Professor Munzali Jibril Discusses the Realities of the 'Abacha Loot'

Professor Mohammed Munzali Jibril, a seasoned academic with over 55 years of teaching experience, shared insights into his life and career, starting from his early education in Kano. He noted his close proximity to the family of Sani Abacha, hailing from the same Fagge area.

Jibril's educational journey began with traditional Quranic instruction, as his father initially opposed Western education. However, circumstances led him to a private school in 1964, which provided him with western schooling. Subsequently, he enrolled in the School of Arabic Studies, where he excelled, eventually becoming a Grade II teacher.

He pursued further education, preparing for GCE Advanced Level exams in Hausa and Arabic, achieving grade A in both. This academic success paved his way to direct entry into a three-year degree program at Bayero University, Kano, which was then a campus of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU).

His academic path led him to pursue a Master's degree at the University of Leeds, funded by a scholarship and university top-up allowance. He completed this in nine months. Following his return, he taught for a few years before commencing his PhD studies at the University of Ibadan in 1978/1979, focusing on Nigerian English accents. Political unrest at the time prompted him to relocate to Lancaster University in England to complete his PhD, a process that took three years without requiring further fieldwork in Nigeria.

Jibril recounted his distinguished career at Bayero University, where he held positions such as Head of Department, Dean of two faculties, and Deputy Vice Chancellor. He contested for the Vice-Chancellor position at age 40 but narrowly lost due to political maneuvering, despite being the top candidate.

He described his appointment as Provost of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna from 1992 to 1996 as a form of compensation after the VC race. His time at the NDA provided him with valuable insights into the military's organisation and patriotism. This was followed by his significant role as the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) from 1996 to 2001.

Regarding his tenure at the NUC, Jibril highlighted the challenges, particularly the absence of a board for the entire five years, which meant frequent dealings with multiple ministers. He was instrumental in initiating the registration of private universities in 1999. His experience at the NUC broadened his perspective globally, shifting his academic focus from linguistics to higher education.

Jibril offered his perspective on the late General Sani Abacha, dispelling the notion that he was unintelligent or a thief. He described Abacha as a perceptive, patriotic listener who made significant contributions to the country, including the creation of six states and the development of the LNG project. He was involved in setting up Abacha's Presidential Advisory Committee.

On the controversial 'Abacha loot,' Jibril explained that the funds were held abroad by trusted businessmen, including Bagudu, to shield Nigeria from international sanctions. He clarified that this was a pre-emptive measure discussed with stakeholders and not a personal looting exercise. He stated that Bagudu eventually returned the funds, receiving a percentage for safekeeping and immunity from prosecution. Jibril maintained that Abacha, like others in high office, had assets, but these should not be misconstrued as 'loot'.

After leaving the NUC, Jibril engaged in lucrative consultancy work. He was later appointed to establish the Police Academy in Wudil, transforming it into a degree-awarding institution. He also served as the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lafia, for seven years during the Buhari administration, having previously chaired Buhari's Think Tank.

Jibril expressed disappointment with the nepotism and lack of due process he observed in the current administration. He also spoke about his personal life, revealing he has two wives and eight grown children, many of whom are accomplished professionals in various fields globally.

Despite his extensive career and current retiree status, Jibril expressed a lack of sufficient time for his desired activities like reading and writing.