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 designed to rekindle intellectual inquiry among young Nigerians.
Speaking at the closing session on Thursday, CITAD’s Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, said the institute was established seven years ago in response to what he described as a steady decline in the quality of philosophical and political theory education in Nigeria.
Mr Ya’u said the deterioration of these fields has weakened young people’s ability to engage in deep reflection and analytical reasoning.
“We discovered a growing need for a platform where young people can engage with philosophical and critical questions,” he said. “Many young people are losing the capacity to ask questions, and we are concerned that the frontiers of knowledge are shrinking.”
One of the programme’s mentors, Ibrahim Mu’azzam, a philosopher and former lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Bayero University, Kano, said questioning remained central to human understanding.
He urged participants to resist mental complacency and society’s aversion to interrogating ideas.
“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.”
Mr Mu’azzam said the institute was designed to cultivate clarity of thought, open-mindedness and empathy for differing viewpoints.
Also speaking, Ibrahim Bello Kano, a professor in the Department of English and European Languages at Bayero University, said critical thinking and reading remained essential for young people navigating an increasingly complex world.
“Critical thinking sharpens their ability to analyse information, question assumptions and make informed decisions,” he said. “Reading expands knowledge and builds empathy by exposing young people to diverse perspectives.”
A participant, Aliyu Umar Aliyu of the Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, who spoke on behalf of the trainees, commended CITAD for sustaining what he described as a rare platform for intellectual growth.
“We appreciate the organisers for giving us this opportunity,” he said.
The programme, held from Tuesday to Thursday, featured 30 participants, all of whom received certificates of attendance.
