Kwara Guber: Why Professor Ajia Left Academia to Save Nigeria

In an interview with Tribune Online, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate for Kwara State, Professor Abdumumin Ajia, revealed the reason he decided to leave his academic career to contest for the governorship of the state. According to Prof Ajia, he felt compelled to step out of the ivory towers of academia and engage in politics to address the myriad challenges facing Nigeria. He stated, I saw a nation on the brink of collapse, and I felt compelled to do something about it. I believe that as an academic, I have the knowledge and skills to offer practical solutions to our national issues. Prof Ajia is no stranger to academic excellence, having taught at the prestigious University of Ilorin for several years and publishing numerous papers in international journals. However, he believes that his political ambition is a natural progression of his desire to contribute meaningfully to nation-building. According to him, I have always been passionate about public service, and I believe that politics is the best platform to effect real change. I left academia not because I am disillusioned, but because I am determined to make a difference. His decision to contest for the governorship of Kwara State on the platform of the NDC has been met with mixed reactions, with some questioning his ability to manage the complexities of governance. However, Prof Ajia is undaunted, stating that he is prepared to face any challenges that come his way. He concluded, I am not naive to the challenges of governance, but I am confident that with the support of the people of Kwara State, I can make a difference. I am not just a politician; I am a servant of the people.