President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of key officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and the Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike.

The Governing Council, headed by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised other notable members such as Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.

However, their tenure came under scrutiny following accusations of misconduct in the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor.

Reports revealed that the Council had appointed an individual deemed unqualified for the position, bypassing the established guidelines and due process required for such a critical role.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the Federal Government intervened to prevent a brewing crisis between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council.

The statement emphasized the government’s concern over the Council’s disregard for the university’s governing laws and its role in creating unnecessary tension within the institution.

The 23-year-old university has been a cornerstone of education in the region, making the recent controversies even more alarming.

President Tinubu expressed his commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in educational institutions.

He noted that such lapses undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s academic system and must be addressed to maintain public trust.

The President’s actions also extended to the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State, where Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, was removed.

Salami faced accusations of unlawfully suspending the Vice-Chancellor without adhering to the prescribed procedures.

Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the suspension, Salami reportedly refused to comply and instead engaged in what the government described as abusive and threatening behavior towards ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary.

The Federal Government’s intervention underscores its resolve to restore order and integrity within Nigeria’s higher education sector.

President Tinubu has cautioned governing councils to avoid actions that distract from their primary mandate of fostering academic excellence.

He reiterated that his administration is focused on raising the standard of education across the country and will not tolerate acts that compromise this mission.

Nasiru Buba has rejected the Sharia Court’s decision absolving Jigawa Commissioner Auwal Danladi Sankara of adultery allegations.

The Kano Upper Shari’a Court dismissed the case, citing insufficient evidence. Buba, however, claimed to have submitted 854 photos, 100 videos, 200 WhatsApp voice notes, and 500 hours of call records. “If the court cleared them, they are not cleared in the eyes of God,” he said.

Buba’s lawyer, Rabi’u Sidi, noted they were not informed of the court session and are reviewing the next steps.

The allegations stem from an August 17 incident involving Sankara and a married woman, which the commissioner denies.

Aimed at addressing the soaring cost of foodstuffs in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced the immediate suspension of all market unions and associations across the state.

The decision follows growing concerns over the harmful activities of these market unions, which have been accused of exploiting consumers and driving up food prices in the region.

Governor Okpebholo, in his statement, expressed deep concern over the actions of these unions, which he said were preventing farmers from directly selling their goods to consumers at the market.

Additionally, he pointed out that the unions were arbitrarily fixing prices for staple foods, ultimately making life more difficult for low-income residents in Edo State.

These practices have reportedly led to a sharp increase in the prices of essential commodities, putting a strain on families who are already struggling with the rising cost of living.

The suspension was officially communicated to the public in a statement from Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Wednesday.

The statement also included a stern warning to those involved in such activities.

Governor Okpebholo ordered the police and other law enforcement agencies in the state to take immediate action against the leaders of the suspended unions and associations.

Anyone found violating the directive will face swift legal consequences.

According to the Governor’s office, the suspension of these market unions and associations is part of a broader effort to protect the interests of consumers and ensure fair pricing in the state.

The Governor stressed that while the state acknowledges the vital role market traders play in the economy, it cannot allow a small group of union executives to hold the entire state hostage with extortionate practices.

The government described the actions of these unions as “extortionist” and vowed to take steps to put an end to them.

This change is due to several public calls for the government to intervene in the activities of the market unions.

One call came from the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) in Edo State, which urged the Governor to take stronger actions to regulate the unions.

The CRPP had pointed out that the unchecked activities of market unions were contributing to the skyrocketing prices of foodstuffs, further burdening residents who were already struggling with the high cost of living.

Samson Isibor, the state chairman of CRPP, emphasized that the Governor’s focus should also include addressing the rising insecurity in the state, which has made it increasingly difficult for farmers to safely access their farmlands.

This, according to Isibor, has contributed to the scarcity of produce and, consequently, the inflated prices of food.