The elevation of Professor Isa Ali Pantami to the position of professorship of Cyber Security has sparked discussions among academics, with some questioning the procedural validity of his appointment.
Despite his insistence, many academics believe his professorship is not recognized, and this undercurrent has been largely ignored by commentators.
His book, “Skills Rather than just degrees,” has received mixed reactions, with some excited about its approach to addressing the 4th Industrial Revolution, while others are confused or critical. Some see the book as part of a political strategy to position himself for the governorship of Gombe State.
As rightly posited by Dr. Ahmed Balarabe Sa’id , the issue goes beyond the book’s content and academic contributions; it’s about the trajectory of scholarship and the conflict of ideas, both within and outside the academic community, influenced by Pantami’s political exposure.
The “cult ego” of university professors, though utopian, is significant. Rather than waiting for a debate that may never happen, I suggest Professor Pantami takes the initiative to thoroughly explain his academic and professorial trajectory, addressing the lingering questions and concerns of those who have questioned his credentials/elevation.
By doing so, he can demonstrate transparency and accountability, clarifying any misconceptions and showcasing his commitment to academic integrity.
Abdulkadir Bin ABDULMALIK
Kogi State, Nigeria
Abdulmalikabdulkadir@gmail.com