CITAD tackles ethnic profiling, presents book to public

The Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), in its effort to address issues of ethnic profiling and cultural infiltration in Nigeria, has presented a book to the public aimed at promoting awareness against such negative practices in a multicultural and multiethnic country like Nigeria.

Announcing this on Thursday, following the public presentation of the book titled Ethnic Profiling and the Challenges of Inclusion in Nigeria: A Survey of the Literature, authored by Ibrahim Muazzam, CITAD’s Executive Director Yunusa Zakariya’u emphasized the need for critical thinking, especially within academic circles.

According to Zakariya’u, a three-day study session was held with 46 participants from various institutions across Nigeria, who met with the author to explore how to engage in scholarship that critically analyzes issues without bias or sentiment.

He stated, “We celebrate Malam Ibrahim Muazzam because he is one of the most renowned critical scholars that Bayero University Kano (BUK) has ever produced.”

He added, “During his tenure, he taught various philosophy and political theory classes. Currently, no one at BUK teaches these theories with the depth he brought. Since these valuable opportunities have been lost, we found it important to create a space for younger university lecturers who never had the chance to learn from Malam Muazzam before he retired. Therefore, we invited young lecturers from universities nationwide to spend three days with him and gain valuable insights.”

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Zakariya’u explained that the book was written years ago by the author, discussing ethnic identities in Nigerian politics and their influence on governance.

He noted that Malam Muazzam has contributed to the understanding that identities are social constructs rather than inherent traits and that individuals often adopt these identities to create divisions.

Speaking on behalf of the author, Professor Ibrahim Bello of BUK, one of Muazzam’s students, shared that the Ibrahim Muazzam Institute of Philosophy has been managed by the author for six consecutive years.

He emphasized, “We have gathered here over the past three days to study and discuss this newly published book. It has had a profound impact on our intellectual growth.”

“The issues raised in the book are highly relevant to Nigeria and also resonate with other countries, such as Cameroon and South Africa.

“The book will serve two purposes: it will aid researchers and students in their academic pursuits, and it will also help address issues of ethnic and religious profiling, providing enlightenment for the public.”

Professor Bello further highlighted, “People will come to understand that certain attitudes are offensive or contrary to our shared humanity. I believe we should view Malam Ibrahim Muazzam’s work as a significant contribution in this regard.”