The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), on Thursday, proudly graduated its 2023 set of mentees from the Mu’azzam Ibrahim Institute of Philosophy, Critical Thinking and Political Theory.
The three-day intensive program, held from November 28th to 30th, 2023, at the Kano CITAD Office, equipped participants with critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of philosophical approaches to societal problems.
The Institute, named after its mentor Malam Ibrahim Mu’azzam, was established by CITAD to address the decline in the quality of teaching Philosophy and Political Theory for Young People.
Through a series of engaging lectures, discussions, and exercises, the Institute successfully reshaped the mindsets of participating youths, shifting them from a vertical way of thinking to a lateral one.
In his goodwill message, the Coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Aliyu, of the Economic Department of Bayero University, Kano urged the participants to utilize the knowledge gained at the dialogue for self-development and to give back to their communities as a corporate responsibility.
In his address, Malam Ibrahim Mu’azzam, a former lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Bayero University, Kano and mentor of the Institute disclosed that Philosophy and critical thinking serve as guiding lights, illuminating the paths of human inquiry and understanding.
Adding that It provides a framework for examining life’s perplexities, fostering deep reflection on ethics, the nature of truth, and the human condition.
Mu’azzam further emphasized that the Institute aims to encourage young people to engage in reasoned discourse, helping them develop clarity in their thoughts and perspectives while nurturing open-mindedness and empathy toward divergent viewpoints.
On his part Professor Ibrahim Bello Kano, Department of English and European Languages, Bayero University, Kano said Critical thinking and reading are essential for the younger generation as they foster skills vital for navigating today’s complex world.
“Critical thinking sharpens their ability to analyze information, question assumptions, and make informed decisions, empowering them to assess and solve problems effectively.”
He added that reading enhances comprehension, expands knowledge, and cultivates empathy by exposing younger generation to diverse perspectives and ideas.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Comrade Abdulrazak Umar Farouk echoed the call for self-development and community service. He encouraged his fellow graduates to apply their newfound knowledge to make positive contributions to society.
Mu’azzam Ibrahim Institute of Philosophy and Political Theory commitment to fostering critical thinking and philosophical inquiry among young Nigerians promises to have a lasting impact on the country’s intellectual landscape.
