The Association of Online Media Guild (ASSOMEG) has extended its congratulations to Alhasan Yahaya on his election as the new President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). This was conveyed in a statement signed by the interim chairman of Assomeg, Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, and interim Secretary, Abbas Yushau Yusuf.

In the statement, ASSOMEG praised Yahaya’s dynamism and efforts as a reformist, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the NUJ effectively. “We congratulate Alhasan Yahaya on his election as the new NUJ President. His dynamism and effort as a reformist are commendable,” the statement read.

The association highlighted Yahaya’s commitment to advancing the journalism profession in Nigeria and his dedication to upholding the principles of integrity and professionalism. “We believe that under his leadership, the NUJ will continue to thrive and address the challenges facing journalists in the country,” Assomeg stated.

ASSOMEG also reaffirmed its support for Yahaya and the NUJ, pledging to collaborate with the union to promote the interests of journalists and enhance the media landscape in Nigeria. “We look forward to working closely with the NUJ under Yahaya’s leadership to achieve our common goals,” the statement concluded.

Amnesty International has raised concerns over alleged human rights violations during recent protests in Northern Nigeria. The organization’s country director, Isa Sanusi, addressed the media, in Kano highlighting findings from field research conducted in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa, and desk research in Maiduguri.

Sanusi reported that 12 people were killed in Kano during protests in Rijiyar Lemo and Kofar Nassarawa, while three were killed between Tafa and Suleja in Niger State. “People started crying on the issue of hunger. Amnesty International initiated field research to investigate these incidents,” Sanusi stated. He criticized the use of live ammunition by the police on peaceful protesters in Kano, which contravenes international laws.

Sanusi also highlighted the case of Khalid Aminu, who was allegedly tortured for 68 days by the Department of State Services (DSS). “They have declared him wanted because he revealed what happened to the public,” Sanusi added, emphasizing the resilience and tolerance of Nigerians despite these challenges.

Benedicta Ofili, another Amnesty International representative, welcomed attendees concerned about human rights violations and underscored the importance of bringing these issues to light. “We invited government agencies responsible for protecting the rights of Nigerians,” Ofili said. She emphasized that protesting is not a crime and questioned the government’s actions regarding the rights of protesters.

Aminu Hayatu, involved in the research, explained that Amnesty International conducted interviews with victims, survivors, relatives, eyewitnesses, lawyers, and activists in Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, and Kaduna. “Evidences like bullet holes in walls are important,” Hayatu noted, stressing the significance of such evidence in documenting the violations.

Maurice Chukwu, Amnesty International staff member, shared heartbreaking testimonies, including the story of Firdausi, who was killed while buying charcoal, and a five-year-old child who was shot in the head. “On August 3, Zahraddin Umar was killed, and his father’s agony was compounded by police denial of the incident through the Kano PPRO Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa,” Chukwu recounted.

In Maiduguri, three fuel attendants were killed, further highlighting the extent of violence during the protests. Sanusi reiterated the importance of addressing these issues to prevent further violations.

Amnesty International’s findings have sparked discussions on human rights and the need for accountability in Nigeria. The organization called on government agencies to take necessary measures to protect citizens’ rights and uphold international standards.

After their several remarks a document was presented by Isa Sanusi Amnesty country director supported by his staff

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.

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.”