From Grass to Grace: A Father’s Reflection on His Son’s Matriculation

Today, my heart is overflowing with emotions. My beloved son, Muhammad, has just been matriculated into 100 Level, B.Eng. Aerospace Engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna. Watching him take this remarkable first step into his future fills me with both pride and nostalgia — it has taken me back more than 26 years, to the day I myself was matriculated into B.Eng. Water Resources and Environmental Engineering at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1999.

That moment in 1999 remains one of the most defining experiences of my life — and it was nothing short of a miracle. I can never forget how it all began. Just two days before my JAMB examinations, I fell seriously ill — struck by stomachache and diarrhea that left me weak and helpless. Somehow, I still managed to drag myself to the exam hall at Alhudahuda College. I struggled through English and Chemistry, barely touched Mathematics, and didn’t even open the Physics section. By all human reasoning, I had failed before I began.

But Allah’s mercy is beyond comprehension. When the results came out, I was stunned to see 30 points in Physics, and the other subjects making up an aggregate of 180 — the exact minimum score required for university admission. It remains one of the lowest JAMB scores ever admitted into ABU that year. Yet, with that “impossible” score, I made it into the second admission list of the 1998–1999 session.

And the story didn’t end there — with that humble beginning, I went on to graduate at the top of my class, another miracle that could only have been made possible by Allah’s grace. Indeed, my journey has been a living testimony of the saying, “From grass to grace.”

Looking back today, as I watch my son take his first steps on his own academic journey, I am filled with gratitude. Alhamdulillah for Allah’s unfailing mercy, for the unseen hands that lifted me when I could not stand, and for every stage of grace that has followed since.

I can humbly say that by Allah’s mercy, I have fulfilled all my life ambitions. Yet, my greatest joy today is to see my children beginning their own journeys with hope, faith, and purpose.

So, as I celebrate Muhammad’s matriculation, my heart overflows with dua — that Allah, the Most Merciful, grants him the same divine grace that carried me through, and blesses him to fulfill his ambitions just as I have fulfilled mine. And may this prayer extend to his 10 younger siblings, that each of them may find success, peace, and purpose in all their endeavors.

Indeed, when Allah decrees a thing, He only says to it: “Be,” and it is.

Alhamdulillah for His mercy, guidance, and grace that never ends.

I’m Not a Stock Market Expert — Just a Curious Engineer on a Journey of Financial Discovery

After my recent article encouraging people to consider investing in stocks, I received several messages from individuals asking me to mentor them in stock investing. That really humbled me — but let me be honest with you: I am not a stock market expert.

By profession, I am an academic and a civil engineer, specializing in environmental and water resources engineering. My journey into the stock market didn’t begin with any formal financial background — it began with curiosity.

In May 2024, I decided to start buying a few shares, not with the intention of becoming an investor overnight, but simply to experiment — to test whether it’s really possible to diversify income through passive means.

Eight months later, when I checked the values of those shares, I was pleasantly surprised. Some had grown between 17% and 84% — without me lifting a finger! After a full year, a few of them had appreciated by more than 400%, with an average gain of about 100%.

That experience completely changed my perception of the stock market. I realized that while it’s not a “get-rich-quick” system, it rewards patience, observation, and informed decision-making.

So, in September 2025, I made a personal decision: to study the stock market seriously — not as a trader, but as a lifelong learner who loves to understand how systems work with the hope of becoming an investor.

Every day, I now take time to monitor stock movements, study charts, and try to understand how numbers rise and fall in response to:

•⁠  ⁠Investor sentiments

•⁠  ⁠Government policies

•⁠  ⁠Company reports and earnings

•⁠  ⁠Market corrections and global trends

I’ve also developed an interest in understanding how professionals use upside and downside potentials to issue BUY, SELL, or HOLD recommendations. I try to identify their strengths and practical limitations, and how these metrics evolve based on market realities.

To enrich my understanding, I regularly:

✅ Attend paid webinars hosted by expert traders and stockbrokers

✅ Watch YouTube channels that simplify investing concepts

✅ Read financial reports, analyses, and commentaries from credible sources

All of this, not because I want to become a professional stock analyst — but because I believe that financial literacy is no longer optional. Whether you’re an engineer, teacher, doctor, or student, you owe it to yourself to understand how money works, how it grows, and how to make it work for you.

The stock market may look intimidating at first, but with consistency, curiosity, and a learning mindset, it becomes one of the most rewarding classrooms you can ever enter.

So, no, I am not an expert — but I am a student of the market, and every day brings a new lesson worth learning.

When Engineering Meets Accounting: My Humbling Encounter with Debit and Credit

When you study a science or an applied science-based discipline like engineering, you often develop a subtle tendency to look down on non-science-based courses such as business, arts, or humanities. You feel, perhaps unconsciously, that since you’ve survived the “hard stuff,” everything else should be easier to grasp.

But life has a way of humbling us.

While it’s true that sharp and versatile minds can pick up concepts from outside their domains quite easily, I must confess — venturing into non-science territories hasn’t been that easy for me. Yet, in this complex and interconnected world, thriving requires at least a basic understanding of ideas drawn from multiple disciplines.

Recently, my growing interest in the stock market has pushed me to explore business news, company financial reports, and market analyses more deeply. That curiosity led me to take a closer look at economics and accounting fundamentals — and that’s where I met my match! 😅

One of the most basic accounting concepts — debit and credit — that I thought I already understood from my bank alerts suddenly became confusing in the accounting world. In banking, when money leaves my account, it’s shown as a debit; when money enters, it’s a credit. Simple, right?

But in an accounting balance sheet, these terms take on an entirely different meaning! Now I’m scratching my head trying to reconcile my “bank alert understanding” with the “T-table accounting reality.”

So, my dear friends in accounting and business — I officially call for reinforcements! 😂

Please come to my rescue and help me harmonize these two worlds of debit and credit.

The journey of learning never ends — and sometimes, it takes stepping outside your comfort zone to realize how much there’s still to learn.

Yes, I’m Back to Encourage You to Invest in Stocks

Before anything else, let me be clear — this is not financial advice. I’m only sharing some mind-blowing experiences I’ve gathered from closely monitoring the stock market from September to date.

I’m not a big investor. In fact, earlier this year (January), I wrote an article sharing my six-month experience of simply observing how stocks behave. But something happened in August that reignited my curiosity — a friend told me that some stocks can actually appreciate by more than 50% in just three months.

Honestly, that sounded like a scam to me. I mean, I know stocks can double (or more) in a year, but 50% in three months? That felt like a stretch.

So, I decided to test it myself — monitoring stock prices daily to verify his claim. And guess what? The reality turned out to be even more shocking than what my friend said.

👉 I found out that some stocks can surge over 50 to 100% in just one month!

👉 Some have even soared over 600% in just 9 months!

These aren’t random numbers — they’re real figures drawn from actual stock performance data in January, August, and September, as well as top gainers from January to September this year. Don’t take my words for it. Carefully study each of these factual figures yourself.

Of course, prices fluctuate daily — some rise while others fall — but with patience, discipline, and the right knowledge of fundamentals and technicals, the stock market can reward you beyond imagination.

The key is simple: choose wisely and think long-term.

With the right mindset, your money can literally start working for you while you sleep.

So, if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, this might be your reminder:

The earlier you start learning and investing, the earlier you can start earning from the power of compounding growth.

Lafiyar ‘Ya Mace Jari

Wannan shiri mai suna a sama, sabon shiri ne wanda daya daga cikin mata na Dr. Fatima Mahmud, kwararriyar likitan mata da haihuwa wato Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist take gabatarwa duk ranar lahadi tare da Hannatu Aminu Yero, kwararriyar malaman jinya wato Nurse. Dukkanin su su biyun, ma’aikata ne a asibitin koyarwa a ABU wanda ke Shika wato ABUTH.

 

Shirin ya shafi lafiyar ‘ya mace ne, lalurorin mata na yau da kullum tare da lalurorin su wanda ya shafi haihuwa. Mata, ‘yan mata har da iyaye manya za su qaru sosai da bayanan da ake tattaunawa a cikin wannan shirin. Kai har ma maza za su qaru da wasu daga cikin bayanan. Ga lamban wayan da za a iya tura tambayoyi ta WhatsApp: 08143646953 domin a karanta su a cikin shiri mai zuwa.

 

Izuwa yanzu, sun gabatar da shiri guda tara (9) wadanda suke tare da wannan saqon, sannan kuma za ku iya samun wadannan shirye-shiryen tare da wasu shirye-shiryen da suka shafi mata da haihuwa a shafikan sada zumunci mai suna Meet the OBGYN (MTO) a Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, da TikTok a adireshin su ko page kamar haka.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drfatimamahmud/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drfatimamahmud

Instagram: Meet the OBGYN

TikTok: Meet the OBGYN

Two Touchpad Shortcuts I Wish I Had Known Earlier

Getting my first MacBook opened my eyes to something I completely overlooked on my old Windows laptop — two-finger gestures!

1️⃣ Two-finger scroll – Instead of dragging the side scroll bar, you can simply slide two fingers up or down on the touchpad.

2️⃣ Two-finger pinch to zoom – Just like on a phone screen, you can pinch in or out to zoom on documents, browsers, or images.

These two simple shortcuts have completely changed how I use my laptop. In fact, they’ve made me stop missing my Samsung touchscreen — the touchpad feels just as intuitive now!

If you’re still unaware of these gestures (like I was 😅), take a few minutes to learn and practice them properly. Trust me, once you get used to it, your touchpad experience will feel fantastic — and you might even find using a mouse less appealing.

How Mathematics Saved My Suitcase

By: Dr. Salihu Lukman

 

When I checked in my suitcase for an air journey with two transits and three different aircraft, I thought the only challenges ahead would be the layovers. I was wrong. Upon arrival, I reached for my suitcase and discovered that two of its three coded locks would not open. Somewhere in the chaos of luggage handling, the preset codes I had chosen were mysteriously altered.

Panic was my first companion. The suitcase was quality, expensive, and filled with valuable items. My options? Force the locks open — which would almost certainly ruin the case — or think my way out of this.

That’s when my practical knowledge of mathematics came to the rescue. I recalled the concept of permutations with repetition:

If you have n possible digits and r positions, the total possible arrangements are n^r (n raised to the power of r).

 

For my 3-digit locks:

10^3=1000 possible combinations, from 000 to 999

 

 

Let me break this point further using the probability concept. For a 3-digit lock with codes from 000 to 999, there are 1,000 equally likely possibilities, so the chance of hitting the correct code on your very first try is just 1 in 1,000 (0.1%). If you test codes systematically without repeating any, the probability of success increases evenly with each attempt — after 100 unique tries, you have a 10% chance, after 500 tries it’s 50%, and by the time you reach 999 tries you are certain to succeed on the last one.

 

Instead of aimlessly spinning numbers, I approached the task with systematic precision — cycling through combinations in an orderly sequence, ensuring no possibility was missed, and focusing on efficiency. It was the correction permutation method in action. Within a surprisingly short time, both altered locks clicked open.

 

I saved the locks. I saved the suitcase. But more than that, I had a moment of deep appreciation for the elegance of mathematics.

 

People often see mathematics as abstract or distant from daily life, but it is the very language of the universe. From the arrangement of petals on a flower, to the trajectory of planets, to the decoding of a lock on a suitcase — mathematics quietly governs the rules. The permutations I used that day are the same principles behind encryption systems, genetic sequencing, and even the way nature explores possibilities in its patterns.

 

That moment reminded me: mathematics is not just about numbers. It is a tool for survival, understanding, and mastery in the world around us.

 

So the next time someone tells you, “I’ll never use this in real life,” tell them about my suitcase. Tell them how numbers kept me from destroying something precious. Tell them mathematics is not just in the classroom — it’s in the locks we open, the journeys we take, and the universe we live in.

 

My Daughters, Maryam and Halima, Led the Charge to Victory at the STEM Creativity Festival 6.0!

 By: Dr. Salihu Lukman

The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) Creativity Festival 6.0 was an absolute triumph, and my heart is overflowing with pride for my daughters, Maryam and Halima, both SS1 students! Alongside their brilliant teammates, Abdulwasiu and Muhammad, from the Kids Coding & Robotics program of BT-Hub Zaria, they didn't just participate; they dominated the competition, ultimately securing the Overall 1st Position!

 

Astonishing Presentation of Their Innovation

On 3 June 2025, at Yar'adua Hall, Murtala Square in Kaduna City, Edunoid AI Team (representing BT-Hub) showcased their innovation: the EDUNOID AI TEACHER – Your Humanoid Teacher for Quality Education. This isn't just a concept; it's a functional robot, built using Arduino kits and powered by a Large Language Model (LLM) AI, existing as both a humanoid and application software.

Watch her presentation here: https://youtu.be/D2AvOQPDPn0

Imagine a robot that can:

• Teach and answer academic questions across various subjects.
• Act as an interactive peer, combating loneliness and promoting positive interactions.
• Serve as a digital guardian and counselor, offering personalized advice and support.

This is the future our children are building!

The competition was fierce, with esteemed institutions like Ahmadu Bello University, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, and the Nigeria Defence Academy, along with numerous other schools, hubs, and startups, vying for top honors. But it was our children, and my daughter Maryam, as the team lead, who truly captivated the judges. Her presentation of the Edunoid AI Teacher was nothing short of astonishing. One judge was so mesmerized that he exclaimed, "You are answering like an AI!" – a testament to Maryam's clarity, confidence, and profound understanding of their creation.

 

A Day of Immense Pride: The Award Ceremony

Yesterday, in commemoration of World Youth Skills Day, I had the immense joy of attending the award ceremony with their mothers. To see Maryam and Halima, two of the four BT-Hub team members, step forward to receive their well-deserved awards from Kaduna State’s Honorable Commissioner for Youth was an emotional and unforgettable moment. Their hard work, dedication, and boundless creativity were officially recognized on a grand stage.

Watch Maryam's presentation on the stage here: https://youtu.be/FWwfrWTocoA

Watch the young innovators receiving their 1st position prizes: https://youtu.be/M6SoQIo5dUs 

 

A huge thank you to KAD ICT Hub and, by extension, Engr. Yusuf Bashir its CEO for consistently organizing such a powerful event that ignites and drives STEM innovation in Kaduna. This is precisely what they do at BT-Hub: to empower children, give them the chance to grow, shine, and truly believe in their limitless potential. Thank you, BT-Hub instructors and CEO – Abdulmuqeet bin Hussain – for your enormous support and enthusiasm toward achieving this feat. May you be rewarded beyond measure.

 

Join us in celebrating the incredible success of our BT-HUB kids in technology! The future is bright, and it's being shaped by these brilliant young minds and their instructors. 

Watch the innovators taking a photoshoot: https://youtu.be/Fs4oX7R5Id8

Re: Arewa People - Who is Dr. Salihu Lukman

 Abdurrashid Haruna’s original post

Arewa People

Who is Dr. Salihu Lukman?

Dr. Salihu Lukman was born in Zaria City, Nigeria. He is a distinguished academic, researcher, civil engineer, and mentor who has built a career both within Nigeria and abroad. He began his early academic journey at L.E.A. Primary School, Rimin Tsiwa, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1991. He continued at Government Secondary School (GSS) Tukur-Tukur Zaria, and graduated in 1997. Throughout his student career, he was one of the most brilliant students. He later gained admission at the famous Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he earned both his B.Eng. and MSc. degrees in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering in 2004 and 2009, respectively. His pursuit of excellence led him to earn his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering) from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) in Saudi Arabia in 2013, one of the world’s top-ranked universities.

Immediately after completing his mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Dr. Lukman was retained as an Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, ABU Zaria in 2006. Following the successful completion of his Ph.D. with first-class distinction in just three years, he was again immediately appointed as the pioneer Assistant Professor and later Head of the Civil Engineering Department at the newly established University of Hafr Al-Batin (UHB) in Saudi Arabia. Remarkably, Dr. Lukman became the first African to head the Departments of Mechanical, Civil, and Chemical Engineering at UHB. Under his leadership, these departments achieved notable milestones.

Dr. Lukman has conducted groundbreaking research that has significantly advanced understanding in the fields of soil remediation, water quality, and environmental pollution control. He is a prolific researcher with over 90 peer-reviewed journal articles, edited book chapters, and numerous contributions to local and international conferences. He has successfully supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students both in Nigeria and abroad. As an inventor, he has discovered saline-sodic soil and pioneered its characterization and subsequent remediation using the Lasagna Process.

He secured a fully funded, competitive Ph.D. scholarship at KFUPM and has led numerous projects both in Nigeria and internationally. At UHB, he played a key role in establishing several academic programs, recruiting international faculty, aligning curricula with global accreditation standards, and overseeing both diploma and undergraduate engineering programs. His leadership has been felt across numerous committees related to curriculum development, faculty promotion, and academic accreditation.

Beyond the academic world, Dr. Lukman is deeply committed to social and humanitarian efforts. He is the founder of the Diabetic Monitoring Forum (DMF), through which he shares his personal journey of reversing Type 2 diabetes via diet and lifestyle changes. His work through DMF has helped many regain their health. He is also the sole custodian of the late Sheikh Albani Zaria’s lessons on YouTube, hosting over 100,000 subscribers. Additionally, he created the Dr. Lukman’s Perspective (DLP) Show, a YouTube series that explores topics related to health, psychology, and social development.

Dr. Lukman has built several electronic libraries on platforms such as Telegram, freely sharing more than 50,000 academic and Islamic resources. He attended the famous Muslim Refresher Course Program (MRCP) in Zaria from 1995 - 1997 and is a co-founder of the well-known Muslim Special Training Centre (MSTC). He has taught in both MRCP and MSTC programs for several years. These charity organizations have trained individuals who now excel in science, the arts, and humanities, many of whom now serve across Nigeria and the globe.

His professional affiliations include corporate member, Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, and member of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, member of the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, fellow of the Strategic Institute for Natural Resources & Human Development, and corporate member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

Dr. Lukman has also contributed articles to newspapers and participated in radio interviews. His remarkable journey from classrooms and laboratories to digital platforms and community forums exemplifies a life of impact. Today, we celebrate Dr. Salihu Lukman who is a shining star and a rare blend of scholarly excellence, innovative leadership, and service to humanity. His legacy continues to inspire students, engineers, scientists, academics, and the wider public in Nigeria and abroad. He is happily married and blessed with children.

©Dr. A.H. Abulfikr

My response

I am truly overwhelmed, humbled, and deeply honored by this beautiful tribute. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Abdurrashid Haruna  for capturing my journey with such grace, detail, and sincerity.

To see one's humble beginnings in Zaria City remembered and woven into a narrative of growth and service is not just moving — it's a reminder of the power of purpose, mentorship, and the mercy of Allah in shaping our paths. I owe every step of progress to the guidance of Allah, the sacrifices of my parents and teachers, the support of colleagues, friends, and family, and the inspiration I constantly draw from my students and community.

This tribute is not just about me — it reflects the story of many young Nigerians who rise through adversity, fueled by faith, curiosity, and a burning desire to give back. It is also a testimony to the impact that platforms like MRCP, MSTC, ABU, and KFUPM have had in producing not only professionals, but purpose-driven individuals committed to knowledge and humanity.

To all those who have been part of my journey, and to those walking their own path — keep striving, keep serving, and never stop learning. Our success is not measured by titles alone, but by the light we pass on.

May Allah accept it all as a service to His cause, forgive my shortcomings, and grant us all beneficial knowledge and sincerity in action.

Jazakumullahu khayran.

— Dr. Salihu Lukman

Dr. Abdullahi Kilaco Usman’s comment

Mallam Salihu Lukman is a selfless mentor, a friend and an elder brother  who always looks out for me.

He taught me at MRCP, MSTC, and ABU.

To this day, a friend of mine (Ibrahim Momohjimoh) refers to him as "SARDAUNA" because of his unwavering commitment to helping Nigerians with every opportunity that comes his way.

Thank you Prof.

My response

Subhanallah, your words deeply humble me, Dr. Abdullahi Kilaco Usman. I’m truly honored and grateful to have walked part of your journey with you — from MRCP to MSTC to ABU. To be remembered not just as a teacher, but as a mentor, brother, and friend means more to me than words can express.

Please extend my warm regards to Ibrahim Momohjimoh — being called “Sardauna” is a title far greater than I deserve, but I cherish the sentiment and pray to live up to it in service and sincerity. May Allah continue to guide, uplift, and bless us all in our efforts to make a meaningful impact.

Prof. Usman Abubakar Zaria’s comment

Mal. Salihu Lukman is a gift that keeps giving. From childhood, Mal. Salihu Lukman  has radiated a rare passion for knowledge — and an even rarer passion for sharing it. Allah has surely blessed him with the gift to unravel complexities and communicate same  in simpler terms. 

May Allah expand your chest with wisdom, strengthen your health, and prolong your life.

You are a living hero and I’m always inspired when heroes like you are celebrated while they live.

My response

I’m truly humbled and moved by your words, Prof. To be seen in such a light is nothing short of a great trust and a reminder to keep striving sincerely. Alhamdulillah for the passion Allah placed in me — and even more for the opportunity to share it with others.

Ameen to your beautiful du’a. May Allah also bless you with wisdom, barakah, and strength, and make us all among those who leave behind legacies of knowledge, compassion, and service.

Your words are more than encouragement — they are fuel to keep giving. Jazakallahu khayran for celebrating me in life. It means more than I can express.

Hamisu Adamu Dandajeh’ comment

Prof. Salihu Lukman is among the very few who taught us Physics in our early SS1 days at MRCP. He served as a strong pillar in our understanding of Mechanics. With Prof., you were very sure to learn two things: Physics and English. He has an excellent command of the English language, which was rather strange and unusual for science teachers. 

For all these years of free teaching, Prof. continued with his mentorship, sharing opportunities with us as soon as he had them. He has proven to be consistently selfless, progressive, and patriotic to the cause. He has a penchant for learning, teaching, and knowledge sharing across diverse fields and has remained fairly consistent over a long time. 

Congratulations, Prof. Salihu Lukman. Your story speaks for itself. Take your flowers; you have earned them. 

H A. Dandajeh

My response

I am deeply touched and honored by your words, Dr. To be remembered in such a heartfelt and thoughtful tribute, especially by someone as insightful as you, is a blessing I do not take lightly.

Alhamdulillah for the opportunity to serve through teaching and mentorship from our MRCP days, and I’m grateful that the little seeds we planted back then have grown into something meaningful in your life and others. Your mention of learning both Physics and English truly made me smile — because, to me, clear communication is the bridge that connects knowledge to the heart and mind.

Consistency, selflessness, and patriotism are ideals I strive for, and I’m humbled to know that they’ve been seen and appreciated. Allah knows how much joy I find in sharing knowledge and opportunities — and your recognition means more than words can express.

Thank you sincerely for this tribute. I pray Allah continues to guide our paths, preserve our sincerity, and make our knowledge a light for others. Jazakallahu khayran, and may we all continue to impact lives in whatever capacity Allah grants us.

Dr. Aliyu Ishaq’s comment

Mallam indeed. Allah yakarama rayuwa Albarka. I was privileged to be one of his students at both Refresher and ABU Zaria. Mallam was part of my supervisory team during Msc study. Mallam gave me ideas or breakthrough when I was stocked during my PhD study. I have benefited from his research knowledge, life experience and motivational skills. Addua na ga mallam Allah ya albarkaci Zuriyarsa. Allah yasa mallam acikin aljanna firdaus. Amin

My response

Ameen, ya Rabb. Your message truly touches my heart, Dr. Alhamdulillah for the privilege of walking part of your academic journey with you — from Refresher to ABU and beyond. It brings me immense joy and gratitude to know that the little support I could offer made a meaningful difference in your growth.

May Allah continue to bless your knowledge, uplift your path, and grant you even greater breakthroughs ahead. Ameen to your beautiful du’a — may Allah also bless your family, and may we all be united in Aljannatul Firdaus. Jazakallahu khayran for your heartfelt words.

Prof. Kaisan Muhammad Usman’s 1st comment

MashaAllah Tabaarakallah

Professor Salihu Lukman was one of the founders and principal tutors of MSS, AMES (Association of Muslim Engineering Students, now National Association of Muslim Engineering and Technology Students ABUZaria ) tutorials in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

His contributions are remarkable and courses like Strength of Materials, FORTRAN, Circuit Theory, Structural Analysis, PHYS 131, PHYS 122, CHEM 101, CHEM 132, MATH 105, MATH 104, MATH 341,.......were made easy for fellow students by Malam Salihu.

My response

Masha Allah, your words, Prof., bring back a flood of heartfelt memories and deep gratitude. I’m truly honored and humbled by your kind reflection. Alhamdulillah, being part of the founding team and serving as a tutor in MSS/AMES (now NAMETS) at ABU Zaria was one of the most meaningful and rewarding chapters of my life. It was a labor of love — born from our shared vision to uplift one another academically and spiritually.

To hear that those tutorial sessions helped make such challenging courses easier is the true reward. I ask Allah to accept it as sadaqatul jariyah, forgive our shortcomings, and continue to strengthen the legacy of NAMETS in producing engineers grounded in both excellence and Islamic values.

Jazakumullahu khayran for your du’a and kind words.

اللهم اجعلنا ممن علم فانتفع ونفع، واجعل علمنا حجة لنا لا علينا. آمين.

Prof. Kaisan Muhammad Usman’s 2nd comment

وأنتم فجزاكم الله خيرا وبارك الله فيكم

We are some of the earliest beneficiaries of those Tutorials. I remember following you home at Anguwar Alkali on so many occasions for further consultations on some of those subjects. I equally disturbed Professor Kabir Ahmad Abubilal too, going up to Tudunwada for similar tutorials, none of the two has ever complained about my disturbances at all.

May Allah SWT bless your efforts and grant your wishes both here and the hereafter.

My response

Jazakumullahu khayran, Prof., for remembering those early days with such warmth. It was truly a pleasure and an honour to support passionate students like you — your eagerness to learn made every moment worthwhile.

I fondly remember those days at Anguwar Alkali, and I’m sure Prof. Kabir Ahmad Abubilal would say the same about Tudunwada. We never saw your questions as disturbances — rather, they were signs of a committed mind determined to grow, and we were always glad to help.

Ameen to your heartfelt du’a. May Allah continue to bless your path, accept our humble efforts, and reunite us all in Jannatul Firdaus.

National Association of Muslim Engineering and Technology Students ABUZaria’s comment

To the noble pioneers who laid the foundation of NAMETS Tutorials —

Your vision, effort, and sacrifice have grown into a lasting legacy. What you started continues to benefit generations of students, spiritually and academically. Indeed, it is a Sadaqah Jariyah in motion.

May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala preserve you for the Ummah, reward you abundantly, and make this noble work a light for you in both worlds.

Ameen.

My response 

Ameen, ya Rabb — Jazakumullahu khayran for this incredibly humbling and heartwarming message. Your words beautifully capture the essence of what we hoped to achieve with NAMETS Tutorials — a small effort driven by sincerity, which by Allah's mercy, has grown into something far beyond what we imagined.

To see it continue to benefit generations of students — both spiritually and academically — is a reminder that when we plant seeds for the sake of Allah, He nurtures them in ways beyond our control.

May Allah accept it from all of us as Sadaqah Jariyah, purify our intentions, preserve this legacy, and grant light, guidance, and barakah to everyone who contributed — past, present, and future.

Thank you for your beautiful du'a and kind recognition. May Allah reward you abundantly as well. Ameen.

Suleiman Yusuf’s comment

Tabatakallah Masha Allah ubangiji ya sanya Albarka Amen. My respected physics teacher more love

My response

Ameen, ya Rabb! Thank you so much for your kind and heartfelt words. I'm truly honored to have been your physics teacher, and even more grateful for the love and respect. May Allah bless you abundantly, increase you in knowledge and wisdom, and place barakah in all that you do. Much love and du’a always!

Suleiman Musa Ajasco’s comment

The profile is rich and his philantrophic tendency and his prolific research discovery persist to benefit Nigeria and tye world at large. He is unique to be frank on the academic angle. He deserves a credit academically and humanitarian ily

My response

I’m truly humbled by your generous words. Alhamdulillah, whatever good you’ve seen is purely by the mercy and guidance of Allah (SWT) — and I pray He accepts it, purifies my intentions, and allows me to continue contributing both academically and in service to humanity.

Your encouragement is not only uplifting, but also a reminder that the true worth of knowledge is measured by its impact — on individuals, communities, and the world at large. I pray Allah grants us all the ability to use whatever He has blessed us with to make meaningful contributions that transcend borders and time.

Jazakallahu khayran for your kind words and prayers. May Allah bless you abundantly, and may we all be sources of benefit to Nigeria and the world, both academically and humanitarily.

Lawal Akibu’s comment

Masha Allah.

Pls share a link to all the channels and knowledge repository for us to benefit from it

My response 

1. My YouTube channel that contains late Sheikh Albani’s collections, Dr. Lukman’s Perspective (DLP) Show and other interesting playlists: https://www.youtube.com/c/SalihuLukmanPhD

2. Diabetic Monitoring Forum (DMF) open Telegram channel that contains all my posts and presentations on how to reverse type 2 diabetes: https://t.me/diabeticmonitoringforum2

3. E-libraries: My 3 e-library public channels on Telegram that contains more than 50,000 titles from my ebook collections.

i) Mobile library: https://t.me/elibrary_mobile 

ii) Mobile Islamic English Library: https://t.me/islamicenglishlibrary_drlukman 

iii) WREE (Water Resources and Environmental Engineering) Theses & Dissertations: https://t.me/wreethesesanddissertations 

Sani Adamu’s comment

We thank Allah, the Almighty, for the gift of the generous genius in your person, Dr Salihu Lukman , in our northern society. Your generosity in sharing from your academic knowledge and time to make others discover their hidden talents for them to also live purposeful and impactful lives in their communities, stand out.

May Allah grant you long life, good health, intellectual strength to continue to b be break barriers in all fields of endeavor, with an ever deepening wisdom for you to continue to make your marks, not only back home in your local community but, also, in the scientific world.

You inspire all, including some us who are on the disadvantaged sides of our ages and, so, too late to make giant leaps to become inspiration academics, in like you are.

My response

I am truly humbled and overwhelmed by your generous and deeply thoughtful words. Alhamdulillah, all praise belongs to Allah (SWT) alone, who grants us opportunities to serve, share, and inspire — may He accept it from us as sincere service to His cause.

Your reflection beautifully reminds me that the true value of knowledge is not in keeping it, but in spreading it — empowering others to discover their own potential and live purposefully. If Allah has allowed me to contribute, even in a small way, to that noble goal, then I am indeed grateful beyond words.

As for being “too late”, I truly disagree. The pursuit of knowledge, no matter the age, leaves lasting marks — not only for ourselves, but for generations to come. Inspiration knows no age limit, and by simply encouraging, guiding, and sharing your experiences, you are already shaping others' paths.

Ameen to your heartfelt du’a. May Allah grant us all long life filled with barakah, good health, and wisdom, and may He continue to guide us to be of service both at home and globally.

Jazakumullahu khayran for your kind words — they mean more than I can express. 

The Psychology of Risk: Why Some Dare Greatly — and Others Hesitate

By: Dr. Salihu Lukman

Preamble

In response to a powerful post by Dr. Usman Isyaku on risk-taking and the fear of regret, I shared my thoughts exploring how our personalities and even psychological struggles shape our approach to risk. I titled my response "The Psychology of Risk: Why Some Dare Greatly — and Others Hesitate" because it reflects the deeper forces — both internal and psychological — that influence why some boldly chase the impossible, while others find themselves stuck on the sidelines. Identify which side you are and strive to strike a balance accordingly.

Usman Isyaku’s Post

The biggest risk in life is not failing at something big, it is regret of not trying. Take a shot at something that seems impossible to achieve. Build it brick by brick and watch it grow beyond your imagination. The people who chose comfort over risk end up envying those who didn't. You either go big or you regret it. Good morning!

My Response

Brilliantly said! Your words strike at the very heart of human potential — and human hesitation. Risk is the defining boundary between who we are today and who we could become. But how we approach that boundary is largely shaped by deep-rooted parts of our personality and even our mental state.

Einstein's famous reminder that “If at first an idea doesn't sound absurd, then there's no hope for it” captures the raw truth that groundbreaking success often wears the disguise of impossibility. But what determines whether we dare to chase that "absurd" idea — or retreat into comfort — is far from random.

Some people are naturally wired for bold moves. Those high in sensation-seeking, extraversion, and low in harm avoidance thrive on uncertainty. Entrepreneurs who build empires, innovators who rewrite the rules, even the daring leaders who transform industries — many of them carry within them that hunger for challenge, the thrill of the unknown. Even certain disorders like bipolar (during manic or hypomanic phases) or ADHD can fuel bursts of bold, risk-driven action — though usually without balance, such energy can also lead to reckless decisions.

On the flip side, it's crucial to acknowledge that not everyone avoids risk out of laziness or weakness. Some are held back by invisible chains — deep-seated anxiety, high conscientiousness, or disorders like GAD, OCD, or avoidant personality traits. For them, risk doesn't look like an exciting leap — it looks like a terrifying abyss. Their minds are wired to see every potential failure, every uncertain outcome magnified to overwhelming proportions.

But here's the beauty of human growth: risk-taking isn’t just for the naturally fearless. Even those cautious by nature can choose to take calculated risks. You don’t have to bet the whole farm on one throw of the dice. You can, as you perfectly put it, “build it brick by brick and watch it grow beyond your imagination.”

The real tragedy isn't failure — it’s regret. It's the quiet, gnawing question of “What if I had tried?” And that regret doesn't spare the cautious, the anxious, or even the successful — because comfort zones are prisons that grow tighter over time.

So whether you're wired for boldness or for caution, the challenge remains the same: face the risk that matters to you. For the fearless, temper your leaps with wisdom. For the anxious, start with small steps beyond your comfort zone. Either way, the path to growth demands that we step beyond what's certain.

As they say, “You either go big, or you regret it.” But "going big" doesn't always mean reckless; sometimes, it's the quiet, stubborn courage to chase an "absurd" idea — one brick at a time.

Good morning, and may today bring the courage to risk wisely — and live without regret.