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Voice Of African Universities Unite Against Blackmail and Erosion of Academic Standards

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The Voice of African Universities (VAU) has strongly condemned what it describes as a “malicious and targeted blackmail attempt” against a faculty member and the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano.

According to a statement released by the organization’s Vice President for Higher Education Development, Fafana Khalidou, the incident arose after a parent and student allegedly attempted to bypass standard examination procedures. The parent reportedly appeared uninvited at an examination venue, demanding that his daughter be allowed to sit for an exam without the requisite exam clearance card.

When the supervising lecturer, Dr. M. Adamu, insisted on compliance with university regulations, the situation allegedly escalated into a verbal confrontation. The parent and student are accused of covertly recording the exchange, editing the footage to misrepresent the lecturer’s actions, and circulating it on social media in an apparent bid to discredit both the academic and the university.

VAU described the act as “a calculated attempt to undermine institutional integrity and academic governance.”

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> “No individual — regardless of wealth, family background, or social connections — is above institutional rules,” the statement reads. “Respect for ethics and due process is the foundation upon which higher education stands.”

 

Firm Stance on Academic Freedom

VAU praised Dr. Adamu’s “measured and principled response,” which it said exemplified professionalism under provocation. The organization expressed zero tolerance for attempts to intimidate or blackmail educators performing their lawful duties, adding that such incidents threaten the very fabric of academic freedom and fairness.

> “The lecturer’s response — reminding the parent that ethics must be respected regardless of status — was both appropriate and commendable,” Khalidou said. “It is unacceptable for educators to be vilified for upholding standards.”

 

Support for MAAUN’s Actions

VAU also commended MAAUN for taking prompt disciplinary and legal measures to address the matter. The body called for a thorough investigation and appropriate sanctions against those responsible, in accordance with university statutes.

> “We will continue to monitor developments and advocate for stronger safeguards across African universities against similar abuses,” the statement noted.

 

A Growing Concern in African Academia

The incident, VAU warned, reflects a growing trend of individuals using influence or social media manipulation to subvert academic rules. The organization urged universities across Africa to stand together in defending merit-based systems and protecting educators from undue pressure.

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APC Kano appoints Bichi, Baffa Babba Dan Agundi to lead E-Registration drive across 44 LGAs

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The APC in Kano State has appointed Baffa Babba Dan Agundi and Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi as the Chairman and Co-Chairman of the E-Registration Membership Committee.

Inaugurating the 14-member committee headed by Engineer Rabiu Sulaiman Bichi, the Kano State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, said other members of the committee include Abdul Adamu Fagge and Musa Ali Kachako.

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The others are Shafi’u Abdullahi Darma, Ahmad Aruwa, Sanusi Sa’idu Kiru Majidadi, Khalid Ishaq Diso, Auwalu Ubale Minjibir, Fa’iz Alfindiki, Binta Rabi’u Spikin, Umar Muhd ​​Rabiu, Muhd ​​Tudun Wada Tweeter and Aminu Umar Dawakin Kudu as the Secretary.

Alhaji Abbas explained how the committee would function and urged the members of the committee to work hard to ensure the success of the project. He said the project would cover all the wards in the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.

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Turaki-Led PDP Leadership Visits Namadi Sambo in Push to Rebuild Party

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Tanimu Turaki, undertook a consultative visit to former Vice President Namadi Sambo at his Abuja residence on Tuesday. The move is part of broader efforts to reposition the party.

Following a closed-door meeting, Turaki informed journalists that the visit served to introduce the newly elected NWC members to Sambo and to brief him on the party’s current prospects and challenges in the wake of its recent National Convention in Ibadan.

He described the engagement as a critical step in restoring the PDP to its former stature as Africa’s largest political party and returning it to its “winning days.”

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Turaki noted that the former Vice President offered substantial advice and guidance on rebuilding the party into a formidable platform. He highlighted Sambo’s continued commitment as a particularly significant outcome of the meeting.

“The most important assurance from His Excellency is that he is, and will remain, a dedicated member of the PDP,” Turaki stated. “He has promised to become more active in party affairs and has assured us of his availability whenever his attention is required.”

“We are encouraged that the leaders instrumental in the PDP’s past successes are firmly behind us,” he added.

Expressing confidence in the party’s revival, Turaki said that with the support of its founding figures, the PDP is poised to succeed in forthcoming elections, including the FCT Area Council polls and the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States.

When questioned about the possibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan contesting on the party’s ticket, Turaki reaffirmed the party’s decision to zone its presidential candidacy to Southern Nigeria.

He clarified that while the specific candidate is yet to be determined, the selection process will be “open, transparent, fair, and equitable.”

“Should anyone express interest in contesting, we assure Nigerians that they will be the ultimate deciders of who becomes the candidate,” Turaki said.

 

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INEC Lifts Campaign Ban for Ekiti Governorship Election, Urges Peaceful Conduct

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the official commencement of the campaign period for the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.

The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, declared that the ban on public campaigns will be lifted on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The campaign window will remain open until midnight on June 18, 2026.

Dr. Omoseyindemi made the announcement on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado Ekiti, attended by INEC officials and leaders of participating political parties. He called on all parties to engage in decorous and peaceful campaigns in the build-up to the election.

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“With the publication of the final list of candidates, the campaign period now enters a critical phase that demands maturity, restraint, and strict adherence to the law by all political actors,” he stated.

The REC emphasized that peaceful campaigns are fundamental to ensuring a credible election and the overall stability of the state. He reiterated INEC’s commitment to conducting a transparent and peaceful poll and urged parties to comply fully with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Campaigns.

This development follows the commission’s publication, barely 24 hours earlier, of the final list of governorship candidates and their running mates for the 12 parties cleared to contest the election.

It will be recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party and the Social Democratic Party, whose candidates were omitted from the list, have previously indicated they are seeking legal redress to participate in the election.

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