espouses and lives with ought to be a lesson for many Nigerians of means. Prof Alkali’s lesson is this: in the face of corruption and underdevelopment, genuine leadership emerges when one steps out of the anonymity and apathy of one’s closet to advance the cause of his immediate environment through uncommon sacrifice. A sacrifice he will forever be remembered by the present and future generations.
It is in recognition of these and other laudable contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria, that the Editorial Board of DAILY NEWSCRAFT NEWSPAPERS ably led by His Excellency, Amb. Godknows Igali, PhD, OON acting on the recommendations from the Board of Editors, approved Prof Alkali’s nomination as The Newspaper’s PERSONALITY OF THE WEEK. Congratulations Prof.