The Pleasant College of Advanced Studies (PCAS) and the Pleasant Library and Book Club (PLBC) have responded to the Federal University Dutsin-Ma’s (FUDMA) public disclaimer regarding an upcoming international conference on the songs and political art of musician Alhaji Dauda Kahutu Rarara.
In a statement signed by Usman Umar, the College Orator and Academic Secretary, PCAS and PLBC said they were “surprised and disappointed” by a bulletin issued by FUDMA on July 9, which denied any involvement in the event and warned the public against associating the university with the conference.
The organisers said the conference had been in the works since 2024 and that FUDMA had been formally invited to co-host it. They added that the university not only accepted the invitation but also participated in three planning meetings.
“We respectfully invite the Federal University Dutsin-Ma to co-host the International Conference on the Songs of Alhaji Dauda Kahutu Rarara,” PCAS stated in a letter they claimed the university acknowledged and accepted.
Umar listed academics nominated by FUDMA who attended the meetings, including Prof. Bashir Aliyu Sallau (Chair of the Local Organising Committee), Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Malumfashi, Dr. Yahaya Abbas, Dr. Bashir Abu Sabe, Dr. Samaila Balarabe, Dr. Muhammad Bashir Ruwangodiya, and Prof. Muktar El Kassim.
The statement said the Local Organising Committee met on June 29, July 6, and July 14, 2025, during which key decisions were taken, including the formation of technical, publicity, and welfare subcommittees, approval of French as a presentation language, and endorsement of publicity materials.
“It is therefore misleading for the university to suddenly issue a bulletin denying knowledge of or collaboration in the event,” the statement said.
Umar noted that the disclaimer had damaging consequences. “It misleads stakeholders into thinking the event is unauthorized, suggests possible fraud in fee collection, and undermines our academic integrity,” he said. “It distances FUDMA from scholarly conversations on music and politics, and it casts doubt on the credibility of institutions that have served over 300,000 learners.”
The statement also addressed the inclusion of Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu’s name as the keynote speaker, which had stirred online reactions. Umar admitted there was a miscommunication and said an apology had been offered and accepted.
“We were very surprised at his reaction,” Umar said. “However, we have already apologised, and he accepted our apology, as shown on his Facebook page.”
He condemned a social media comment that described Prof. Abdalla as “an academically blasphemous,” calling it disrespectful and outside the bounds of academic engagement.
“An accomplished academic like Prof. Abdalla deserves respect from younger scholars,” the statement noted.
PCAS/PLBC confirmed that Prof. Hakeem I. Tijani of Morgan State University in the U.S. will now deliver the keynote address. They said preparations for the conference are ongoing, with over 12 abstracts already submitted. The conference dates remain unchanged, and new posters with venue information will be shared soon.
The statement concluded with a demand that FUDMA publish a retraction and apology in Daily Trust, The Guardian, Katsina Times Forum, Katsina Post, Karaduwa Post, Media Crew, and at least five other outlets. If the demand is not met by the close of business on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, they warned that legal action would follow.
“We remain committed to restoring Katsina’s historic status as a beacon of learning,” the statement concluded, “and invite all scholars and members of the public to participate in the Rarara Conference.”
