I am writing this article not just as a freelance journalist, but as a former student whose perspective was profoundly shaped by a man of remarkable intellect, character, and vision; the late Dr. Bala Tafida. He was more than a Head of Department during my master’s program in economics; at Nasarawa state university keffi (NSUK), he was a mentor, a patriot, and a tireless advocate for a better Nigeria. His passing in 2023 left a void that remains unfillable, but his legacy, particularly his progressive mindset and unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential, continues to inspire me.
The Teacher Who Taught More than Economics
Dr. Tafida was a lecturer whose classroom transcended the confines of economic theories. Hailing from Nasarawa town, he carried with him a grounded understanding of Nigeria’s complex realities, and he was deeply concerned about the economic status quo. His lectures were not just about models and equations; they were a passionate dissection of the nation’s problems. He possessed a rare ability to connect abstract economic concepts to the lived experiences of ordinary Nigerians. He was a simple, friendly man who made complex theories accessible and engaging, fostering a love for critical thinking in all of us.
One of his most enduring lessons was the concept of “political will.” He argued with conviction that the myriad of problems bedeviling Nigeria, from corruption and poverty to infrastructural decay, were not due to a lack of resources or intellectual capacity. Instead, he maintained that the fundamental issue was a lack of political will among the ruling class to approach these challenges holistically. He insisted that genuine, lasting economic change could only be achieved if there was a corresponding change in the political elite’s commitment to the public good. His was a progressive mindset that saw politics and economics not as separate entities, but as two sides of the same coin.
He also taught us the concept of “Rational Expectations” (RATEX), not as a mere economic model, but as a lens through which to view policy in Nigeria. He explained that people make rational decisions based on all available information, including future expectations. He would lament that in Nigeria, citizens often assume that new government policies will fail because of a long history of policy inconsistency and corruption. This lack of trust, he argued, was a rational response to a predictable pattern of bad governance. He taught us that for any policy to be successful, the government must first build credibility and a track record of good governance. Otherwise, the “rational expectation” of the public would be to prepare for failure, undermining even the best-intentioned reforms.
A Mentor with a Remorseful Heart
Beyond his academic brilliance, Dr. Tafida was defined by his immense empathy and mentorship insight. He was a man of great sincerity and warmth, and his office door was always open. He listened to our concerns, offered guidance with a gentle hand, and encouraged us to become not just good economists, but responsible citizens. His leadership was a masterclass in humility and service.
I recall very vividly his deep remorse over the state of Nigeria, especially the escalating insecurity that plagues the nation. He spoke with a heavy heart about the violence and chaos, particularly in states like Zamfara, which he saw as a direct consequence of a failing system. He never saw these issues as distant news reports; he felt them personally, as a father, a mentor, and a citizen. This emotional connection to the well-being of the nation is a quality that is sorely missing in today’s leadership.
A Legacy for Lecturers to Emulate
Dr. Bala Tafida’s life and work offer a powerful blueprint for what a Nigerian lecturer should be. He embodied the qualities of a good leader and an exceptional mentor: humility, foresight, and a profound sense of purpose. He proved that an academic can be a powerful agent of social change, using their platform not for self-aggrandizement, but to empower a new generation with the tools to build a better future.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of our nation, I am filled with the hope that Dr. Tafida’s legacy will inspire more academics to follow his path. We need more teachers who are not only subject-matter experts, but who also possess a deep, personal concern for the nation’s destiny. We need more mentors who teach with a progressive mindset and the conviction that, with the right political will, Nigeria’s economic problems can indeed be solved. In a time of great uncertainty, the memory of Dr. Bala Tafida shines brightly, a testament to the fact that one individual’s integrity and vision can create a ripple effect that lasts for generations. His passing was a loss, but his life was a gift. Rest in peace Baba.