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Tinubu flushes out VC of UniAbuja, Maikudi

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President Bola Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of the University of Abuja and sacked the university’s vice-chancellor, Aisha Maikudi.

In December, the council, led by Sadiq Kaita, an air vice marshal, conducted the recruitment of a vice-chancellor in which Ms Maikudi, a professor, emerged winner.

The selection process was rife with controversy with some members of the Joint Senate and Council Selection Board (JCSSB) accusing Mr Kaita of imposing Ms Maikudi.

Mr Tinubu announced the sack in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
UniAbuja’s new leadership

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Mr Tinubu has also appointed Lanre Tejuoso, as the Pro-Chancellor of the university. Mr Tejuoso was until this appointment the pro-chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State.

The president also appointed Patricia Manko, a professor, as acting vice-chancellor for a six-month term. The statement said Ms Manko will not be eligible to apply for the substantive vice-chancellor position when it becomes available.

“These changes are effective immediately,” parts of the statement read.

President Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.

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“The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.”

Mr Tinubu also announced the appointment of councils in other Nigerian universities.

While the president’s statement did not give reasons for the leadership change, it may not be unconnected to the controversy that rocked the university since December over the recruitment of a vice-chancellor in which Ms Maikudi was announced winner.

The Kaita-led council had on 31 December, 2024 announced Ms Maikudi, a professor of law, as the substantive vice-chancellor, and noted her appointment takes effect on 1 January.

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The newly appointed vice-chancellor had served for six months in an acting capacity after the tenure of the former vice-chancellor, Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, also a professor, expired in June.

However, the controversy on her appointment deepened in the last week of December 2024 after two members of the university senate and some members of the governing council alleged that the selection process was manipulated in her favor.

During the selection process, some members of the Joint Senate and Council Selection Board (JCSSB) led by one Kasim Waziri, a professor and member of the university senate, accused the chairman of the council, Mr Kaita, of plans to impose Ms Maikudi as the vice-chancellor.

Two members of the committee staged a walkout in protest shortly after their inauguration in the last week of December. They alleged that the criteria and procedures given by the council for the selection process were deliberately tilted towards Ms Maikudi’s candidacy.

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But the council denied breaching any laws or procedures, asserting that the selection process adhered strictly to the relevant provisions of the University of Abuja Act and the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003.

President Tinubu has also appointed Joy Emordi, a senator, as the pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education. Ms Emordi succeeds Mr Tejuoso who is now at UniAbuja.

Mr Tinubu also removed Polycarp Chigbu, a professor, from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his tenure ends on February 14.

Mr Tinubu appointed Oguejiofu Ujam, a professor, as acting vice-chancellor for UNN for the next six months and he will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.

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“The leadership changes at UNN extend to the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo. President Tinubu appointed Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, Ojo held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti,” the statement said.

“Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja.”

Mr Tinubu also appointed Sani Stores as the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, to succeed Joy Emordi.

“Additionally, Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.

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“All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately,” the statement added.

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Wike fires Amaechi: You failed as Speaker, Governor and Minister For 24 Years(Photos)

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… ​Reaffirms loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, vows to continue building sustainable leadership
​
Former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, has challenged the people of Evo Kingdom to point to any tangible development or political empowerment attracted to their land by his predecessor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, despite holding top political offices as Speaker, Governor, and Minister for 24 years.

​Speaking during an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Wike declared that unlike past leaders who used their elevation to pull down others and monopolize power, his political philosophy centers on human capacity development, divine gratitude, and uplifting his people.

​Wike questioned the moral right of those who spent decades in high offices without leaving behind a legacy of leadership or infrastructure in the area, warning against selfish politics that crumbles once the leader passes on.

​”Because how will I answer before God if these people could take that kind of risk, and opportunity came up for you to help, for you to uplift them? But because of your greed, because of your selfishness, you don’t want anybody to reach the level you are,” Wike said.

He said; “You don’t want anybody in Obio-Akpor to be governor again because you have become governor. God will not be happy with me”.

​Taking direct aim at Amaechi’s 24-year tenure across various arms of government, Wike challenged the kingdom to present evidence of what was attracted to the land under his rival’s reign.

​”Someone was Speaker of the House of Assembly for eight years, Governor for eight years, and Minister for eight years—that is 24 years in top leadership positions! What can anybody point to that he attracted to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State in all those 24 years? Nothing! Not one single thing!

​”I was a Minister of State for Education, and as I sit here, I can count the projects I brought to Rivers State and my people. But somebody was Speaker, Governor, and headed a very lucrative ministry as a full Minister for eight years, yet brought nothing back home! How can someone who spent 24 years in power without empowering his people or raising new leaders now turn around to tell you he loves you?” Wike queried.

​Highlighting his political trajectory and contentment with his achievements under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the FCT Minister stressed that he has no further personal political ambitions other than serving as a vessel for his people.

​”After all, what do I want that God has not given to me? Nothing! Nothing! Nothing! The only thing I ask from God today is to continue to give me long life,” he said.

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“I can’t be a governor again. I’ve been a minister two times. I cannot be chairman of council again. So I am happy. I don’t have anything to lose”.

​He continued: “What leadership, as you are leaving, what’s the leadership you have kept behind to continue with where you have stopped? Because our problem here is that you just want only yourself. When you die, everything crumbles. That is not our own case.”

​Addressing political uncertainties and betrayal, the Minister reiterated his firm trust in God rather than human promises.

​”As a politician, I know that the only person who will not disappoint is God,” Wike declared.

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“So, don’t ever believe that a human being will not disappoint you. No matter the love you have, do the best you can do. If the person disappoints you, don’t kill yourself. God will right the wrong”, he said.

​Wike also recounted how his administration restructured the chieftaincy institution to give Evo Kingdom adequate representation in the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, dismissing claims that traditional politics or native charms could intimidate him.

Political leaders and traditional rulers like Eze Temple Ejekwu
and Elder Peter Chinwo, President of Evo Assembly assured the FCT Minister of victory for the President and other candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition.
​

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Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hungary, Abass Ogwime, Selected to Commission Hungarian-African House in Budapest

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Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hungary, Abass Braimah Ogwime, has been selected among African ambassadors accredited to Hungary to officially commission the newly established Hungarian-African House in Budapest.

Ogwime, who also serves as Nigeria’s ambassador to Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia, was the guest speaker at the inauguration ceremony held in Budapest on October 2, 2026.

The event attracted members of the diplomatic community, Hungarian government representatives, African heads of mission, business executives, investors, members of the African diaspora and other stakeholders seeking to strengthen economic, cultural and diplomatic relations between Hungary and African countries.

The Hungarian-African House, known locally as Magyar-Afrika Ház, is an initiative of the Foundation for Africa. The facility is designed to serve as a permanent platform for dialogue, business development, cultural exchange and cooperation between Hungary and African nations.

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The initiative is expected to provide a meeting point for Hungarian and African businesses, investors, academic institutions and government representatives to explore investment opportunities, establish strategic partnerships and develop practical areas of collaboration.

Ogwime’s selection as one of the African ambassadors chosen for the commissioning underscores Nigeria’s participation in diplomatic engagements aimed at expanding cooperation between African countries and Hungary.

The Nigerian Embassy in Budapest reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties, promoting economic partnerships and supporting initiatives that encourage collaboration between Nigerian, African and Hungarian institutions and communities.

The establishment of the Hungarian-African House comes amid broader efforts to deepen Africa-Europe engagement through trade, investment, cultural diplomacy and institutional partnerships.

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The new facility is expected to provide a dedicated space for advancing these objectives and fostering long-term relationships between Hungary and African countries.

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‘Tinubu Must Go’: Yobe Youths Protest Economic Hardship, Insecurity

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Hundreds of youths on Thursday staged a peaceful protest in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State, demanding an end to President Bola Tinubu’s administration over worsening economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment.

The demonstration, tagged “Tinubu Must Go”, coincided with Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.

The protesters marched through the Tsohowar Kasuwa area of Potiskum, carrying placards and flags of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while expressing dissatisfaction with the state of the country.

They said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast failed to address their concerns, particularly the rising cost of living, poverty, unemployment, insecurity and what they described as poor governance since the administration assumed office in 2023.

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Speaking to journalists on condition of anonymity, one of the protesters said the demonstration was an exercise of their fundamental rights and a call for urgent action to address the country’s challenges.

“We came out today to express our fundamental rights, freedom of speech. We are suffering from this government, people are dying due to insecurity, poverty and unemployment in the land,” the protester said.

Another demonstrator, who identified with the opposition, expressed concern over the country’s economic situation and the state of the education sector.

He said the youths were dissatisfied with the government’s handling of issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.

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Similarly, a protester identified as Malam Gambo said the demonstration was organised to draw attention to hunger, insecurity and what the participants described as bad governance.

Eyewitnesses reported that the protest remained peaceful and orderly, with young men and women making up the bulk of the demonstrators.

Some participants were seen carrying ADC flags as they marched through parts of Potiskum to express their grievances against the Tinubu administration.

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