My First Encounter with Supportive Technical Assistant, Kashif Inuwa - Fahad Longman

By Fahad Abubakar Longman

I was in final year of my undergraduate studies at Sokoto State University (SSU) in 2017 when I first met Kashif Inuwa Abdullahi. As usual, writing a project is one of the requirements to obtain an undergraduate certificate.

Back then, I was thinking and making research on the project topic to chose, and with the support of my lecturer and advisor, Anas Tukur Balarabe, who’s amongst the best lecturers in the Computer Science Department of SSU, guided and advised me to make research on Cloud computing because of the needs, opportunities and importance of the topic.

I proceeded and invested time on learning about Cloud computing, and later picked interest on the topic. But I understand that, there were less researches on that topic in Nigeria. Looking at that, I decided to make a research on Threats affecting Cloud computing services in Nigeria.

Since the topic has been chosen, I was assigned with a project supervisor, Nura Modi Shagari, who happens to be a gentle and kind lecturer in that department. We began working on the topic, although we had lots of arguments on working on that topic. But after he has seen the importance of the research and my interest on that topic, he accepted it and we continued working on it.

Fast forward, when I was about to present Chapter two, which was, Literature review. I sat with my supervisor, and decided to look for relevant researches and also gather data of the cloud computing threats that hit Nigeria. I worked tirelessly searching for relevant data on the Internet, which I got very few of what I needed.

We then finalized that I should head to National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, to see if I could get more relevant data in order to analyze and compile my research. I was happy because i was a fan of the then DG, Dr Isa Ali Pantami, because of the revolution he has brought to the Nigerian IT sector while heading the agency.

I proceeded to Abuja, and headed to NITDA with my official introduction letter from the University.

On the arrival at NITDA headquarters, I was first directed to see the then Director Librarian, who was Dr Yelwa, a friendly and respected man. I was welcomed with open arms and smiles by the Director, we had so much discussion on the purpose of the visit and also my project topic.

Yelwa was such a nice and cool person, he pledged that he would support me to the best of his ability. We began working and directed me to ITIS department of the agency, although I couldn’t get what I needed, so I then got back to him. Yelwa then redirected me to office of the Technical Assistant to the then DG who was Kashif Inuwa Abdullahi. He told me that, he was a nice and intellectual person who he had confidence in him.

I was directed to Inuwa’s office and headed there. On my arrival, although he seems busy, but he still listens and gave me time.

Inuwa welcomed me and asked why I was there, I introduced myself and where I came from. I proceeded to tell him about my project topic and what I need to finish it up. He asked if I got anything from their office which I told him I don’t.

He picked his phone and told me to take the number he would read, and I took the number. He told me, I should head to Galaxy backbone which is a subsidiary of Ministry of Communications in charge of providing ICT Infrastructures to FG MDAs and the provider of technical support to the Ministry. He also gave me his card and told me that I should give him a call if I needed anything.

I went to Galaxy backbone, and followed the protocol of getting access into the facility, Mr Mahmud was the person Kashifu directed me to meet and you know what? Inuwa has called and informed him that I would be at their office for some technical assistant.

I was given access to the facility and was welcomed by Mahmud. We discussed and briefed him on what I needed, he assured me that they would provide me with all that I needed, and I smiled. He linked me up with relevant staffs within the office which I can still recall a staff named Khalid who was a security analyst (I guess) and began working. And that was how I got so much information I needed from that office.

I still can’t forget those that assisted me the time I needed it the most and hold them with utmost respect.

Inuwa was the best of them and I like him for his support and simplicity.

When I read the news of Inuwa’s appointment as the Director General of NITDA, I felt so much happy and excited because I know he would definitely contribute so much in the development of the Nigeria’s IT sector with his pool of knowledge and experience.

I’ve been following his performance since assuming office, and I’m proud of what he’s doing. He’s that person that I hope to work with one day and I wish him the very best in discharging his duties.

Dear Kashifu Inuwa, that young man you supported back in 2017 now operates a startup IT company, ES Technologies Ltd (www.estechnologies.ng/), and would be glad to get your support and blessing.

Fahad Abubakar Longman writes from Abuja, Nigeria and could be contacted at flongman@estechnologies.ng.