Voice of African Universities has called on the Nigerian Government to appoint  Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as the substantive Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja.

The call was made by Prof. Mamadou Camara, the Deputy Vice President of the Association (West Africa), in a statement he issued on Wednesday in Marseille, France.

Prof. Camara emphasized the necessity of this endorsement, noting that Professor Maikudi possesses the qualifications and vision required to lead the University into a progressive future.

He noted that the 41-year-old Professor of International Law, Professor Maikudi, would bring an outstanding blend of academic excellence, leadership experience, and international connections to this vital role.

According to him, her impressive academic credentials and global network have been instrumental in advancing the interests of the University of Abuja.

Prof. Camara condemned the ongoing smear campaign against her candidacy, which has been orchestrated by some individuals questioning her age and gender.

He described these attacks as anti-modern and counterproductive to the advancement of education in Nigeria

“Detractors claim she is too young and suggest that a woman cannot hold such a prestigious office. This argument is not only intellectually dishonest but also steeped in hypocrisy,” Prof. Camara added.

While the Voice of African Universities condemned the unfounded attacks on her candidacy, the association called for a fair and transparent selection process that upholds the values of excellence and meritocracy.

The association restated its stance to support the candidacy of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi for the substantive position of Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja.

Prof. Camara added that even though the power to appoint a VC rests with the Governing Council of the university, the Nigerian Ministry of Education and other stakeholders should ensure that fairness and due process are followed in the selection process.

A Kano High Court No. 4, presided over by Justice Usman Malam Naabba, has granted a restraining order stopping the Federal Government from erecting railway construction on people’s land at Kuyan Ta Inna layout in Kano.

Justice Usman Malam Naabba issued the order on Thursday, October 17th.

Briefing newsmen after the court session, counsel to the applicants, Barrister Umar Usman Dan Baito, explained that the applicants’ prayer was to restrain the respondents from trespassing, taking over, or erecting a railway on the applicants’ properties until the hearing of the motion on notice.

Barrister Dan Baito stated that the court, presided over by Justice Naabba, has granted the order, restraining the respondents from meddling with or interfering in the peaceful possession of the applicants’ various landed properties at Kuyan Ta Inna layout in Kano. The court has adjourned the case to November 18, 2024.

The applicants

The defendants in the suit include the Federal Ministry of Transport, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, the Director of the Department of State Security Services, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and a businessman operating under a business name.

Barrister Dan Baito added that the applicants are 75 in number.

Adejumo Lateef, one of the Yoruba Nation agitators, has passed away while in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Services, as revealed during a court hearing on Wednesday.

Lateef was the 18th defendant among 27 facing charges of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and treason, in connection to the April 2024 invasion of the Oyo State government Secretariat in an attempt to declare the Yoruba Nation (Oodua Republic).

The defendants (1- 27) facing trial include Adeyemo Peter, Adeyemo Joseph, Amos Oluwaseyi Ogundeji, Ayanwale Rofiat, Olalere Mathew and Ismaila Malomo Peter.

Others are Fatoki Anthony, Murittala Abefe, Ismaila Adepoju, Fatunmbi Wasiu, Isaac Friday, Ayanwale Saburi, Adeola Elegbede, Ademola Adeniyi, Ogundeji Alabi, Ojo Olufemi, Ajani Ezekiel, Adejumo Lateef and Ayoola David.

The list also includes Adesokan Hameed, Adesokan Hameed, Abiona Esther, Omoyajowo Funsho, Tola Olufemi, Oritola Alabi, Kayode Fakeye and Taiwo Titilayo.

The suspects were arraigned on five count charges of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful assembly, treasonable felony and treason.

The case is being presided over by Justice K. B. Olawoyin at the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan.

In his ruling, Justice Olawoyin adjourned the case to November 6, 8 and 13 for arraignment and hearing.

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