53 entries.
wrote on August 26, 2017
at
10:04 pm
Raufu Mustapha: Huge Debt – A Tribute
Ahmadu Bello University, Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS) was a beehive of intellectualism in the 1980s. Around that period, relatively young academics like Raufu, Jibo, Siddique, Alkassum Salihu Bappa, et al, were part of generation of scholars that shaped and are still shaping the lives of many of us. By the time I got into ABU to read economics in 1986, Raufu and Jibo were already on study leave for their postgraduates in UK and France respectively. Raufu was a household name.
For those of us that were privileged to be members of the Marxist organization, Movement for Progressive Nigeria (MPN), we were oriented to understand that Raufu and his generation of cadres left a legacy of service and commitment to the student movement that translated into academic excellence. In all our cell meetings, we were reminded that being members of the movement imposes the academic burden of aspiring to excel. The name of Raufu and Jibo constantly kept being mentioned. Similarly, the names of victimized students’ leaders such as late Abdulrahaman Black, Lamis Shehu Dikko, late Jibril Bala Mohammed, Issa Aremu, etc. who were on the path of academic excellence was also a constant reference.
With a third class, I always looked back with a deep sense of disappointment. Of course I could give excuses of distractions arising from having to discharge my responsibility as NANS President, which involved travels almost weekly and eventual arrest on the eve of my final exams as justification. However, if the truth is to be told, the result of the final year is only a part of the aggregate. A small consolation is that at least I am able to graduate unlike many other potentially academically excellent student leaders who had their academic life truncated with rustication.
The big consolation was that although not quite academically successful, I was a very privileged student leader whose tenure witnessed landmark protests including the 1989 anti-SAP protest. Partly on account of some of these privileges, one was able to enjoy some good recognition from many Nigerian respected intellectuals. People like Raufu must have felt proud by some of those estimated achievements. This could explain the narrative of my first encounter with him sometime around May 1991, immediately after my Youth Service. Returning to Zaria from Maiduguri, Borno State, where I served, I visited ABU. Getting to FASS, there was Raufu in the company of late Prof. Akin Fadahunsi. I was very familiar with late Prof. Akin Fadahunsi who introduced me to Raufu. At that time, he had completed his postgraduate programme and returned to ABU. The short conversation we had on that eventful day, to a large extent opened the opportunity that defined what followed as my working career.
In a profound way, both Raufu and late Prof. Akin expressed the view that finding employment will be tough for me. They jointly came to the conclusion that they think with Comrade Issa Aremu on study leave for his postgraduate programme at the International Institute for Social Studies (ISS), Netherlands, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, then General Secretary of National Union of Textiles will be requiring an economist. Those were inspiring moments that reproduce some sense of self-belief and confidence. The mere reference of being an economist meant a lot to me at that time partly because with a third class certificate, I was troubled with some feelings of complex. Yet, there was I, in front of two intellectually accomplished giants referring me as economist with the full knowledge of my third class certificate. There and then, Raufu invited me to follow him to his house for lunch so that he can give me a note to Comrade Adams. And there was Kate who was sincerely very amiable, to say the least.
The meal that followed was unforgettable – simple, delicious and African – boiled yams with efor soup. May be now one has to confess. Somehow, the sight and taste of that meal raised my curiosity as to whether our comrade has committed class suicide by employing cooks. Since Raufu and myself were just arriving, I believed that it couldn’t have been Kate that cooked the food. Our puritan ideological orientation made us to believe that comrades shouldn’t be associated with exploitative practices. The notion of hiring cooks for some of us at that elementary ideological level shouldn’t be our way of life. Unfortunately, I couldn’t muster the courage to ask Raufu. Instead, I just kept trying to look out for confirmation, which I never got. My subsequent visits rather simply confirmed that Kate and Raufu cooked all their meals and Kate is more African than many of us.
I left Raufu’s house that very first time with a note to Comrade Adams. The next day I went to Kaduna and present the note to Comrade Adams who then asked me to exercise patience and wait for the return of Comrade Issa Aremu who was scheduled to complete his postgraduate programme at the end of the year (1991). I must say, I was disappointed at that point and decided to move to Lagos and try my luck.
In Lagos, comrades in NLC and the human rights community were just amazing. Thanks to Salisu Muhammed, Chom Bagu, John Odah and Chris Uyot, although not provided regular employment, opportunity was provided to serve in NLC education endowment committee. It lasted for about two months. From around August 1991, I was appointed National Administrative Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) led by late Dr. Beko Ransome Kuti. I served in that capacity up to February 1992.
Sometime in February, I had some disagreement with Dr. Beko. If you ask me, it wasn’t any fundamental disagreement but I felt very strong about my objection to Dr. Beko’s position and Dr. Beko simply told me that it is either I accept his position or leave. As it turned out, I chose the later and tendered my resignation, which he accepted. That very day, I went to NLC. Coincidentally, I met Comrade Issa Aremu who enquired where I have been and that Comrade Adams has been looking for me.
The next day, I went to Textile Labour House at Acme Road, Ikeja to try and meet Comrade Adams. As luck would have it, I met him at the entrance and he immediately recognized me and held my hand through the staircase to his office on the 4th floor of the building. There were many people at the reception to his office and inside his office we met at least four other people. He introduced me to them and it turned out it was actually interview panel and the people outside were candidates to be interviewed. I was full of confidence and relaxed without knowing that I was being interviewed. I thought it was just some forms of conversation. What was very clear to me was also that Comrade Adams was very interested in some forms of quasi-academic and ideological conversations.
I became conscious of the reality that it was an interview session when a member of the panel, who turned out to be the Senior Deputy General Secretary of the union, Alh. Shittu, asked me the question, how much will I want to earn if I am to be given an offer to work for the union. At that point, I remember making the point that since I have not applied for the job, I will take anything the union offers. In his own way, Comrade Adams flatly told me that the union would not make any offer to me without a demand. At that point, I informed the panel about what I was earning in CDHR (N1,200) without informing them that I no longer work there and told them that N1 addition would be fine. The session ended on that note and a week after went back to Acme Textile Labour House and luckily met Comrade Adams who gave me a letter of offer of employment to resume in the headquarters of the Union in Kaduna with a monthly pay of N1,500. Two days after, I resumed Textile Union in Kaduna.
The rest, as it’s often said, is now history. Thanks to that first meeting with Raufu around May 1991 and the recommendation note I got from him to Comrade Adams, I had the opportunity to serve National Union of Textiles for eight (8) years (1992 – 2000), served as a Project Manager of European Union funded NLC two-year project on Rebuilding the Nigerian Trade Unions (2000 – 2002) and finally Assistant General Secretary of Nigeria Labour Congress (2002 – 2006). Delete that first meeting with Raufu, my career trajectory would have been different.
While in Lagos, I was very much involved with the management of activities of Campaign for Democracy (CD). The critical issue at that point was the campaign against military rule. This was accentuated with annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections. By the time I moved to Textile Union in Kaduna I was still serving as the Deputy General Secretary of CD. Being located in the North, I was given the responsibility of coordinating mobilization in the entire North. There were few Comrades in the North that were part of that coordinating team. Notably Chom Bagu, Y. Z. Ya’u, Daniel Ishaya, Edward Daudu, Tomson Adangbara, late Anselm Akele, among few others. One must admit that it was almost an impossible task. Cannot vividly remember how Raufu and Jibo became a major pillar of support for the discharge of that responsibility as a result of which we were constantly meeting in Kaduna and Zaria to review national development and come up with some plans of action. In the face of big frustrations and constant and sometimes inconsiderate attacks from our comrades in Lagos, Raufu was constantly optimistic and self-assured.
It was a stormy period full of suspicion. As a result, comrades easily get branded and written off. Jibo had a fair share of that with his History As Iconoclast: Left Stardom and the Debate on Democracy piece in 1993. At the heart of that piece was the declaration of supremacy of liberal democracy over Marxism. Jibo basically bullied his way through that period and at every opportunity unapologetically re-affirmed his views. That however did not interfere with his commitment to pro-democratic struggles.
The combined intellectual energies of Raufu and Jibo in those trying periods between 1993 and 1996 were in every respect the motivating factor that strengthens the few of us located in the Northern parts of the country to, as late MKO would put it, keep hope alive in the struggle to nationalize the campaign against June 12 annulment. The vibrancy with which they engaged issues presents them as the true organic intellectuals combining theory with praxis. We held endless night meetings, travel across the country. In those stormy meetings and trying times, had sharp disagreements but Raufu and Jibo were always there to mentor some of us inexperienced and quite young activists. Raufu always had inspiring words to re-ignite our belief and commitment.
Academically, I considered myself a disappointment to Raufu’s generation of organic working class intellectuals. I will remain indebted to him and many in his generation for overlooking my academic shortcomings and putting me on a career path that till today continue to challenge my commitment to the struggles of the working class and their allies.
Thank you so very much Raufu. May Allah (SWT) reward you with Jannatul Firdaus, bless your family and comfort Kate, Asma’u and Seyi. Amin!
Ahmadu Bello University, Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS) was a beehive of intellectualism in the 1980s. Around that period, relatively young academics like Raufu, Jibo, Siddique, Alkassum Salihu Bappa, et al, were part of generation of scholars that shaped and are still shaping the lives of many of us. By the time I got into ABU to read economics in 1986, Raufu and Jibo were already on study leave for their postgraduates in UK and France respectively. Raufu was a household name.
For those of us that were privileged to be members of the Marxist organization, Movement for Progressive Nigeria (MPN), we were oriented to understand that Raufu and his generation of cadres left a legacy of service and commitment to the student movement that translated into academic excellence. In all our cell meetings, we were reminded that being members of the movement imposes the academic burden of aspiring to excel. The name of Raufu and Jibo constantly kept being mentioned. Similarly, the names of victimized students’ leaders such as late Abdulrahaman Black, Lamis Shehu Dikko, late Jibril Bala Mohammed, Issa Aremu, etc. who were on the path of academic excellence was also a constant reference.
With a third class, I always looked back with a deep sense of disappointment. Of course I could give excuses of distractions arising from having to discharge my responsibility as NANS President, which involved travels almost weekly and eventual arrest on the eve of my final exams as justification. However, if the truth is to be told, the result of the final year is only a part of the aggregate. A small consolation is that at least I am able to graduate unlike many other potentially academically excellent student leaders who had their academic life truncated with rustication.
The big consolation was that although not quite academically successful, I was a very privileged student leader whose tenure witnessed landmark protests including the 1989 anti-SAP protest. Partly on account of some of these privileges, one was able to enjoy some good recognition from many Nigerian respected intellectuals. People like Raufu must have felt proud by some of those estimated achievements. This could explain the narrative of my first encounter with him sometime around May 1991, immediately after my Youth Service. Returning to Zaria from Maiduguri, Borno State, where I served, I visited ABU. Getting to FASS, there was Raufu in the company of late Prof. Akin Fadahunsi. I was very familiar with late Prof. Akin Fadahunsi who introduced me to Raufu. At that time, he had completed his postgraduate programme and returned to ABU. The short conversation we had on that eventful day, to a large extent opened the opportunity that defined what followed as my working career.
In a profound way, both Raufu and late Prof. Akin expressed the view that finding employment will be tough for me. They jointly came to the conclusion that they think with Comrade Issa Aremu on study leave for his postgraduate programme at the International Institute for Social Studies (ISS), Netherlands, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, then General Secretary of National Union of Textiles will be requiring an economist. Those were inspiring moments that reproduce some sense of self-belief and confidence. The mere reference of being an economist meant a lot to me at that time partly because with a third class certificate, I was troubled with some feelings of complex. Yet, there was I, in front of two intellectually accomplished giants referring me as economist with the full knowledge of my third class certificate. There and then, Raufu invited me to follow him to his house for lunch so that he can give me a note to Comrade Adams. And there was Kate who was sincerely very amiable, to say the least.
The meal that followed was unforgettable – simple, delicious and African – boiled yams with efor soup. May be now one has to confess. Somehow, the sight and taste of that meal raised my curiosity as to whether our comrade has committed class suicide by employing cooks. Since Raufu and myself were just arriving, I believed that it couldn’t have been Kate that cooked the food. Our puritan ideological orientation made us to believe that comrades shouldn’t be associated with exploitative practices. The notion of hiring cooks for some of us at that elementary ideological level shouldn’t be our way of life. Unfortunately, I couldn’t muster the courage to ask Raufu. Instead, I just kept trying to look out for confirmation, which I never got. My subsequent visits rather simply confirmed that Kate and Raufu cooked all their meals and Kate is more African than many of us.
I left Raufu’s house that very first time with a note to Comrade Adams. The next day I went to Kaduna and present the note to Comrade Adams who then asked me to exercise patience and wait for the return of Comrade Issa Aremu who was scheduled to complete his postgraduate programme at the end of the year (1991). I must say, I was disappointed at that point and decided to move to Lagos and try my luck.
In Lagos, comrades in NLC and the human rights community were just amazing. Thanks to Salisu Muhammed, Chom Bagu, John Odah and Chris Uyot, although not provided regular employment, opportunity was provided to serve in NLC education endowment committee. It lasted for about two months. From around August 1991, I was appointed National Administrative Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) led by late Dr. Beko Ransome Kuti. I served in that capacity up to February 1992.
Sometime in February, I had some disagreement with Dr. Beko. If you ask me, it wasn’t any fundamental disagreement but I felt very strong about my objection to Dr. Beko’s position and Dr. Beko simply told me that it is either I accept his position or leave. As it turned out, I chose the later and tendered my resignation, which he accepted. That very day, I went to NLC. Coincidentally, I met Comrade Issa Aremu who enquired where I have been and that Comrade Adams has been looking for me.
The next day, I went to Textile Labour House at Acme Road, Ikeja to try and meet Comrade Adams. As luck would have it, I met him at the entrance and he immediately recognized me and held my hand through the staircase to his office on the 4th floor of the building. There were many people at the reception to his office and inside his office we met at least four other people. He introduced me to them and it turned out it was actually interview panel and the people outside were candidates to be interviewed. I was full of confidence and relaxed without knowing that I was being interviewed. I thought it was just some forms of conversation. What was very clear to me was also that Comrade Adams was very interested in some forms of quasi-academic and ideological conversations.
I became conscious of the reality that it was an interview session when a member of the panel, who turned out to be the Senior Deputy General Secretary of the union, Alh. Shittu, asked me the question, how much will I want to earn if I am to be given an offer to work for the union. At that point, I remember making the point that since I have not applied for the job, I will take anything the union offers. In his own way, Comrade Adams flatly told me that the union would not make any offer to me without a demand. At that point, I informed the panel about what I was earning in CDHR (N1,200) without informing them that I no longer work there and told them that N1 addition would be fine. The session ended on that note and a week after went back to Acme Textile Labour House and luckily met Comrade Adams who gave me a letter of offer of employment to resume in the headquarters of the Union in Kaduna with a monthly pay of N1,500. Two days after, I resumed Textile Union in Kaduna.
The rest, as it’s often said, is now history. Thanks to that first meeting with Raufu around May 1991 and the recommendation note I got from him to Comrade Adams, I had the opportunity to serve National Union of Textiles for eight (8) years (1992 – 2000), served as a Project Manager of European Union funded NLC two-year project on Rebuilding the Nigerian Trade Unions (2000 – 2002) and finally Assistant General Secretary of Nigeria Labour Congress (2002 – 2006). Delete that first meeting with Raufu, my career trajectory would have been different.
While in Lagos, I was very much involved with the management of activities of Campaign for Democracy (CD). The critical issue at that point was the campaign against military rule. This was accentuated with annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections. By the time I moved to Textile Union in Kaduna I was still serving as the Deputy General Secretary of CD. Being located in the North, I was given the responsibility of coordinating mobilization in the entire North. There were few Comrades in the North that were part of that coordinating team. Notably Chom Bagu, Y. Z. Ya’u, Daniel Ishaya, Edward Daudu, Tomson Adangbara, late Anselm Akele, among few others. One must admit that it was almost an impossible task. Cannot vividly remember how Raufu and Jibo became a major pillar of support for the discharge of that responsibility as a result of which we were constantly meeting in Kaduna and Zaria to review national development and come up with some plans of action. In the face of big frustrations and constant and sometimes inconsiderate attacks from our comrades in Lagos, Raufu was constantly optimistic and self-assured.
It was a stormy period full of suspicion. As a result, comrades easily get branded and written off. Jibo had a fair share of that with his History As Iconoclast: Left Stardom and the Debate on Democracy piece in 1993. At the heart of that piece was the declaration of supremacy of liberal democracy over Marxism. Jibo basically bullied his way through that period and at every opportunity unapologetically re-affirmed his views. That however did not interfere with his commitment to pro-democratic struggles.
The combined intellectual energies of Raufu and Jibo in those trying periods between 1993 and 1996 were in every respect the motivating factor that strengthens the few of us located in the Northern parts of the country to, as late MKO would put it, keep hope alive in the struggle to nationalize the campaign against June 12 annulment. The vibrancy with which they engaged issues presents them as the true organic intellectuals combining theory with praxis. We held endless night meetings, travel across the country. In those stormy meetings and trying times, had sharp disagreements but Raufu and Jibo were always there to mentor some of us inexperienced and quite young activists. Raufu always had inspiring words to re-ignite our belief and commitment.
Academically, I considered myself a disappointment to Raufu’s generation of organic working class intellectuals. I will remain indebted to him and many in his generation for overlooking my academic shortcomings and putting me on a career path that till today continue to challenge my commitment to the struggles of the working class and their allies.
Thank you so very much Raufu. May Allah (SWT) reward you with Jannatul Firdaus, bless your family and comfort Kate, Asma’u and Seyi. Amin!
wrote on August 26, 2017
at
4:53 pm
A REVOLUTIONARY ICON DEPARTS: TRIBUTE TO PROF ABDULRAUFU MUSTAPHA
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
Governor, State of Osun
I received the news of the death of our comrade and revolutionary icon, Prof AbdulRaufu Mustapha, a foremost scholar of African politics at Oxford University, with shock but submission to the will of Allah.
It came on the heels of the passage of my own mother. I was actually gradually coming to the acceptance of my mother’s demise when Mustapha’s death occurred and I therefore find it difficult to live with the fact that our dear comrade is gone.
However, I have not come here to mourn him but to celebrate the passage of this great African and fighter for human freedom and justice.
Prof Mustapha had a stellar academic pedigree, beginning with his bachelor’s degree at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later post graduate degrees, including a doctorate, at Oxford University, in England. He had taught at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Ado Bayero University, Kano, and had a tenured appointment at Oxford University before his demise.
Prof Mustapha has conducted extensive research into religion and politics in Nigeria, the politics of rural societies, democratisation, and identity politics in Africa. He has written seminal papers on these subjects which brought illumination and uncanny insight. In recent past, he has worked on ethnic minorities and before his demise, he was the lead researcher on Islam Research Project (IRP-Abuja), funded by the Dutch Foreign Ministry. The project is a policy-oriented study of interfaith relations in Northern Nigeria.
But beyond his brilliant academic engagement, he was a dogged fighter of the ideological left. He was a keen student of dialectical materialism. However, ideology, for him, is not for its own sake. It consists in how it can be used to lift the human condition. It is on how it can bring emancipation to those in the bondage of neo-colonialism, economic exploitation, religious bigotry, ethnic chauvinism, ignorance, diseases and political subjugation of any form.
He lived this with passion, his entire being and all his resources. He was a kindred soul and this passion drew us together. AbdulRaufu Mustapha was an ideological acquaintance of mine in the 1980s. He was a great humanist and a committed fighter for the oppressed and marginalized classes in the society. He was a believer in the social organization of production for the benefit of all and not the exploitative relations of production for the benefit of a tiny few. He believed rightly that there are enough materials on the earth for all humans to live comfortably, with the rich having enough and the not-so-rich not lacking anything, but having the good life as well. More importantly, he was of the opinion that every human is endowed with enough intellectual and physical capabilities to contribute meaningfully to the development of the society, if their latent talents are well tapped and developed.
For the period our relationship lasted, he exhibited the best in human relationship. He was caring and showed deep understanding and sensitivity to human complexity, graces, frailties and challenges. But he was a great believer in human goodness and capacity for greatness.
He related well with every one that came across his path, such that it became difficult to pin him down to a particular ethnicity, religion and other dividing social identities.
His death is a huge blow to the leftist movement in Nigeria and the world over; the academic community, particularly in Oxford University where he has distinguished himself as an exceptional scholar; the fighters for the cause of the down trodden and underprivileged people; his friends and associates; and all men of goodwill.
On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Osun, I offer condolences to his family (near and extended), particularly his wife, Kate, and his children, Asmau and Seyi, his colleagues at Oxford and the government and the good people of Kwara State.
May he find peace in his new station. Amen
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
Governor, State of Osun
I received the news of the death of our comrade and revolutionary icon, Prof AbdulRaufu Mustapha, a foremost scholar of African politics at Oxford University, with shock but submission to the will of Allah.
It came on the heels of the passage of my own mother. I was actually gradually coming to the acceptance of my mother’s demise when Mustapha’s death occurred and I therefore find it difficult to live with the fact that our dear comrade is gone.
However, I have not come here to mourn him but to celebrate the passage of this great African and fighter for human freedom and justice.
Prof Mustapha had a stellar academic pedigree, beginning with his bachelor’s degree at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later post graduate degrees, including a doctorate, at Oxford University, in England. He had taught at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Ado Bayero University, Kano, and had a tenured appointment at Oxford University before his demise.
Prof Mustapha has conducted extensive research into religion and politics in Nigeria, the politics of rural societies, democratisation, and identity politics in Africa. He has written seminal papers on these subjects which brought illumination and uncanny insight. In recent past, he has worked on ethnic minorities and before his demise, he was the lead researcher on Islam Research Project (IRP-Abuja), funded by the Dutch Foreign Ministry. The project is a policy-oriented study of interfaith relations in Northern Nigeria.
But beyond his brilliant academic engagement, he was a dogged fighter of the ideological left. He was a keen student of dialectical materialism. However, ideology, for him, is not for its own sake. It consists in how it can be used to lift the human condition. It is on how it can bring emancipation to those in the bondage of neo-colonialism, economic exploitation, religious bigotry, ethnic chauvinism, ignorance, diseases and political subjugation of any form.
He lived this with passion, his entire being and all his resources. He was a kindred soul and this passion drew us together. AbdulRaufu Mustapha was an ideological acquaintance of mine in the 1980s. He was a great humanist and a committed fighter for the oppressed and marginalized classes in the society. He was a believer in the social organization of production for the benefit of all and not the exploitative relations of production for the benefit of a tiny few. He believed rightly that there are enough materials on the earth for all humans to live comfortably, with the rich having enough and the not-so-rich not lacking anything, but having the good life as well. More importantly, he was of the opinion that every human is endowed with enough intellectual and physical capabilities to contribute meaningfully to the development of the society, if their latent talents are well tapped and developed.
For the period our relationship lasted, he exhibited the best in human relationship. He was caring and showed deep understanding and sensitivity to human complexity, graces, frailties and challenges. But he was a great believer in human goodness and capacity for greatness.
He related well with every one that came across his path, such that it became difficult to pin him down to a particular ethnicity, religion and other dividing social identities.
His death is a huge blow to the leftist movement in Nigeria and the world over; the academic community, particularly in Oxford University where he has distinguished himself as an exceptional scholar; the fighters for the cause of the down trodden and underprivileged people; his friends and associates; and all men of goodwill.
On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Osun, I offer condolences to his family (near and extended), particularly his wife, Kate, and his children, Asmau and Seyi, his colleagues at Oxford and the government and the good people of Kwara State.
May he find peace in his new station. Amen
wrote on August 26, 2017
at
9:44 am
Prof Raufu,
Baba Simply is in a class of his Own Globally Prolific First Class Intellectual, who lead Globally sticklier for Excellence, He was generous to a fault, the exemplar quality of Research papers as well as superior Books written are testimony to his superior Intellectual prowess that can not be questioned or faulted also he laid firm foundation for the next generation of researchers to build upon, a firm family who cared and supported and Impacted upon the lives of all who came upon from the highest of the highest of the Highs to the Lowest of the Lows We Mourn the Loss Of this Great Prince heaven gained a shinning Star
Baba Simply is in a class of his Own Globally Prolific First Class Intellectual, who lead Globally sticklier for Excellence, He was generous to a fault, the exemplar quality of Research papers as well as superior Books written are testimony to his superior Intellectual prowess that can not be questioned or faulted also he laid firm foundation for the next generation of researchers to build upon, a firm family who cared and supported and Impacted upon the lives of all who came upon from the highest of the highest of the Highs to the Lowest of the Lows We Mourn the Loss Of this Great Prince heaven gained a shinning Star
wrote on August 25, 2017
at
1:38 pm
I will have no one now to be a 'naughty sister' to at work and in the area. For 31 years we have grunted at work - 'hi, how are the children, how is mummy how is daddy and janet' I locked the gate at the old qeh so you could visit Kate in brighton. He was our best man at our blessing after our wedding abroad - only us 3 and my parents. He dropped his adorable children to me to baby sit at weekends whilst Kate was studying in Nigeria so the children have a certain bond. He and the family have been so brave during his painful illness. It will always feel as if he has gone on one of his many trips home to Nigeria to work but this trip is the one I never ever imagined would happen. We will miss you so much.
wrote on August 25, 2017
at
6:28 am
I met him for the first time when He was a speaker at the NBA 2016 Conference. A Gentleman and a brilliant Mind. Surely a great loss!
Rest in Peace.
Rest in Peace.
wrote on August 24, 2017
at
12:24 pm
Raufu was my late spouse's, Georg Deutsch's, best friend. They met regularly to share some peri peri chicken in Cowley. Georg treasured him as a scholar but even more so as a colleague and friend who had the heart and courage to maneuvre the treacherous waters of academia without compromising his values and ideas. He had a profound impact on Georg's time at Oxford.
I treasured meeting him and his family and enjoyed his intellectual no-nonsense vigour when he chaired my African History and Politics seminar two years ago.
Raufu will be missed much and my thoughts are with Kate and their children.
I treasured meeting him and his family and enjoyed his intellectual no-nonsense vigour when he chaired my African History and Politics seminar two years ago.
Raufu will be missed much and my thoughts are with Kate and their children.
wrote on August 23, 2017
at
8:30 pm
As a member of the current MPhil cohort, I had the honour of being taught by Raufu both in the core course, as well as the History & Politics foundation course in the last year (I was also in his tutorial group, which meant that I got to see him for a couple of hours on a weekly basis during Michaelmas and half of Hilary).
Raufu was not just a dominant intellectual and thought-leader, but above all he was an excellent teacher, who delivered lectures with such charisma, that made the most stale elements of Weber's writing sound like a state of the union address. He had a unique ability of immediately grasping our assumptions and respond to our questions in a manner that also addressed our underlying thought-processes. His use of Nigerian proverbs to explain sometimes quite intricate and complex ideas was highly appreciated and welcomed.
For African students, who face particular challenges at Oxford, he was a father figure. A patron of the Oxford University Africa Society - he was the go-to faculty member for the society's members, when they had questions, worries or simply needed a pleasant interaction and gain some perspective.
On a personal note, in November of 2016, I went to Raufu's office to ask for advice on how I could study identity politics and ethnicity in Ethiopia, without getting myself into trouble. He smiled, almost chuckled and responded (and I won't forget this): "Well, you could study ethnicity through infrastructure?" His creativity and the ease with which he would communicate his brilliant thoughts blew my mind. Raufu's influence is ever-present. I am certain that he has shaped the academic trajectories of dozens of students. His legacy will live on through his writing and that of his students.
I wish his family and friends all the strength and guidance in such a difficult time.
Raufu was not just a dominant intellectual and thought-leader, but above all he was an excellent teacher, who delivered lectures with such charisma, that made the most stale elements of Weber's writing sound like a state of the union address. He had a unique ability of immediately grasping our assumptions and respond to our questions in a manner that also addressed our underlying thought-processes. His use of Nigerian proverbs to explain sometimes quite intricate and complex ideas was highly appreciated and welcomed.
For African students, who face particular challenges at Oxford, he was a father figure. A patron of the Oxford University Africa Society - he was the go-to faculty member for the society's members, when they had questions, worries or simply needed a pleasant interaction and gain some perspective.
On a personal note, in November of 2016, I went to Raufu's office to ask for advice on how I could study identity politics and ethnicity in Ethiopia, without getting myself into trouble. He smiled, almost chuckled and responded (and I won't forget this): "Well, you could study ethnicity through infrastructure?" His creativity and the ease with which he would communicate his brilliant thoughts blew my mind. Raufu's influence is ever-present. I am certain that he has shaped the academic trajectories of dozens of students. His legacy will live on through his writing and that of his students.
I wish his family and friends all the strength and guidance in such a difficult time.
wrote on August 23, 2017
at
10:05 am
As a member of the Department's clerical staff I have known Raufu since he was a student here and as a university lecturer. As others have mentioned he did have a ready smile, and always took time to say hello to me, sometimes jokingly in French, en passant in reception. Also common knowledge among clerical staff was his tardiness in replying to emails which led me to have to corner him in his office or ring him at home to get a reply to an administrative question. But of course he was not alone among academics to suffer from an overload of emails. I appreciated that he always made an effort to attend social events I had organised. It will be very strange to think of the department without him there. My condolences to Kate, their children, and other people in the department who I know have known him closely as a friend for many years.
wrote on August 22, 2017
at
2:25 pm
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Raufu's death. We had been colleagues at QEH between 2003 and 2009, and I had found Raufu a gentle and amiable man with a deep knowledge of the politics of Nigeria and Africa more widely. We had many discussions of current affairs in the African region and I learned a great deal from him. I could see that he was a caring and considerate teacher.
I send my condolences to Kate and her family, and hope that in due course they will be able to adjust to the painful loss of Raufu.
I send my condolences to Kate and her family, and hope that in due course they will be able to adjust to the painful loss of Raufu.
wrote on August 22, 2017
at
6:35 am
It is hard to imagine Oxford’s MPhil in Development Studies without Raufu Mustapha. Raufu was part of the team that initiated and shaped the MPhil, making it the very successful course it is today. As generations of MPhil students have said, his lectures were scintillating, even iconoclastic. I was fortunate to attend several of them.
In the last lecture Raufu delivered for the MPhil Core Course in late October 2016, he triggered intense debate on Franz Fanon, the colonial condition, and justifications for violence when faced with oppression. First year students could be seen visibly grappling with contexts where peace may not be an option, at least in the world as seen by Fanon and conveyed so engagingly by Raufu. I witnessed Raufu fielding curious, puzzled, even irate questions with equanimity. I know that that discussion will remain with the class for a long time. It is heartbreaking that we will not hear Raufu speak about Fanon, Weber, Marx, Chayanov and others anymore. But like the theorists his work engaged with, he leaves a lasting legacy through his many students and writings.
Raufu continued being invested in the MPhil even when he was on sick leave in 2017. He was sad to have missed the 20th anniversary get-together of the course and sent this message for alumni:
‘Let me add my words of welcome to this gathering. Sorry I can't be with you in person because of ill-health. But I am there with you in spirit. Who would believe that our course is 20 years old! And I would have really loved to see the many generations of excellent scholars we have had over these many years! Enjoy the day and we all can rightfully congratulate ourselves for making the course what it is - a flag ship. I hope there will be many more ceremonies like this in the future, and I hope to be there with you in person. Happy celebrations!’
The last time I met Raufu in the Oncology Ward of Churchill Hospital in late June 2017, he had so many questions about the MPhil: how were things generally, how was the MPhil anniversary programme, which alumni attended, what were they up to professionally, etc. Reflecting who he was, he had a bit of a chuckle at the course having spawned a senior, right wing politician, along with alumni contributing to various social movements, and even some who live in communes. In his words, ‘that just proves we are broad church.’
On a personal note, I am so thankful to Raufu for his pedagogical influence and presence as a senior colleague. He generously took over from me as MPhil Course Director in 2013 when I had to go on leave, was a fair and sensible presence in committee meetings, and was a very encouraging voice in my tenure review process.
My heartfelt condolences to Kate Meagher and their children. Seyi was at his father’s bedside when we met in hospital, and was so impressive in his dignity and maturity. Raufu must be proud of you, just as you have so much to be proud of in the person he was.
In the last lecture Raufu delivered for the MPhil Core Course in late October 2016, he triggered intense debate on Franz Fanon, the colonial condition, and justifications for violence when faced with oppression. First year students could be seen visibly grappling with contexts where peace may not be an option, at least in the world as seen by Fanon and conveyed so engagingly by Raufu. I witnessed Raufu fielding curious, puzzled, even irate questions with equanimity. I know that that discussion will remain with the class for a long time. It is heartbreaking that we will not hear Raufu speak about Fanon, Weber, Marx, Chayanov and others anymore. But like the theorists his work engaged with, he leaves a lasting legacy through his many students and writings.
Raufu continued being invested in the MPhil even when he was on sick leave in 2017. He was sad to have missed the 20th anniversary get-together of the course and sent this message for alumni:
‘Let me add my words of welcome to this gathering. Sorry I can't be with you in person because of ill-health. But I am there with you in spirit. Who would believe that our course is 20 years old! And I would have really loved to see the many generations of excellent scholars we have had over these many years! Enjoy the day and we all can rightfully congratulate ourselves for making the course what it is - a flag ship. I hope there will be many more ceremonies like this in the future, and I hope to be there with you in person. Happy celebrations!’
The last time I met Raufu in the Oncology Ward of Churchill Hospital in late June 2017, he had so many questions about the MPhil: how were things generally, how was the MPhil anniversary programme, which alumni attended, what were they up to professionally, etc. Reflecting who he was, he had a bit of a chuckle at the course having spawned a senior, right wing politician, along with alumni contributing to various social movements, and even some who live in communes. In his words, ‘that just proves we are broad church.’
On a personal note, I am so thankful to Raufu for his pedagogical influence and presence as a senior colleague. He generously took over from me as MPhil Course Director in 2013 when I had to go on leave, was a fair and sensible presence in committee meetings, and was a very encouraging voice in my tenure review process.
My heartfelt condolences to Kate Meagher and their children. Seyi was at his father’s bedside when we met in hospital, and was so impressive in his dignity and maturity. Raufu must be proud of you, just as you have so much to be proud of in the person he was.
wrote on August 22, 2017
at
5:52 am
I was deeply saddened by the passing of Prof. Mustapha. He was my first supervisor at QEH and I appreciated his guidance, support, and encouragement. I loved his lectures and classes. The discussions we had were always exciting and thought-provoking. I audited his courses and I learnt a lot from him. He helped me understand Africa and particularly Nigeria much better. He was a brilliant teacher and always cared about his students. I am incredibly grateful that I had a chance to know him and to be taught by him.
wrote on August 20, 2017
at
9:29 am
I was so so sad to hear this news. I remember Dr Mustafa as a significant scholar and a generous and friendly person. He was kind enough to help me to understand Nigeria a little better when I was living there, and even hosted me for a lovely Iftar dinner, which I remember fondly. Sincere condolences to his family.
wrote on August 19, 2017
at
7:02 am
Raufu will live on in my memory as an outstanding QEH colleague: an original and committed researcher, a dedicated teacher, and a firm but fair administrator. In addition to all this, he was an exceptionally nice person. His passing is a great loss to all of us, but especially to his family, to whom I offer my deepest sympathy.
wrote on August 18, 2017
at
5:06 pm
Dear Raufu,
It is so sad that you have to leave all of us behind. Gone you are to your maker, but forgotten you are not by those of us living. I still have very fresh and fond memories of the first time I met you at QEH. You were more than an academic advisor to me throughout my MPhil studies; you were an inspiration. Your encouraging words were always sufficient to keep me looking forward to a truely fulfilling future. Thank you so much. You will be deeply missed. Do rest in perfect peace in the bossom of your maker.
It is so sad that you have to leave all of us behind. Gone you are to your maker, but forgotten you are not by those of us living. I still have very fresh and fond memories of the first time I met you at QEH. You were more than an academic advisor to me throughout my MPhil studies; you were an inspiration. Your encouraging words were always sufficient to keep me looking forward to a truely fulfilling future. Thank you so much. You will be deeply missed. Do rest in perfect peace in the bossom of your maker.
wrote on August 18, 2017
at
12:42 pm
This is a shock. I always referred to him as 'Dr Mustapha', even though I was never a student of his, or at least not one in a formal classroom setting. I called him that out of great respect for his scholarship and piercing intellect which he brought to writing about Nigeria and on African studies. And more so even, out of an abiding respect for his great humility and deep humanity, evinced especially in some of our private discussions about life and its variegated journeys. That humility and humanity is what will stand out the most to those most familiar with him. In many ways he was a simple man, but distinctly also a profound mind, embodying the characteristic which Abdullah Ibrahim, the South African pianist, has described as being the essence of Africa- 'the profundity of simplicity'. This loss is as immense as the moral and intellectual authority of his views and authorship on Nigeria are profound. With his calm demeanor, quiet wisdom and ready smile he was integrity personified. My heart goes out to Kate and their children. Though this loss is not theirs alone, as they were generous in sharing Dr Mustapha with the innumerable lives he touched and and the minds he illumined, but their loss is doubtless greatest. I pray that God gives them the strength to endure this period of what must be an intense and seemingly limitless grief. But please know and trust that this too shall pass. As the Quran assures us, "Verily, after every hardship comes Ease". Thank you, Dr Mustapha. And I also thank you, Kate, for your enduring passion for our continent and for your clarity of thought and purpose, whether in speaking out for the Chibok girls, or in your support for me and my efforts at various time in my life. May God reward you, and provide you ease after the suffering.
wrote on August 18, 2017
at
12:01 pm
Rauf was a close colleague, a friend and an ally in the struggle when we worked together at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. We will all miss him. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
wrote on August 18, 2017
at
7:42 am
Dear Raufu, I was shocked and deeply sad of losing you. I thought not to disturb you while you were battling the illness and looked forward to your return. You are a most valuable colleague with wisdom and integrity. We will miss you! Ola did an excellent job at the TMCD centre. Thank you!
wrote on August 17, 2017
at
9:13 pm
So many thanks, Raufu, for sharing your concerned scholarship, along with warm friendship! It's so sad... My deepest regrets to your dear ones. Olle
wrote on August 17, 2017
at
6:04 pm
May Allah forgive him and accept his return. May he find Favour with his creator.
wrote on August 17, 2017
at
5:54 pm
My deepest condolences to Raufu's family. We often met across
the table at departmental committee meetings, and we shared many common concerns over doctoral student teaching. Raufu was a great colleague and a fine teacher.
He cared deeply for his students and that shone through to the very end.
the table at departmental committee meetings, and we shared many common concerns over doctoral student teaching. Raufu was a great colleague and a fine teacher.
He cared deeply for his students and that shone through to the very end.