Dr. Abdullahi Ismaila Ahmad is the Director of the Communications and Liaison Department, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), headquartered in Abuja. An indigene of Niger State, he once lectured at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, in the Department of English and Literary Studies – where he obtained his B.A, M.A and PhD in Literature. He spoke with TIME TESTED NEWS’ Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Lanre Inspirati-OYETADE, in his Abuja office. The interview is presented here for your reading delight:
When did you graduate?
I graduated from my Ph.D in April, 2021; that’s about three years ago.
What has been your work experience after your studies?
Working earlier as a lecturer at IBB University Lapai, I started my PhD programme in ????. which took me so long because of the work-study status. Later, I moved to A.B.U Zaria barely two to three years before I got this job of Director Communications at the F.I.R.S.
How about your family?
I’ve been married since the year 2000, and presently with five kids. It has been exciting, but all thanks to God.
In my few visits to the United States, I used to ask Nigerians there if it is best to live and work in Nigeria or to ‘japa’? Have you ever thought of travelling to study and/or work abroad?
No. Before my PhD, I was discouraged to travel to Malaysia for studies by Professor Tony. I believe in contributing to the good of my country. We should address our unified perceptions toward our dear country laboured by the founding fathers and build without tribalism. Immensely, I criticize the news of divisibility of ethnicity from our media houses. This is because the ill-information from our media discourages our younger generations. I believe that we can get it right if we live as a role model. Shortly before I left for Zaria, I interviewed a State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he informed me that our younger generations are pre-occupied with corrupt minds due to the ill-information concerning kidnappings, rituals, robberies, and killings of individuals all over the country. So, we need to moderate our attitudes for our upcoming generations to follow.
Have you been able to educate the younger generations on this matter and others?
Even in the University days, I’ve been a good parent, watching over my children and God has been blessing us. My children are well-trained, informed and cultured.
How about your wife?
As a classroom teacher, shortly before we relocated to Zaria, my wife made perfumes and edible meat known as “Dambo” in Hausa. Presently, she is not working.
How is the business progressing?
Perfume making is profitable and it is done on order from customers.
How long did you spend for your PhD?
Supposedly for three years, I did not do classwork. My relocation, logistics and finance affected me. Sometimes, I ran out of finance, which made me incapable of attending classes, finally I moved to Zaria and became close to my supervisor for speedy work. I almost rounded up the academic work apart from my external defense which was done in 2021.
Which of your children do you see following your footsteps?
Literature is Arts; and one of my children is studying Arts in Secondary School just like I studied in the University. I allowed them to make choices of their careers. One of them is studying Cybersecurity, another Software Engineering and the other Journalism.
Are they studying abroad?
No; they are studying in Nigeria.
Is it the financial implication that made them study here?
I discouraged one of them that intended studying Cybersecurity in Turkey which was under part-funding mainly due to sustainability. Rather, I encouraged him to continue here in Nigeria.
Do you still have children in Nursery school?
Yes.
What is your philosophy about life; what core values drive you in life?
Hard work and believing in God for reward. When you work hard, whatever you are; once you believe in God, your destiny must locate you. I play my role and leave the rest for God.
Do you believe in impossibility for a man?
I believe what belongs to you is destined for you.
What, in your view, is man’s greatest endeavour and innovation; is it the Internet or space travel or something else?
TheInternet; quite amazing. It connects people all over the world. It’s top-notch and helps man conquer space and time.
Can it really conquer space and time?
Yes. With lots of gadgets and phones, people connect themselves. Even, long notes and short messages can be disseminated from any part of the world. Earlier today, a friend of mine – Prof. Nduka Ochionu – chatted me on WhatsApp from Canada. What a great opportunity and innovation!
In a book by Prof Areoye Oyebola, ‘The black man’s dilemma’, which I picked from my father’s library many years ago, the professor revealed how civilization started in Egypt and other African countries and regions. Yet, the black man basically falls behind the white man in many respects now. What in your view is responsible for this?
Creatively, I wrote a short story titled “The Frontier Island” and “Backwood’s Men”. The former is a story about backwardness. It describes the current retrogressive nature of Africans. The character explains how the Europeans have entangled him with their imaginations. Their lootings, laundering from the black man’s land to the white man’s land. It’s amazing that one builds and destroys his future. These Whites maltreat, extort and mesmerize us; still we complain of colonialism and slavery. It’s surprising as I keep on asking these questions without answers.
Are you thinking of returning to the classroom, anytime in the future?
It was strenuous in the College of Education, C.O.E, when I used to mark numerous students’ scripts. Some of my colleagues even slumped and died as a result of the work pressure.
How did you cope?
Thank God that I left early. The work drives one to a point of breakdown, and the government was not encouraging lecturers for the tasks.
Are your parents alive?
No; my father died on August, 1976.
At what age was did he die, and how old were you, then?
I didn’t know the age of my father, but it was during my primary school days; I was nine then.
What about your mother?
I lost my mother in 2018.
Who sponsored your education then, your mom or a relative?
Tragically, my parents separated and she re-married. I lived with my uncle. My father was a Senior Court Judge with property investment entrusted into his driver’s care. This my father’s driver helped us to raise the school fees from tenants, even to pay for my West African Examination Council (W.A.E.C) fees of N40.00. During my University education, I got employed through my sister’s husband so as to pay my school fees between N180.00 and N250.00. I learnt some carpentry work like making of cushion beds and chairs from one of our tenants to assist my schooling. Hard work per se is the key. During the June 12 crisis, I joined and contributed articles to Newsline Newspapers, Minna, in Niger State – a government owned newspaper. During my matriculation, I wrote and launched a book which helped my funding in the University. All along, I had been working tirelessly, following up and knowing that I had skills and ability to write. During my National Youth Service Corps (N.Y.S.C) in Abia State, I joined the editors of the then wife of the Military Administrator- Moses Fasanya – contributing to a Magazine known as “Family Support”. I wrote speeches on Public Speaking for the wife and got paid tremendously thereby assisting myself.
Finally, having known that the glory of men is in their stories, we advise the young men to work hard and depend on God.
