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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“This outdated notion undermines the evolution of global academia, where merit and innovative leadership have become the hallmarks of university administration.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 We call on him to revisit outdated laws like the 10-year post-professorial requirement, which exclude many of the brightest minds from contributing to university leadership,” the group said.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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Kano Emirate Crises: Justice Group Demands Action Over Alleged Disregard of Court Judgement by Kano NHRC Office

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The Justice and Equity Watch Group (JEWG) has raised concerns over an alleged disregard of a Federal High Court judgement by the Kano State office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
This was conveyed in an open letter addressed to the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu (SAN), urging swift action to address the matter.

The open letter, signed by JEWG’s Kano State Chairman Danjuma Habibu, highlighted a judgement by Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Federal High Court in Kano, which voided the reappointment of Muhammad Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano, on 20th June, 2024.
The judgement mandated a return to the status quo ante and nullified all actions taken after Sanusi’s purported reinstatement.

Despite the court’s ruling, JEWG alleges that the Kano NHRC office has shown bias by officially visiting Muhammad Sanusi II at the Emir’s Palace on December 5, 2024.
The visit, conducted in preparation for the International Human Rights Day celebration, is perceived by JEWG as an implicit recognition of Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, directly contradicting the court’s directive.

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The letter stated that “All security agencies in Kano have respected the court’s judgement, maintaining the status quo ante. However, the NHRC Kano office’s actions are a blatant disregard for this legal mandate.”

JEWG is calling on Mr. Ojukwu, known for his commitment to the rule of law, to investigate and sanction those responsible for what they term a “flagrant disrespect” of the judiciary.

The group emphasized the importance of upholding court rulings to maintain public confidence in the nation’s legal system.

“All eyes are on the Executive Secretary to ensure that the integrity of the judiciary is protected and that the NHRC Kano office aligns its actions with the principles of justice and equity,” the letter concluded.

The controversy surrounding the Kano Emirship tussle remains a sensitive issue, with stakeholders urging restraint and adherence to legal processes. Observers await the NHRC’s response to JEWG’s call for action.

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Governor and Emir Pay Last Respects to Late Chief of Staff

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Mustapha Alfanla (Kwara)

The Kwara state Governor Mal. Abdulrahman Abdurazaq alongside members of his cabinet joined the Emir of Ilorin HRH Alh Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari and other sympathizers to pay their last respects to the late Chief of Staffs to the Governor, Prince Abdulkadir Mahe at the palace of the Emir today Thursday 2nd January 2025.

The Fidau prayer which was led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Solihu described the late Prince Mahe, as a humble and dedicated servant of Allah and therefore prayed Allah to place him in the Highest grade of paradise.

While delivering his sermon, Shaykh Sulaiman Abubakar Dan Borno, the Grand Mukaddam of Ilorin Emirate described the late Chief of Staffs as a devoted servant of Allah who was humble and a true reflection of his ancestry to the lineage of the great Islamic reformer Shaykh Alimi of Ilorin emirate.

He said his working with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, which he commended, has further exposed his virtues to the World, asking his family and working team to take solace in the fact that he lived a good life.

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The cleric enjoined all Muslim Ummah to take their worship very seriously and always do good as if they would no longer be alive in the next few seconds.

Prince Abdulkadir Mahe, a son of the late 10th Emir of Ilorin, Mallam Aliyu AbdulKadir, who died at the age of 73 was until his death the Chief of Staffs to the Chairman of Nigerian Governor’s Forum, Mal Abdurahman Abdulrazaq.

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Kano State Police Command Busts Female-Led Syndicate of Thieves, Arrests Five Suspects

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Shamsiyya and her syndicate

Kano State Police Command Busts Female-Led Syndicate of Thieves, Arrests Five Suspects

In a significant breakthrough, the Kano State Police Command has dismantled a female-led syndicate of thieves with the arrest of five suspects. The principal suspect, 19-year-old Shamsiyya Adamu, a resident of Brigade Quarters Kano, was apprehended on December 21, 2024, following numerous reports of stolen mobile phones in the Unguwa Uku Quarters of Kano.

Throughout 2024, the Kano State Police Command received multiple reports from residents of Kano Metropolis about a young woman involved in stealing mobile phones from residential houses. These reports indicated that Shamsiyya Adamu was aided by a tricyclist and a cybercriminal in her operations. In response, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, raised a special intervention squad which successfully arrested the principal suspect in December.

The syndicate, led by Shamsiyya, specialized in stealing mobile phones from residential houses, using a tricyclist and a cybercriminal to facilitate their operations. The suspects would deceive housewives, steal their mobile phones, and swindle money from their victims’ bank accounts.

The arrested suspects include:
1. Shamsiyya Adamu: The 19-year-old principal suspect and leader of the syndicate.
2. Idris Yusuf: A 23-year-old tricycle rider who aided in transporting the principal suspect to commit crimes.
3. Al’asan Dahiru: A 24-year-old suspect who specialized in disposing of stolen items for the principal suspect.
4. Abdulmajid Haruna: A 27-year-old suspect who specialized in buying stolen properties. Six mobile phones were recovered from him.
5. Salim Auwalu: A 21-year-old suspect who specialized in swindling money from victims’ bank accounts.

So far, six mobile phones have been recovered, and efforts are ongoing to recover more stolen phones. Thirty complainants, including 29 females and one male, have lodged complaints against Shamsiyya, who has confessed to stealing their mobile phones on various occasions in 2024.

Anyone with a complaint against the suspects is encouraged to contact the investigation team at 08032617800.

Signed,
SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, ANIPR, MNISMA
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command

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