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NAHCON Chairman, Secretary in EFCC Custody Over Mismanagement of N90bn Hajj Subsidy

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The Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Jalal Arabi, and the commission’s secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, are currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the alleged mismanagement of the N90bn 2024 Hajj subsidy, it was learnt on Wednesday.

In a document sighted by our correspondent on Wednesday, the anti-graft agency said, “A total of

SR314,098 was recovered,” from the NAHCON chairman and other ranking officials.

The EFCC said its investigation revealed that from the N90bn Hajj subsidy, Arabi, fraudulently overpaid himself and others the necessary operational cost.

Also according to the document, the approved 2024 Hajj operational cost for the Chairman/CEO

Commissioners, Secretary and Directors/Chief of Staff in the 2024 budget are stipulated as $4,250, $12,750, $3,825 and $15,300, respectively.

The EFCC, however, alleged that: “The chairman fraudulently overpaid himself, the commissioners, secretary and directors for the 2024 hajj operational cost.

“The chairman was entitled to SR15,929 but he got SR50,000; three commissioners who were meant to get SR 15,929 each received SR 40,000 each. The secretary got SR 30,000 instead of SR14,336. Directors/Chief of Staff received SR 30,000 instead of the SR2,550 they were entitled to. The total of

SR314,098 were recovered from all of them.”

The anti-graft agency had first grilled Arabi for hours on July 29 and released him on bail.

Also, last week Wednesday, some top officials of the Hajj commission were arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged mismanagement or diversion of the N90bn subsidy.

On Wednesday, a source in the EFCC told our correspondent that the NAHCON Chairman was taken in again on Wednesday for questioning and was detained.

“The Secretary and Chairman of the commission are in our custody and are facing serious interrogations on the N90bn subsidy, among other allegations,” the source said on condition of anonymity because they could not speak officially.

A document exclusively sighted by our correspondent revealed that SR 8,614,175.27 cash withdrawal out of the N90bn released by the Federal Government to the commission is yet to be accounted for by NAHCON.

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Kano Government Reverts Sa’adatu Rimi University to College of Education

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Abba Kabir Yusuf,2019 Gubernatorial Candidate

In a move aimed at improving the quality of education and ensuring effective management in the state’s higher education sector, the Kano State Executive Council has approved the conversion of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education back to Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso. The institution will remain a degree-awarding body despite the reversion.

The decision was made during the council’s 18th sitting, following extensive consultations with key stakeholders and the recommendations of a high-level committee appointed by the state government. The committee was tasked with assessing the university’s status and proposing ways to enhance its academic quality.

In a statement signed by the states commissioner for information Baba Halilu Dantiye said the following

The committee’s findings reflected concerns from both the academic and non-academic communities, as well as other stakeholders, about the challenges associated with the transition from a college to university status. One key issue was the institution’s strategic location, which serves students from non-metropolitan areas. Stakeholders feared that the transition could have a negative impact, including the potential loss of experienced lecturers, salary-related disputes, and administrative challenges that could compromise the institution’s operational efficiency.

The Council highlighted that similar institutions across the country have operated successfully as colleges of education while offering a range of degree programs without converting to university status. The “Dual Mode” system, introduced by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), allows colleges to offer both certificate and degree programs, providing a flexible academic structure.

The Kano State Government reassured students that the conversion will not affect their current academic pursuits. Existing undergraduates will continue their studies without disruption, and the university’s certification will be preserved for future use. Additionally, the institution will maintain its traditional courses and continue to offer degree programs under its new expanded mandate as a college of education.

As part of the restructuring, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the immediate dissolution of the university’s management. The Vice Chancellor has been directed to hand over the institution’s affairs to the most senior deputy, pending further announcements.

This decision underscores the Kano State Government’s commitment to stabilizing and enhancing the performance of its higher education institutions, while addressing stakeholder concerns to maintain academic excellence and operational efficiency.

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Breaking:Government Declares Monday As Another Public Holiday

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Kano state Government North Western Nigeria has declared Monday 23rd September as public Holiday .

The signing of the Holiday was contained in a statement from the office of the Head of civil service.

In a statement signed by Abba Danguguwa Permanent secretary Human resources office of the Head of civil service Abba A Danguguwa said its in commemoration of the 7th day of the birth of the holy prophet .

Kano people celebrate it as Ranar Takutaha

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Shettima To Lead Nigeria’s Delegation To 79Th UN General Assembly

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President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.

The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.

President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.

At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.

In a statement by Special Adviser to the President on information and strategy Bayo Onanuga The high-level General Debate, with the theme “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,” will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024.

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