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Group raises the alarm over decay in public varsities
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO),
Education Advancement Initiative (EAI), based in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called for increased funding of the educational sector in order to improve the literacy rate among citizens for a peaceful co-existence and socio-economic development of the nation.
The group which also decried the none release of over N300 billion universities revitalization fund captured in the 2023 and 2024 budgetary provision by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, bemoaned the poor state of infrastructure in tertiary institutions, especially public universities across Nigeria.
EAI Executive Director, Higher Education Monitoring, Dr. Faseluake Oladikpe, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja, accused government functionaries, particularly officials of the Ministry of Finance and the Accountant General’s Office, of a deliberate plot to sabotage public university education and promote private ones which they owned or have vested interest in.
Oladikpe, said lack of funding of public universities by successive governments portends grave danger to nation development.
He said, the refusal of the government to release the university revitalization fund is gradually killing public universities, adding that infrastructure that could aid teaching and learning has become an eyesore in almost all the universities in Nigeria.
Oladikpe revealed that the organization, in July assessed public universities and in all the schools visited, deteriorating infrastructure and absence of necessary equipment were common problems.
He said, if public university education is allowed to collapse by way of government lukewarm attitude to funding, the country will suffer dire consequences as there would be increased crime rate precipitated by joblessness and lack of skill to engage in productive ventures by the young population.
Oladikpe, a trained educational psychologist insisted on the release of the revitalization fund and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to quickly save the university system by directing the AG’s office to release the N300 billion captured in the budget to universities.
According to him, the Tinubu-led Administration’s Student Loan Scheme will amount to nothing, should the infrastructure decay in the nation’s citadel of learning remain unattended.
The EAI executive insisted on the implementation of the agreement the Federal Government entered with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Needs Assessment programme.
According to him, ASUU is deeply angered by the failure of the Federal Government to honour the 2009 Needs Assessment agreement aimed at providing N220 billion annually as an intervention fund for the revitalization of public universities in Nigeria.
He warned the president against abandoning the needs assessment scheme designed to provide funds for the reinvigoration of public universities, particularly rehabilitation of decaying infrastructure as well as the provision of state-of-the-art teaching and learning equipment to the schools.
He appealed to the president to cause the immediate release of funds for the continuation of critical projects in the institutions being executed under the nerds assessment project.
According to him, the university community anxiously awaits the commencement of the projects.
Oladikpe advised the president whom he acknowledged has made significant statements towards revamping the education sector to release funds for the projects to ensure stable and quality academic environment.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government in 2009 reached an agreement with ASUU for the provision of N220 billion annually as intervention funds for the revitalization of universities.
A review of the agreement was done in 2014. However, it is yet to be implemented resulting in the distortion of academic calendar in the ivory tower.
Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President, has launched two lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of defamation and infringement of her fundamental rights.
In her legal filings, Mrs Akpabio is seeking an astounding ₦250 billion in damages, alongside an additional ₦1 billion to cover legal costs.
The suits, presented to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, arise from sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against her husband, Godswill Akpabio, during an interview on Arise News last Friday.
In the fundamental rights suit (Suit No: CV/814/25), Mrs Akpabio contends that the statements made by Akpoti-Uduaghan on 20th February 2025, as well as during the televised interview, represent a “flagrant violation” of her fundamental rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Referencing Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Mrs Akpabio is pursuing several legal remedies, including: “A declaration that the Senator’s remarks breached her fundamental rights and subjected her and her children to emotional and psychological distress.
“A perpetual injunction restraining Akpoti-Uduaghan from making any further inciteful, scandalous, and defamatory remarks against her.
“₦250 billion in damages for what she categorises as exemplary, punitive, aggravated, and general damages incurred as a result of the senator’s statements.”
In a separate defamation lawsuit (Suit No: CV/816/25), the wife of the Senate President challenges the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting that they have inflicted irreparable harm on her reputation and that of her family.
She argues that the claims, aired on national television, have “tarnished her family’s reputation and brought them into disrepute and opprobrium.”
“The Defendant’s assertion on national television that the Claimant’s husband, who serves as the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, made sexual advances towards her without any substantiation has severely damaged the reputation of the Claimant and her entire family,” the suit states.
Mrs Akpabio is also seeking a court declaration affirming that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements were indeed defamatory.
Her requests include: “A declaration that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s assertions on national television—that the Claimant’s husband, the Senate President, made sexual advances towards her without evidence—have harmed her reputation and that of her family, resulting in disrepute and opprobrium.
“An order compelling Akpoti-Uduaghan to issue a formal written retraction of her statements and to provide an unconditional apology to the Claimant and her family, to be published in two national newspapers.
“An order mandating Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay ₦1 billion in punitive and exemplary damages for the ramifications of her statements on the Akpabio family’s reputation.
“A perpetual injunction preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further defamatory statements against the Akpabio family.”
These lawsuits represent a notable escalation in legal proceedings following a contentious exchange between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Akpabio.
The dispute first gained prominence when Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a verbal altercation with the Senate President during a Senate session, which she subsequently escalated by levelling allegations of sexual harassment during a televised interview.
The allegations have ignited a nationwide debate, drawing significant attention and eliciting mixed responses from the public.
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Governor Uba Sani Extends Warm Ramadan Greetings, Calls for Unity and Reflection in Kaduna State
As the holy month of Ramadan 1446 AH begins, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Muslim faithful in Kaduna State, Nigeria, and across the globe.
In his Ramadan message, Governor Sani emphasized the importance of reflection, empathy, and solidarity during this sacred period.
Governor Sani urged Muslims to embrace the noble values of Ramadan, including generosity, brotherhood, and cooperation. He called on citizens to share food, love, time, and respect with the less privileged in society, reinforcing the spirit of compassion that defines the holy month.
“This is the time to renew our relationship with Almighty Allah and seek His mercy for our state and country,” Governor Sani stated. He also encouraged citizens to pray fervently for the sustenance of peace and unity in Kaduna State, highlighting the strength of the state’s diversity.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to consolidating peace, revitalizing the economy, and ensuring sustainable growth and development in Kaduna State. “As a government, we shall continue to do all that is necessary to place Kaduna State irreversibly on the path to progress,” he said.
Governor Sani concluded his message with a prayer for the spirit of Ramadan to illuminate the hearts and souls of all citizens. “May this holy month bring blessings, peace, and prosperity to our state and nation. Ramadan Mubarak,” he added.
As Muslims across Nigeria commence the holy month of Ramadan, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Reverend Joseph Hayab, has called on the government to tackle insecurity, hunger, and economic hardship in the country.
In a goodwill message to the Muslim community on Saturday, Reverend Hayab emphasised the importance of Ramadan as a period of reflection, devotion, and unity.
He urged both leaders and citizens to use the fasting season to promote national cohesion through interfaith dialogue and mutual support.
“This special time is not only an opportunity for reflection and devotion but also a chance to strengthen the bonds of community and friendship,” he said.
“May your fasts be accepted, your prayers answered, and your hearts be filled with appreciation for the blessings in your lives.”
He also extended his best wishes to Muslims and their families, expressing hope that the period would bring peace, joy, and spiritual growth.
“In this blessed month, may you find tranquillity in your worship and kindness in your deeds. Let us embrace the spirit of giving and compassion, supporting one another as we journey through this sacred time,” he said.
Reverend Hayab reiterated his appeal to the government, stressing the urgent need to address the security and economic challenges facing Nigerians.
“We are appealing to the government to bring an end to insecurity, hunger, and hardship in the country,” he stated.
He further prayed for divine blessings upon the nation’s citizens and leaders, urging all Nigerians to use the Ramadan period to seek solutions to the country’s challenges through unity and honest dialogue.