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Afrobeats singer Omah Lay has revealed he is not prepared to become a father but considers himself at peace in a state of emotional and spiritual elevation.

The Rivers-born artist, born Stanley Omah Didia, shared the reflections in a series of cryptic Snapchat posts.

He wrote: ‘I’m very much not ready to be a baby daddy but I’m their father, their father in the highest, at peace in Heaven blowing clean Canada’.

He described a sense of detachment from life’s turbulence, stating that while events unfold around him, they rarely penetrate his inner calm.

‘Everything happens but nothing ever happens to me. I don’t expect you to understand but.’, he added.

Omah Lay also admitted to missing a Yoruba woman he once had feelings for, noting that attraction often fades when relationships become overwhelming.

Currently without a romantic partner, the Holy Ghost singer said love and dating have lost their appeal.

‘I miss my Yoruba girl bad, I like them but when e too plenty e Dey turn me off. Yeah I got no girls. it has become a boring activity of late,’ he concluded.

The Federal Government said it was banking on funding support to the tune of $150 million from the World Bank for the implementation of the Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) Innovate Project.

The innovate project is aimed at sustaining cutting-edge research and innovation in Nigerian universities, and is the next phase of the World Bank-funded ACE project.

Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Abdullahi Ribadu, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja, during the official launch of the ACE Alliance and the unveiling of a four-volume Compendium of Key Achievements and Impacts of the ACE project in Nigeria.

Ribadu said the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, had formally written to the Federal Ministry of Finance to engage the World Bank for the funding, which would drive the next phase of the ACE initiative.

According to him, the request for $150 million in new World Bank support, signals Nigeria’s determination to consolidate the gains of the ACE Project and institutionalise excellence in research, innovation, and postgraduate education.

The NUC chief noted that the ACE Project represents one of the most transformative initiatives in the history of higher education in sub-Saharan Africa as over the past decade, 17 Nigerian universities, hosting 20 Centres of Excellence have produced world-class research, postgraduate training, and innovations that address national and regional development priorities in health, agriculture, ICT, education, and engineering.

Ribadu added that the new ACE Innovate Project would build on these achievements while expanding collaboration with other development partners, including the African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, to ensure sustainability beyond donor cycles.

He stated: ‘We will continue to engage other development partners to explore new collaborative frameworks that can build on the lessons of the ACE Project and the NUC’s goal of ensuring a university system that is at par with its contemporaries globally.

‘Some of these partners we are currently in talks with include the African Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa. This is important because we aim to sustain excellence, expand opportunities, and ensure that the structures and systems established under ACE continue to thrive beyond the project’s lifecycle.

‘We also remain committed to institutionalising the ACEs within their host universities, ensuring they remain engines of innovation, policy influence, and capacity building for generations to come.’

The NUC boss also inaugurated an interim steering committee for the newly formed ACE Alliance, chaired by Prof. Emenike Ejiogu of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to drive collaboration, research exchange, and policy engagement among Nigeria’s Centres of Excellence.

He expressed confidence that the project will deepen research collaboration, and advance Nigeria’s competitiveness in higher education.

Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Alausa, noted that the ACE Project, funded by the World Bank and co-financed by the French Development Agency, AFD, has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s position as a leader in African higher education, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises education as the bedrock of national development.

The minister said recognising the immense impact of the ACE Project to the Nigerian University System (NUS) he did not hesitate when NUC requested for approval to approach key development partners such as the African Development Bank, AfDB, the Islamic Development Bank, IsDB, and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, BADEA, to mobilise additional support for the Blueprint for the Rapid Revitalisation of University Education in Nigeria.

On the Compendium of key achievements of the ACE projects, a landmark documentation of the ACE journey, the minister said it captures over 2,000 peer-reviewed publications, a directory of scholars and equipment, and a comprehensive record of innovations achieved by Nigerian universities under the World Bank-supported project.

He noted that with the ACE Alliance and the Innovate Project, Nigeria is poised to transform its universities into engines of growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

Alausa said: ‘One of the most remarkable achievements of the ACE Project is its contribution to the internationalisation of education. From the report before me, the Nigerian ACEs have attracted students and faculty from across Africa, fostering cross-border knowledge exchange and positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for excellence.

‘This aligns with our broader agenda to integrate Nigeria into global education data systems, ensuring that our institutions are recognised and ranked among the best worldwide. The ACE Project has, therefore, positioned Nigeria not only as a consumer but also as a provider of high-quality transnational education, and through the ACE Alliance, our Centres can continue to forge stronger partnerships with leading institutions worldwide, promoting joint degrees, faculty exchanges, and collaborative research that benefit students and faculty alike.

‘To remain competitive, however, we must continue to benchmark our systems against global standards, leveraging robust data to guide policy, planning, and performance improvement.’

He also stated that by fostering excellence in research, teaching, and innovation, the ACEs are helping to shape the skilled workforce and knowledge base our nation needs to compete in a dynamic global economy.

National Coordinator of the ACE Project in Nigeria, Dr Joshua Atah, described the launch of the ACE Alliance Project as ‘a celebration of visionary investment, innovation, partnership, and transformation’ that has reshaped the nation’s higher education landscape since the project’s inception in 2014.

Atah noted that Nigeria has led the continent in the implementation of the project under ACE I, in 2014, with 10 Centres of Excellence, and later under ACE Impact, in 2019, with 17 Centres supported by the World Bank and Agence Française de Développement, AFD.

‘Over the past decade, Nigeria’s ACEs have evolved into engines of innovation and excellence. Collectively, they have attracted over $145 million in performance-based funding and mobilised additional resources exceeding N3.9 billion, $46 million, pound 1.78 million, and £2.6 million from diverse sources, all reinvested into research, infrastructure, and capacity building,’ he said.

According to him, the Centres have enrolled more than 45,000 students, including participants from over 15 African countries, and produced over 6,600 graduates, among them 1,596 PhDs.

He added that their faculty and students have published more than 4,200 peer-reviewed papers and established over 625 partnerships with industries and research institutions across the world.

Apart from the figures, Atah said, the impact of the ACEs is evident in their response to real-world challenges.

‘During the COVID-19 pandemic, two Nigerian Centres were designated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as testing laboratories-a testament to the relevance of their research infrastructure,’ he stated.

He explained that ACE Alliance represents the next phase of the initiative, a bold step toward sustainability and a collaborative platform to consolidate the gains of the past decade, deepen partnerships, influence policy, and attract new investments for innovation and regional development.

‘As we look ahead, the ACE story is proof that with vision, partnership, and persistence, African universities can compete globally and contribute meaningfully to the continent’s transformation,’ he said.

The Pistis Foundation has again reinforced its commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare for vulnerable Nigerians through its flagship medical and surgical outreach programme, UBOMI.

The latest edition of the initiative, the eighth overall and the third held this year, has pushed the foundation beyond its 2025 target, delivering a total of 17,416 medical interventions to 5,635 underserved and economically disadvantaged individuals at no cost.

The programme had initially planned to provide 10,000 interventions to 5,000 beneficiaries this year.

This achievement was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by Sowari Akosionu on behalf of the foundation.

‘UBOMI has been a blessing to many more lives being impacted this year through the Pistis Foundation, which continues to move forward,’ said Godman Akinlabi, Global Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church and Board Chair of the Pistis Foundation.

He expressed gratitude to partners and urged them to continue supporting the initiative so that more lives can be transformed.

Executive Director of the Pistis Foundation, Leonard F. Thomas, emphasised the significance of the feat, saying, ‘UBOMI 8.0 reflects what is possible when compassion meets collaboration. Each number represents a person whose life has been touched, healed, and given a new story. We are deeply grateful to all our partners, sponsors, and volunteers for making this possible.’

The just-concluded outreach ran for five days at the Pistis Annex and Hospital for Trauma and Surgery (HTS) Clinics on Remi Olowude Street in Lekki, Lagos.

It provided 9,212 medical interventions to 3,667 beneficiaries, delivering critical, life-saving care completely free of charge. The edition was executed in partnership with Pro-Health International as the technical partner, coordinating medical volunteers, and HTS Clinics as hospital partners.

Lois Isemede, Head of Programmes and Partnerships Engagement, revealed key statistics from the outreach: 121 surgeries were conducted, including 103 eye surgeries. The programme also recorded 1,513 dental procedures, 897 eye care treatments, and the dispensing of 359 eyeglasses.

Additionally, more than 1,807 medical consultations were carried out by a dedicated team of over 130 medical volunteers and 150 non-medical volunteers.

The UBOMI initiative, which continues to expand in reach and life-changing impact, is regarded as a major demonstration of the power of community-driven healthcare support. With each edition, Pistis Foundation says it aims to ensure that disadvantaged Nigerians receive the medical attention they need to live healthier and more dignified lives.

For the foundation, UBOMI is more than a medical outreach – it represents a growing movement for a healthier, more inclusive society.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has extended the 2025 admission deadline for public universities across Nigeria from October 31 to November 17, 2025.

The extension, announced by JAMB in its weekly bulletin, came in response to emerging circumstances affecting the ongoing admissions process in several institutions.

According to the bulletin by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, the decision was reached after appeals from university administrators and new accreditation developments that required additional time for implementation.

It added that there will be no further extension of the new date.

The statement reads: ‘AVCNU has specially appealed for an extension due to the disruption caused by a number of factors, including a court order directing that the status quo should remain on the 2025/2026 admission list, which was only lifted by the same court on 28th October 2025.’

The Board recalled that the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions, held on July 18, 2025, and chaired by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, had originally set October 31, 2025, as the deadline for all public universities to conclude admissions for the 2025/2026 academic session.

JAMB also cited the recent accreditation of new academic programmes as a major reason for the shift in date.

‘In a bid to expand access in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the NUC on 29th October 2025 released a list of 229 programmes recently accredited for 37 universities. Admission into those programmes is just being scheduled,’ the statement added.

The Board commended the diligence and cooperation of public universities in meeting the earlier target, stressing that the extension aims to ensure fairness and inclusivity across institutions.

JAMB, however, warned that the new deadline of November 17, 2025, is final and must be strictly adhered to.

‘This extension is to ensure that no institution or candidate is unfairly disadvantaged. It is the final adjustment, and all institutions must conclude their processes within the new timeframe,’ the Board stated.

Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to implement a 15% import tariff on petrol and diesel.

In a statement by Otedola, the businessman said the policy is a bold step towards protecting Nigeria’s refining and energy investment landscape.

Otedola wrote: ‘I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold and decisive step in implementing a 15 per cent import tariff on petrol and diesel’.

He added the tariff will safeguard the billions of dollars invested in domestic refining infrastructure and promote industrialisation.

‘This policy represents a crucial move towards safeguarding local industries that have made substantial investments in domestic production and refining capacity,’ he continued.

He added the tariff is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth by encouraging domestic production.

‘This tariff not only protects the billions of dollars already invested in refining infrastructure but also underscores the government’s commitment to driving industrialisation, creating employment, and building a sustainable energy future for our nation.

‘This policy will also help establish a stable and sustainable pricing regime, contributing to greater control of inflation and long-term economic stability,’ he added.

Otedola praised Tinubu’s leadership, stating that his focus on empowering local producers and promoting value addition within Nigeria exemplifies the type of visionary leadership required to steer the nation towards realising its ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy.

‘President Tinubu’s ability to deploy policy as a catalyst for economic transformation is truly commendable.

‘His focus on empowering local producers and promoting value addition within Nigeria exemplifies the type of visionary leadership required to steer our nation towards realising its ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy,’ he added.

Otedola also warned against repeating past mistakes that crippled Nigeria’s industrial base through unrestricted importation of cheaper goods.

‘For decades, Nigeria’s industrial base has suffered from the unchecked importation of cheaper and often substandard goods, a practice that crippled once-thriving sectors such as textiles, local vehicle assembly, and manufacturing,’ he wrote.

He emphasised that the country cannot afford to allow history to repeat itself in the energy sector, particularly now that Nigeria possesses the capacity to meet its petrol and diesel requirements locally.

‘We cannot afford to allow history to repeat itself within the energy sector, particularly now that Nigeria possesses the capacity to meet its petrol and diesel requirements locally’, he added.

Tinubu approved a 15% import duty on petrol and diesel to protect Nigeria’s local refineries and stabilise the downstream market.

This move aims to safeguard the investments made in domestic refining infrastructure and promote economic stability.

Renowned musician and bandleader Akinloye Tofowomo popularly known as Akiin Shuga, has died a 50, his family announced Monday.

The founder of the influential Shuga Band passed away October 30 in New Brunswick, Canada, after a career that spanned more than three decades and reshaped Nigeria’s live entertainment landscape.

‘It is with profound solemnity and total submission to the will of God, that the family of Akinloye Tofowomo (Akiin Shuga) – revered music icon, Grandmaster, and Managing Director of Shuga Limb Foundation and Shuga Entertainment, Nigeria’s most prestigious live band – announces his passing in New Brunswick, Canada,’ the statement reads.

The family called him a guardian of rhythm and culture whose leadership blended discipline, innovation, and artistry.

‘Akinloye Tofowomo was more than a musician; he was a custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance. Across more than three decades of excellence – on stage and in mentorship – he redefined what it meant to lead a band with grace, mastery, and purpose. To countless admirers at home and abroad, he was both an inspiration and an institution: a true king in his art’.

They requested privacy during their mourning and said memorial details would follow..

Born January 6, 1975, in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Tofowomo contracted polio at age five but refused to let it define him.

He launched Shuga Band in 1998 at a small Lagos venue and grew it into a 14-member ensemble renowned for high-energy performances at weddings, corporate events, and state functions.

Through Shuga Entertainment, he set new standards for professionalism in the industry.

As the first president of the Association of Music Band Owners of Nigeria (AMBON), he fought for better pay and working conditions for musicians.

Tributes poured in across social media, with fans and colleagues remembering his charisma and contributions to Nigerian music.

He is survived by his wife, children, siblings and mother.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Monday accused opposition parties for the claims that Christians were being killed in Nigeria.

All these, Wike said, is to take over power from President Bola Tinubu.

Wike spoke on Channels Television’s programme Politics Today where he described the move as ‘politics too far’, adding that their plans will fail.

The Minister however, refused to list one opposition leader or elaborate further on what he meant.

When asked if opposition was fuelling the narrative of a Christian genocide, Wike said: ‘It is very obvious and I have said this.

‘The problem we have today is Mr President’s own nature of politics, you can see the collapse of the opposition.

‘It will be difficult for anybody. The opposition today has seen that no party is prepared to challenge the President returning to power. What do we do? Should we allow him to just go in like that without challenges? We must do something and one of the things to do is bring up such things that will divide the country.’

Wike said the narrative of genocide under President Bola Tinubu’s administration is ‘politics taken too far.’

‘It is an indictment that a government I am serving, anybody will allege that that government is supporting genocide, killing of Christians and I am still in that government.

‘This is politics taken too far. The Inspector General of Police is a Christian, the Director General of State Security Service is a Christian, and the Chief of Defence (Staff) is a Christian. Tell me how any right-thinking person will think that we will sit in a government and support the killing of our own people?’ he queried.

According to Wike, the killings of Nigerians in any part of the country do not bring joy to any Nigerian leader.

In an explosive post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, US President Trump said that he asked the Pentagon to map out a possible plan of attack in Nigeria, one day after warning that Christianity was ‘facing an existential threat’ in Africa’s most populous country.

In his post, Trump said that if Nigeria does not stem the killings, the United States will attack and ‘it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians.’

Trump on Sunday also repeated threat of a military operation in Nigeria over killings of Christians, after the presidency suggested a meeting to resolve the issue.

Asked if he was considering US troops on the ground in Nigeria or air strikes, Trump replied: ‘Could be, I mean, a lot of things – I envisage a lot of things.’

‘They’re killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers. We’re not going to allow that to happen,’ he added.

When asked if he was worried about Trump’s possible invasion of Nigeria, Wike did not categorically reply to the question.

Weighing in on whether Trump was playing the politics, the Minister said: ‘There could be some misinformation or distortion. It’s unfortunate.’

The Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has noted an improvement in security synergy among the military, Department of State Services, Police, Immigration, and others in October.

Issa-Onilu made this observation at the Monthly Joint Security Press Briefing on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, the monthly engagement demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous communication with citizens on issues of security, anti-corruption, and public trust.

‘Security synergy among the military, DSS, Police, Immigration Services and others improved measurably in October, producing faster interdictions and fewer casualties

‘Terror-linked arrests rose by 33 per cent, reflecting proactive use of human and digital intelligence. Rescues increased by 40 per cent, showing that security operations are shifting from reactive to preventive.

‘Fatalities dropped by 12 per cent, demonstrating effectiveness of joint operations and early warning systems.

‘The Government acknowledges the sacrifices of our security forces and reaffirms that data-driven collaboration and citizen intelligence are central to sustaining national peace and safety,’ Issa-Onilu said.

On the Anti-Corruption and Transparency update, the NOA boss said the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission received about 44 petitions, concluded investigations on 15 and secured two convictions.

He added that the commission also recovered N840 million and $919,000 in the month under review.

‘The Federal Government is ensuring that every kobo recovered from corruption works for the people; funding education, credit, and health reforms rather than lying idle.

‘This reflects Renewed Hope Accountability; turning recovery into public good,’ he said.

He also commended National Agency for Food Drug and Administration Control and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps and others for remarkably improvements in October.

According to him, enforcement actions increased by 28 per cent, convictions improved from 210 to 251, an addition of 19 per cent.

He said that vehicle-crash fatalities declined from 235 to 210, an 11 per cent decrease. These metrics confirm a steady positive curve in national safety indicators.

The government, he said, commended these agencies for their professionalism and reaffirms its unwavering resolve to build a safe, fair, and accountable nation through coordination and transparency.

‘Also, due to NOA’s activities on national communication, security awareness and others, Public trust and vigilance improved measurably in recent opinion tracking and media echo of verified government information rose, while fake-news spread declined.

‘October 2025 marked another step forward in Nigeria’s collective journey toward safety and trust. Together, through courage, collaboration, and communication, we are reclaiming public confidence in our institutions.

‘Together we can build Nigeria; let’s be vigilant, report suspicious activities promptly, verify information before you share and avoid spreading unverified news.

‘Also, partner locally, work with traditional, youth, and faith leaders to maintain peace; support enforcement, and cooperate with security agencies. Your information can save lives,’ Issa-Onilu said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the briefing brought together stakeholders from the security agencies and other regulatory bodies of the federal government.

From sketching faces as a little girl in Abuja to having her artwork permanently displayed in one of London’s most historic civic buildings, British-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist, Adaeze Adinnu, has proven that perseverance, purpose, and passion can turn humble beginnings into history.

Born in Lagos and raised in Abuja, Adaeze began painting at a young age, often using improvised materials to express the images that filled her imagination. ‘I started painting as a young girl in Abuja,’ she recalled. ‘Although I lived in Abuja, I was born in Lagos, and both cities shaped my creative identity in different ways.’

What began as a childhood fascination with colour and form has grown into an internationally recognised art career that now bridges continents and cultures.

Her journey recently reached a new milestone when she visited Mayor Jason Jackson at the Islington Town Hall, London, where she presented a bespoke portrait of the Mayor. The portrait, celebrated for its emotional depth and symbolic richness, was immediately inducted into the Borough’s official portrait collection, making Adaeze the first UK-based Nigerian female artist to have her work permanently displayed at the historic Town Hall.

In a deeply reflective moment, Adaeze described the recognition as a testament to the power of persistence.

‘I started painting in Abuja with nothing but a dream and a desire to tell stories through art,’ she said. ‘Standing here today, seeing my work in Islington’s gallery, reminds me that persistence always pays off.’

During her visit, Adaeze also proposed that Islington designate October 9th as a Black History Celebration Day, to be marked annually through exhibitions, performances, and storytelling that highlight diversity and inclusion.

‘Art has the power to unite communities and remind us that our shared stories make us stronger,’ she said. ‘This celebration isn’t just for Black people – it’s for everyone who contributes to the British story.’

Mayor Jackson praised Adaeze’s artistry and her vision for unity, describing her proposal as ‘tangible and transformative.’

‘Islington has always been proud of its diversity and creative spirit,’ he said. ‘What Adaeze is proposing adds a powerful new dimension to how we celebrate that.’

The Mayor expressed his commitment to advancing the proposal through the Borough’s cultural leadership and acknowledged the significance of her artistic contribution to the town’s heritage.

‘It’s not every day you receive a portrait of such calibre,’ he said. ‘This meeting reflects the power of art to shape civic memory and community connection.’

A graduate of Business Management from the University of Northampton, Adaeze is the Founder and CEO of Fabloz Artistry and a proud member of the British Art Network (BAN). Her art, which merges oil, acrylic, mixed media, and mirrored surfaces, fuses realism and figurative expression to explore identity, resilience, femininity, and social transformation.

Her work has earned international acclaim, notably being selected for the Arts To Hearts Project’s ‘100 Emerging Artists: Women’s Edition 2025.’ She has exhibited in major galleries including The Holy Art Gallery (London), Mitochondria Gallery (Houston), Redwood Art Group (Dallas), and Rele Gallery (Lagos), and her pieces are housed in private and public collections such as the Chinese Cultural Centre (Abuja), Boughton Care Home (UK), and offices at Nigeria’s National Assembly.

Adaeze’s career highlights include painting large-scale murals for Pepsi Cola Nigeria, participating in an exhibition at the Commonwealth Secretariat for the Global Art in Medicine Fellowship in London, and receiving recognition from UNESCO for her contributions to the arts.

Her exhibition record spans the UK, US, and Nigeria, with standout showcases such as Spectrum London (Holy Art Gallery, 2023), When the Sun Stands Still (Mitochondria Gallery, Houston, 2023), Captured Hearts (TAAG Gallery, Los Angeles, 2023), and Black History Month Exhibition (Art.Africa, London, 2022).

Through Fabloz Artistry, she continues to mentor emerging artists, particularly women, using art as a platform for cultural empowerment, healing, and social change.

From her modest beginnings in Abuja to her rise on the global art stage, Adaeze Adinnu’s story is a powerful reminder that art, when guided by vision, faith, and perseverance, can transcend borders and turn dreams into legacy.

Hundreds of protesters led by members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and the Southern Nigeria Youth Congress (SNYC) on Monday staged a protest at the Federal University,Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) over allegations of abuse of office against the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.

The demonstrators, who stormed the university campus in large numbers, carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘Professor Fasina must go,’ ‘Stop the rot in FUOYE,’ ‘FUOYE must be rescued now,’ and ‘Ndoma-Egba must not impose a successor.’

Addressing journalists during the mass protest, the NYCN Chairman, Ekiti chapter, Comrade Segun Bankole, alleged the Chairman of university’s Governing Council, Senator Ndoma-Egba, and the Vice-Chancellor had turned the university into a theatre of corruption, impunity and moral decay.

Bankole, who said that the groups had submitted a petition to President Bola Tinubu and copied anti-corruption and regulatory agencies, said the university had been ‘hijacked by a cabal’ that had weaponised governance for personal enrichment.

Bankole accused the Pro-Chancellor of flouting ministerial directives by moving all Council meetings and the ongoing Vice-Chancellorship selection process to Abuja, a move he claimed had resulted in the waste of millions of naira on travels and allowances.

He accused the Governing Council of turning the institution into a ‘feeding trough, claiming that university officials had converted the university’s resources into personal wealth while neglecting academic and infrastructural growth and development.

Bankole claimed that contracts were being awarded without due process, financial transactions were shrouded in secrecy and the welfare of staff and students had been relegated to the background.

The NYCN chairman also lamented the marginalisation of Ekiti indigenes in the institution’s workforce, alleging that many were only engaged as contract staff on meagre stipends.

The Ekiti Chairman of SNYC, Comr. Emmanuel Aladejare, questioned the approval of N128 million for a research leave for the Vice-Chancellor, describing it as a ‘gross aberration, misnomer and unheard of in academic history’.

Aladejare alleged suspicious property acquisitions worth over N700m by top university officials, saying the institution has been reduced to a breeding ground for financial recklessness, nepotism and administrative impunity with the council allegedly prioritising self-interest over transparency and accountability.

Aladejare also condemned the ongoing Vice-Chancellorship selection process, describing it as a predetermined exercise structured to produce a successor who would continue cycle of corruption and impunity that has plagued the institution.

He alleged that the timetable released by the Governing Council was deliberately compressed to prevent proper scrutiny of applicants and ensure the emergence of a candidate loyal to the outgoing management.

The protesters demanded the immediate suspension of Professor Fasina pending investigation, the removal of Senator Ndoma-Egba as Pro-Chancellor and Council Chairman, and the suspension of the current selection process for a new Vice-Chancellor.

They also called for the constitution of an independent, non-partisan panel to probe allegations of sexual harassment on campus and ensure justice for victims.

Other demands include: establishment of a neutral interim governing council to restore lawful governance, a full forensic audit of FUOYE’s finances, property acquisitions and Council expenditures since 2021, immediate return of Council activities to the FUOYE campus and legal protection for whistleblowers; as well as anti-corruption advocates within the university community.

They urged Tinubu to take decisive action, insisting that only firm, transparent and immediate intervention can prevent the total collapse of FUOYE.