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Voice of African Universities Defends University of Abuja VC Amid Controversial Petition

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A group, the Voice of African Universities (VAU) has labelled a petition submitted to the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, alleging a breach of federal guidelines in the appointment of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, as baseless and archaic.

The group in a press statement sent to the press on Thursday and signed by its Director Public Relations, Jean Luck Aglogan, said the controversial petition hinges on a primitive argument that a Vice-Chancellor must possess 10 years of post-professorial experience.

“This outdated notion undermines the evolution of global academia, where merit and innovative leadership have become the hallmarks of university administration. The issue of years post professorial experience is an old thing as even in Nigeria, there are many universities whose Vice Chancellors were appointed without such clause and a typical example is the Usman Danfodio University Sokoto,” it said.

VAU emphasized that Professor Maikudi’s extensive leadership experience far surpasses the traditional requirement. “Her cumulative roles as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Head of the Department of Public Law more than qualify her for the position,” the group argued stating that to insist on such limiting requirements in the 21st century is both regressive and counterproductive.

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Highlighting Professor Maikudi’s international reputation and contributions to the evolution of the university of Abuja since assuming office, the group said, “under her leadership, the University of Abuja has gained visibility on the global stage. She represented the institution at conferences in Japan and Paris, effectively positioning it as a hub of excellence. Before her tenure, many didn’t even recognize the university’s potential.”

In an appeal to the minister, VAU urged the Minister to adopt a forward-thinking approach in handling the petition, stating that, “as a scholar with international exposure, particularly in the United States, the Minister understands the need for innovative leadership in academia. We call on him to revisit outdated laws like the 10-year post-professorial requirement, which exclude many of the brightest minds from contributing to university leadership,” the group said.

The VAU further alleged that the petition was driven by ulterior motives, accusing the Chairman of the Governing Council, Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Isma’ila Kaita (Rtd), of orchestrating a campaign to discredit Professor Maikudi. “It is no secret that Professor Maikudi’s refusal to succumb to Kaita’s militaristic style of governance has made her a target by him,” the group claimed.

They also criticized the broader trend of appointing retired military personnel as pro-chancellors of universities, stating that universities are centers of knowledge and innovation, not military barracks and as such the imposition of a rigid, hierarchical approach stifles academic freedom and development.

The group concluded by reaffirming its support for Professor Maikudi’s confirmation as the substantive Vice-Chancellor, expressing that by virtue of her education, experience, and vision, Professor Maikudi is the ideal leader for the University of Abuja.

“It is imperative that the Minister recognizes her contributions and elevates her to the position she rightfully deserves as the substantive vice chancellor of the university.”

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KEDCO Refutes Misleading Claims on Electricity Supply to Bayero University Kano

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Management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has refuted recent reports alleging that staff and students of Bayero University Kano (BUK) are grappling with unstable electricity supply.

 

This is contained in a statement signed by Sani Bala Sani Head of corporate communications Kano electricity Distribution Company.

Sani said the claims are false, misleading, and do not reflect the current reality of power supply to the institution.

Sani Bala said KEDCO is compelled to address the outright falsehoods in the claims made by sources from the institution in a recent report published by Daily Trust Newspaper titled: ‘How BUK’s Solar Project Collapsed, 2 Years After Commissioning’, on Saturday, 13th December 2025.

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According to Sani Bayero University Kano is supplied with Band A electricity supply, connected via the 33kV Rice Field Feeder, with a guaranteed minimum of 21 hours of electricity supply daily, in line with regulatory provisions. Records from KEDCO’s network operations clearly show consistent and reliable power delivery to the university’s main campuses.

The Head said recently a high-level engagements were held between the Management of Bayero University Kano and KEDCO, during which both parties reached a mutual understanding on strategic energy efficiency and cost-reduction measures. Chief among these resolutions is the separation of electricity supply to the staff quarters from the main academic complex, a step aimed at improving load management, transparency, and operational efficiency.

In line with this agreement, metering process has already commenced in the university’s staff quarters, covering both the old and new campuses and said the initiative will ensure accurate energy measurement, promote responsible consumption, and enhance service sustainability.

Sani Bala pointed out that KEDCO remains committed to providing reliable, quality, and transparent electricity supply to all its customers, including tertiary institutions. We encourage stakeholders and the general public to seek clarification from verified sources and avoid the dissemination of unverified reports that may cause unnecessary concern.

The company further pledges to work closely with Bayero University Kano and othe critical institutions to support uninterrupted academic and administrative activities through efficient power supply solutions.

He added that KEDCO remain committed to enhancing service delivery through continuous improvement in power supply, leveraging investment in network expansion and upgrades.

 

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Press Week: NUJ National President Inaugurates Kano Online Media Chapel Office

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As part of activities marking the celebration of Press Week 2025, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhasan Yahaya, has inaugurated the Online Media Chapel office at the headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kano Council.

Comrade Alhasan Yahaya, who was supported by the Chairman of the Kano Council of the NUJ, Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Dederi, and the Chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, said the NUJ constitution, which was amended, co-opted online journalist practitioners into the NUJ. One of the key requirements for being a member of the NUJ Online Chapel is to have CAC registration, and one must be an editor or reporter of online media.

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Comrade Alhasan said that very soon the Nigeria Union of Journalists will come up with a scheme to ensure Nigerian journalists get insurance due to the hazards of the job.

Alhasan Yahaya added that private establishment practitioners will also benefit from the insurance scheme as they work hard to project the image of Nigeria.

On his part, the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, said the establishment of the Online Media Chapel was done with good intention.

He said that very soon the Government of Kano State will organize a retreat for online journalists in Kano, which will be held outside the state.

During the Press Week, awards were given to the Director General of Media and Communication to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, among others.

The executives of the Online Media Chapel were inaugurated on the 27th of April at the Kano NUJ Press Center, led by Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo.

 

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Jigawa State Government to Renovate Government College Birnin Kudu

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Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has pledged to renovate the old premier Government College, Birnin Kudu, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening legacy educational institutions in the state.

The governor made the pledge during the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Birnin Kudu Old Boys Association (BIKOBA), held at the college premises. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim.

According to the governor, priority attention is being given to long-established schools because of their historical significance and the calibre of leaders they have produced over the years. He noted that the history of Jigawa State cannot be adequately told without reference to Government College Birnin Kudu, given the role its alumni have played in the state’s development.

In his address, the National President of BIKOBA, Alh. (Dr.) Ja’afar Usman Muhammad (Turakin Gaya), highlighted the association’s sustained commitment to the growth of its alma mater, working in synergy with government and development partners. He commended the Jigawa State Government under Governor Namadi for allocating funds for the renovation of the school, describing the intervention as timely in view of prevailing economic challenges.

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Dr. Muhammad outlined BIKOBA’s interventions over the years, including support for water supply, desks and chairs, hostel facilities, laboratories, medical supplies, learning materials, and sporting equipment. He also acknowledged the contributions of partners such as the Dangote Foundation, Ganduje Foundation, Qatar International, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as well as class chapters and individual members.

The BIKOBA president, however, drew attention to lingering infrastructural and administrative challenges facing the college, appealing for increased financial support to rehabilitate secretariats and address critical needs. These include the reconstruction of hostels gutted by fire, renovation of dilapidated classrooms and administrative blocks, upgrading of computer centres, staff quarters, the college mosque, and conference and dining halls. He also urged government authorities to investigate alleged lapses in admission practices and restore proper entry standards to safeguard the school’s academic quality.

Chairman of the occasion, Pharmacist Hashim Ubale Yusuf, called on individual members to continue supporting the alumni association, describing such commitment as a legacy and source of inspiration for younger generations.

Also speaking, a former President of BIKOBA, Colonel Umaru Malami, cautioned members to use their time judiciously to positively impact themselves and society. He described age as transient and urged adherence to values taught by Islam. Colonel Malami further called on governments at all levels to focus on people-centred policies capable of improving living standards, rather than making empty or unrealistic promises.

The AGM concluded with calls for collective responsibility in preserving the heritage and academic standards of Government College Birnin Kudu.

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