CITAD Concludes Seventh Edition of Mu’azzam Ibrahim Institute, Renews Call for Critical Thinking
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has concluded the seventh edition of the Mu’azzam Ibrahim Institute of Philosophy, Political Theory and Critical Thinking, a three-day programme dedicated to revitalising intellectual engagement among young Nigerians.
Closing the event, held from Tuesday to Thursday, the Executive Director of CITAD, Malam Y. Z. Ya’u, said the institute was established seven years ago to address the declining depth of reflection and analytical reasoning among youths, especially in the fields of philosophy and political theory.
He noted that the waning interest and weakening quality of discourse in these areas had reduced young people’s ability to interrogate societal issues.
“We discovered a growing need for a platform where young people can engage with philosophical and critical questions,” Ya’u said. “Many young people are losing the capacity to ask questions, and we are concerned that the frontiers of knowledge are shrinking because there are fewer spaces for engaging with unanswered questions.”
One of the institute’s mentors, Malam Ibrahim Mu’azzam, a philosopher and former lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Bayero University, Kano, underscored the importance of inquiry. He urged participants to challenge what he described as mental laziness and society’s aversion to deep questioning.
“Young people must clear the fog in their heads,” he said. “Philosophy and critical thinking illuminate the path of inquiry, helping us reflect deeply on ethics, truth and the human condition.”
He added that the institute was designed to help youths build clarity of thought, open-mindedness and empathy for differing ideas.
Similarly, Professor Ibrahim Bello Kano of the Department of English and European Languages, Bayero University, Kano, said critical thinking and reading remained vital tools for navigating today’s complex social landscape.
“Critical thinking sharpens their ability to analyze information, question assumptions and make informed decisions,” he said. “Reading enhances comprehension, expands knowledge and cultivates empathy by exposing young people to diverse perspectives and ideas.”
Speaking on behalf of participants, Aliyu Umar Aliyu of the Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, thanked CITAD for sustaining what he described as a rare space for intellectual growth.
“We appreciate the organisers for giving us this opportunity,” he said.
The programme featured 30 young participants, who were awarded certificates of attendance at the end of the session.
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