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.

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.

Politics Nigeria

Dangote Cement Plc in Gboko, Benue State, has scaled up its social responsibility schemes for its host communities, the company said.

In a statement from its Branding and Corporate Communications Department, Dangote Cement highlighted its expanded interventions as part of the company’s observance of Global Sustainability Week.

“Dangote Cement Plc, Gboko is committed to addressing the impact of its activities and contributing to sustainable development through projects and initiatives that promote safe, inclusive, and sustainable communities,” the statement read.

It also noted that beyond the annual Sustainability Week initiatives, which include medical and charity outreach programs, the Sustainability Champions in Gboko serve as role models for students, making a positive impact on their lives. The company engages students through environment clubs established in local schools during World Environment Day, which are used for educational and engagement sessions.

Empowering women remains a key focus of the company’s programs in the community, the statement added.

This year’s Sustainability Week was officially launched on Monday in Gboko by the Plant Director, Engr. Louis K. Raj, who emphasized that Dangote Cement is one of the most socially responsible companies in Nigeria.

According to the statement, several programs were being implemented in Gboko communities to commemorate the week, including training in liquid soap and Vaseline production, school mentoring, medical outreach, and donations to orphanages, among other activities.

It quoted President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, as encouraging businesses to adopt energy efficiency practices in light of the ongoing global climate crisis.

Head, Sustainability at Dangote Cement Plc, Dr. Igazeuma Okoroba had said the manufacturing giant was committed to sustainability, adding that this year’s sustainability afforded the Cement Company another opportunity “to demonstrate our love for humanity by sharing our sustainability message and showing support to the residents of our host communities.”