This week, I received a call from Malam Ahmad Shekarau who graciously informed me that my column (Prof. Brainy) in the Daily Trust was one of those to be dropped because Saturday and Sunday titles would be compressed into one weekend paper.
So how do I feel about it? Honestly? Relief. It’s like a weight has been lifted for the following reasons:
- It was a good run for 20+ years. Alhamdulillah.
- The successive editors have been very patient with me. I drove some of them crazy. I always submitted the column late and for some weeks, I completely forgot to write.
- I’m tired of writing the column. I considered quitting but some of my bosses wouldn’t have forgiven me if I had. Alh Abbas Hassan said as much.
Yet, I could write 10,000 words a week but still struggled to write an 800-word column.
- The column has run its course. It’s tapped out. Those it inspired are now better than me. The writers who told me I inspired them are now award-winning.
The scholars who learned from it are now professors. Some even got their PhDs before me. Children who read the column are now parents. The students are now professionals. Which of the favours of your Lord will you deny?
- My new readers don’t even know the column. They’re only familiar with my social media posts.
- Now that the internet has democratized publishing tools, I’ll become my own media house. I already have an engaged audience.
- Tree planting in Nigeria: An environmental and socio-economic outcomes
- A disempowered currency in flames: the fall of the Nigerian naira and the bruising effects
Finally, let me use the oft-repeated prayers of the MSS: may Allah accept it from me as an act of ibadah.
When I shared the news with friends on Facebook, the following are the edited versions of their comments. Some are long and most are emotional. But I edited them for brevity, which, unfortunately, removed the emotions. I especially liked the stories of the ladies who used to share my column and Daily Trust with their fathers. You can read all the comments on my Facebook wall: Ibraheem Dooba. I’ll also talk with the editors to share the longer versions in the online newspaper.
– Martin-Hassan Eze: “Prof, we grew up with your column. You made men with your ink. God bless you.”
– Aisha Mahmud Yusuf: “Prof. Brainy was a part of my childhood. I cherish the memories and impact.”
– Mohammed Sani: “Your column inspired me positively, even from your days in Malaysia.”
– Zubaidah Imam: “I’ve followed Prof Brainy for over 20 years! Please consider compiling the columns into a book.”
– Faisal Kurfi: “Your technique for memorizing names has been invaluable to me. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.”
– Adamu Inuwa Nguru: “Only Allah can reward you for the positive impact you’ve had on many lives.”
– Halima Yazid: “I’m devastated to see the column end, but I’ll miss it dearly. It helped shape my love for reading.”
– Dr. Adamu Tilde: “Prof. Brainy’s Column has been a lifelong companion for me and my friend, Hamza Yusuf Adam. We consumed it.”
– Dr. Ahmed Ahmed A: “The column nurtured me, and I’ve learned so much. I’m grateful for the service to humanity.”
– Abubakar Wakili: “I subscribed to the e-paper solely for your column. I’ll miss it dearly.”
– Dr. Abubakar Kaka Sanda: “Your column inspired me to encourage others to apply for scholarships. Thank you for your mentorship.”
– Ibrahim Aliyu: “I saved money to buy Saturday Trust just for your column and Mahmud Jega’s. I’ll miss them.”
– Hauwa Muhammad Lawan: “I’ve read your column since secondary school. It inspired me, and I enjoyed it with my brother.”
– Adnan Tudun Wada: “Your column inspired me, and I’ve been following you for over 13 years. Your writing style is a great influence.”
– Paul Jatau: “I fell in love with your writing in Success Digest, then followed you to Daily Trust. My Saturdays won’t be the same.”
– Mustapha Ibrahim: “I’ve followed your column from inception. You’re a talented man, and I adore you.”
– Lawal Usman: “Your column made me love education and strive for more. You’re an amazing mentor.”
– Usman Babayo: “I’ll miss Prof. Brainy. Please compile the columns into a compendium for posterity.”
– Ibrahim U. Wali: “May Allah reward you abundantly for your column, Prof Brainy.”
– Nansfit Muhammad: “I read Prof Brainy from secondary school days. Meeting you was a blessing.”
– Hon Haruna Mohammed: “I knew the column before knowing you, Sir. You’re a rare genius, and I respect you.”
– Dahiru Mohammed Lawal: “You’ve served generations with your pen, sir. May Allah reward you abundantly.”
– Mustapha Shehu: “I followed your column and others for a decade. Your simplicity in writing complex issues will be missed.”
– Yusuf Tela: “I wish you the best, Dr. Ibraheem Dooba. Your simplicity in writing complex issues will be missed.”
– SA Abubakar: “Your column inspired me to study mass communication. May the good lord continue to bless your knowledge.”
– Lukman Aliyu Jibril: “I’ve followed Prof Brainy for a long time. May Almighty Allah reward you abundantly for the lives you’ve touched.”
– Salis B. Salis: “I started buying Weekly Trust in 2003 because of Prof Brainy and other great writers. Thank you for contributing to our development.”
– Ahmed Alhaji: “I’m addicted to Daily Trust since 2005, just to read your column and Dr. Ndagi’s. Thank you for the free tree planting knowledge.”
– Umar M. Lawal: “I started picking old newspapers from trash cans to read Prof. Brainy. Sad to see the column end.”
– Musa Salisu: “You’re one of the great writers of Weekly Trust in its early days. May your pen never dry.”
– Saeed Maigari Gombe: “Your formula for reading the Quran and other writings have impacted me. Thank you, sir.”
– Umar Godwin: “Your column, Bala Muhammad’s, and Prof K Mato’s were my favorites. Kudos, Dooba.”
– Hussaini Yaro: “Your column was inspiring, especially due to your versatility.”
– Abu Qais: “Your column was a game-changer for me. The lessons were impactful.”
– Muhammad Inga Jajere: “I became obsessed with Prof. Brainy’s column in secondary school. It was impactful and full of substance.”
Here is the revised version with the last two comments included:
– Muhammad Inga Jajere: “I became obsessed with Prof. Brainy’s column in secondary school. It was impactful and full of substance.”
– Gimba Evuti: “Your thought-provoking writings have had a profoundly positive impact on me. They have opened my mind to new perspectives, challenged my assumptions, and inspired me to grow.”
– Musa Muhammad: “I remember a day about 18 years ago when someone mentioned Prof Brainy. Your column inspired me, especially the advice to northern governors on upskilling citizens. I advise Media Trust to digitize the early content for younger generations.”
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