Mandela, Buhari Are My Role Model - Prof. Abdullahi Bala
By Adebayo Nathaniel, North
Professor Abdullahi Bala, three times Deputy Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State. In this interview, he spoke on his growing up stages, his challenges and attributes of a good leaders.
Can we meet you sir?
I am by name Professor Abdullahi Bala was redeployed the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) on February 4th, 2013 for a period of two years in the first instance. After my early education at Dawaki Primary School Suleja, I proceeded to FederalGovernment College, Minna for my secondary education, graduating in 1984. Ithereafter went to Ahmadu Bello University Zariawhere i graduated with a First Class Honours in Agriculture in 1989. I obtained my M. Science Soil Chemistry and Fertility from the University of Reading in 1993 and Ph.D in Soil Microbiology in 1999 from the University of London, England. I joined the services of the Federal University of Technology, Minna on January 10th, 1991 as anAssistant Lecturer in the Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture and AgriculturalTechnology, where I progressed steadily to therank of Professor of Soil Science in October 1,2010. I have numerous publications in reputable journals, nationally and internationally and am happily married with children.
May we know your leadership roles from the past till date?
I have been exposed to leadership since my first day in primary school as I was appointed the class representative during the first week and that started my leadership experience. I served the class throughout my primary school after which I was the president for various clubs and societies in my secondary school. I also serve as my house's captain and finally as the senior prefect boy in my secondary school.
In my university days, I served in various capacitiessuch as member of Student Union Representative for my faculty, President of my faculty - School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology. During my Youth Corps Service as well, I was appointed the farm Manager of the corpers farm and I had the responsibility of managing corp members in their youth empowerment, and finally am here, first as the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administrative and now Academics, and as some point, I joined the INTA, where I had the chance to work with various scientists all over the world, The summary of it all I will say is that serving, gives one an opportunity to express oneself and to also learn more, because experience is not what one can buy with money, you have to be there as different positions bring different challenges.
I have been exposed to leadership since my first day in primary school as I was appointed the class representative during the first week and that started my leadership experience. I served the class throughout my primary school after which I was the president for various clubs and societies in my secondary school. I also serve as my house's captain and finally as the senior prefect boy in my secondary school.
In my university days, I served in various capacitiessuch as member of Student Union Representative for my faculty, President of my faculty - School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology. During my Youth Corps Service as well, I was appointed the farm Manager of the corpers farm and I had the responsibility of managing corp members in their youth empowerment, and finally am here, first as the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administrative and now Academics, and as some point, I joined the INTA, where I had the chance to work with various scientists all over the world, The summary of it all I will say is that serving, gives one an opportunity to express oneself and to also learn more, because experience is not what one can buy with money, you have to be there as different positions bring different challenges.
From your wealth of understanding, what have you learnt from leadership?
Well, I will say leadership is not how long you have served, but how well you have done it. So it is important when leading to discharge responsibilities as supposed and to make sure that one's conscience is clear.
Well, I will say leadership is not how long you have served, but how well you have done it. So it is important when leading to discharge responsibilities as supposed and to make sure that one's conscience is clear.
We are aware of your administrative capacity prior to your service as Deputy Vice Chancellor for the second time. Kindly elucidate on why you stand tall for this core leadership position?
I will say my past experience I had from the various leadership positions held. You can but learn different things from time to time, emotional and psychological comportment is very important as one need to know that people are created in different forms and that most times, not all will agree with you and you need to be able to convince your members to agree with you. You should also be willing to ask questions whenever you do not know and always carry the members along.
I will say my past experience I had from the various leadership positions held. You can but learn different things from time to time, emotional and psychological comportment is very important as one need to know that people are created in different forms and that most times, not all will agree with you and you need to be able to convince your members to agree with you. You should also be willing to ask questions whenever you do not know and always carry the members along.
What is the secret attributes that outstands you among equals?
Integrity, a leader without integrity amounts to nothing therefore being conscious of one's name is very important and the understanding that being in a position is by the grace of God and not because one is wisest, oldest, or even the smartest. The fear of God i believe is enough to keep one going.
Integrity, a leader without integrity amounts to nothing therefore being conscious of one's name is very important and the understanding that being in a position is by the grace of God and not because one is wisest, oldest, or even the smartest. The fear of God i believe is enough to keep one going.
What are the challenges you have encountered as a leadership icon and how did you cope with leadership and your family?
The challenge of the office is more compared to that of the family, the fact that many people are looking up to you is one and different people have different expectations so therefore it is important that anyone who meets you for an assistance should not leave in a worse situation even if you can't solve the problem. As for coping with family, I will say time management is very important. You should have time for your family just like you do for work in as much as the familyis part of the position. So, whatever affects you affects the family. The family should key into the agenda, and once that is done, every else becomes easy.
The challenge of the office is more compared to that of the family, the fact that many people are looking up to you is one and different people have different expectations so therefore it is important that anyone who meets you for an assistance should not leave in a worse situation even if you can't solve the problem. As for coping with family, I will say time management is very important. You should have time for your family just like you do for work in as much as the familyis part of the position. So, whatever affects you affects the family. The family should key into the agenda, and once that is done, every else becomes easy.
What has been your source of motivation?
The ultimate inspiration is from God, when faced with a new challenge and you feel you can't continue then you just have to rely on the strength of your faith. I do have role models too of people who have served in various capacities and who have exceptional records such as Nelson Mandela who kept to his principle all through. General Muhammad Buhari - who in the face of temptation and against all odds stands tall, He served justly and was fair to all.
The ultimate inspiration is from God, when faced with a new challenge and you feel you can't continue then you just have to rely on the strength of your faith. I do have role models too of people who have served in various capacities and who have exceptional records such as Nelson Mandela who kept to his principle all through. General Muhammad Buhari - who in the face of temptation and against all odds stands tall, He served justly and was fair to all.
What has been your drive?
Faith and experience has been my drive. The saying "The sun will always be out after the storm" bearing in mind that, "No condition is permanent" and one should not see any obstacle as big enough to stop one from moving forward but rather as an opportunity to make progress.
Faith and experience has been my drive. The saying "The sun will always be out after the storm" bearing in mind that, "No condition is permanent" and one should not see any obstacle as big enough to stop one from moving forward but rather as an opportunity to make progress.
What is your advice to youth in leadership positions or who intends to be?
They should live true to their principles and not compromise for temporary gains, the fear of God should always be in their hearts. Do not be easily swayed by worldly things, be focused, determined and most importantly do not be discouraged as the saying "If you keep throwing stones to dog that barks on your way, you will never reach your destination". Stay focused.
They should live true to their principles and not compromise for temporary gains, the fear of God should always be in their hearts. Do not be easily swayed by worldly things, be focused, determined and most importantly do not be discouraged as the saying "If you keep throwing stones to dog that barks on your way, you will never reach your destination". Stay focused.
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