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The appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has drawn attention from both political and academic circles, not only for its timing but also for the man behind the name.

While the presidency and Kogi and Plateau state governments have hailed the decision as a nod to merit and inclusiveness, those who know Amupitan personally paint a picture of a disciplined academic with a reputation for fairness and firm administration.

A native of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan has spent most of his professional life in Plateau State, rising through the ranks at the University of Jos to become Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). His appointment comes at a time when public confidence in INEC remains fragile, and expectations of reform are high.

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Amupitan’s appointment followed the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served two terms as INEC chairman from 2015 until Tuesday. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Thursday, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan’s nomination to the Council of State to fill the vacancy. According to Onanuga, Amupitan, from Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, becomes the first person from the state to be nominated for the position and is considered ‘apolitical.’ The Council of State reportedly endorsed the nomination unanimously, with Kogi Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo describing him as ‘a man of integrity.’ Tinubu is expected to forward his name to the Senate for confirmation, in line with constitutional requirements. A Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he obtained his degrees, Amupitan, 58, specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014.

According to his profile released by the presidency, he was born on April 25, 1967.

After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.

He earned an LLM at UniJos in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989.

Currently, he serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.

Among the academic positions he has held at UniJos are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).

Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).

Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), Principles of Company Law(2013) and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014). He is married and has four children.

Beyond credentials

Beyond credentials, his associates and former students in the University of Jos also shared some insights to the personality of the man that has now been saddled with the leadership of the electoral body.

Professor Ezekiel Major Adeyi, a colleague at the University of Jos who has known Amupitan for more than three decades, describes him as an administrator who values order and process.

‘His appointment as DVC (Administration) was seen by everyone in the Senate as a plus for the university,’ Adeyi said. ‘As Head of Department, he ensured that the Law Department became a reference point for others. When he served as Dean, he resolved long-standing delays that kept law students from proceeding to law school on time.’

Adeyi said Amupitan approached university administration with calm logic rather than force. ‘He’s not the bossy type. He presents his arguments logically and stands by them. I have never known him to take a position that compromises integrity, either in Senate or committee work. He believes in doing things the right way, even when it is not convenient.’

On his new role, Adeyi said, ‘He’s not partisan. He has friends across divides and says things as they are. I think his appointment reflects a search for credibility. He’s content with what he has, and that gives him independence.’

Professor Oyelami Thomas, a fellow law lecturer and one-time classmate, recalls Amupitan’s seriousness from their student days. ‘We were together in the NLL class in 1990. He was the youngest but one of the most focused,’ he said. ‘He became a professor long before most of us thought possible. When he became Dean, he encouraged others, myself included, to aim higher.’

Thomas said what stood out for him was Amupitan’s consistency. ‘In academia, you find all sorts of behaviour, but he has managed to stay clear of scandal. He works hard and stays professional. He doesn’t bring politics into his relationships or responsibilities.’

He believes those qualities will be useful in leading INEC. ‘He has the capacity: academically, morally, and physically. I don’t know him to have any political leanings. He prefers the rigour of academia to political games. That might be what the commission needs right now.’

Lawal Ishaq, a Jos-based lawyer who studied under Amupitan in the early 1990s, remembers him as a demanding but fair lecturer.

‘Prof. Amupitan taught us Company Law in 1991. He was strict and punctual. He came to class prepared and made sure we understood the subject before leaving,’ Ishaq said. ‘We respected him because he took teaching seriously. He didn’t cut corners.’

Ishaq said he was not surprised by the appointment. ‘He has always valued integrity. For someone like him, leading INEC is an extension of what he has always done, enforcing order and fairness. I believe he’ll take the same disciplined approach to this new job.’

Past statements on budget padding, whistleblowing

In 2016, Professor Amupitan sparked public debate when he argued that the controversial practice of ‘budget padding’ was not unlawful under the Nigerian Constitution.

Speaking in an interview with ThisDay, Amupitan explained that the National Assembly has the constitutional mandate to scrutinise and approve budget estimates submitted by the executive, which naturally includes adjusting figures and allocations.

‘As far as the constitution of Nigeria is concerned, there is nothing here that has been dishonestly or fraudulently done by the Speaker or by the Deputy Speaker (at least there is no proof of it) because they have acted within their legislative powers,’ Amupitan said.

‘It is if it was somebody that is not empowered by the law that you can now begin to say you have forged something. So, you need to understand the allegations or controversies around the budget padding in the National Assembly, and maybe the situation of forgery must be understood properly,’ he added.

His comments came amid public uproar over the 2016 budget padding scandal, in which the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, was accused of inflating budgetary allocations. Dogara himself had controversially stated that ‘budget padding is not a crime under Nigerian law,’ a position Amupitan largely echoed, grounding it in constitutional interpretation.

A year later, in 2017, Amupitan delivered the 81st inaugural lecture of the University of Jos titled ‘Nigerian Corporate Governance: From Concentrated Ownership to Dispersed Ownership – Which Way Forward?’ In that lecture, he called on the National Assembly to urgently pass the Protected Disclosure and Whistleblowers Bill of 2016, describing it as essential to Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.

‘The National Assembly should, as a matter of urgency, pass into law the Protected Disclosure and Whistleblowers Bill, 2016, to further enhance accountability and transparency in both the public and private sectors,’ he said.

Amupitan used the platform to highlight deep structural inefficiencies in Nigeria’s governance and economic management, pointing to the mishandling of pension funds as a key example. He lamented that while pension assets had grown into trillions of naira, they remained largely idle or mismanaged.

‘Pension funds now run into trillions of naira in Nigeria and remain unutilised and uninvested, thereby opening them up for misappropriation. The worst of it is that pensioners are short-changed by administrators,’ he said.

He argued that pension funds could serve as a vital engine for economic development if properly restructured and governed. ‘It is against the above background that we advocate the reform of the pension scheme by building pension administrators into strong institutional investors since they have the powers to invest and manage pension funds and assets under sections 55(b) and 85 of the Pension Reform Act,’ Amupitan proposed.

Linking governance failure to Nigeria’s economic challenges, Amupitan also criticised what he described as the ‘mismanagement of public resources’ that had plunged the country into recession. He emphasised that Nigeria’s economic woes were avoidable, had national resources been better utilised.

‘Nigeria has no reason to be in recession, but due to mismanagement of national resources by those in the helm of affairs,’ he said, addressing then Speaker Yakubu Dogara, who was in attendance.

Amupitan further illustrated his point with a corporate governance case study involving Cadbury Nigeria Plc, which faced allegations of financial statement overstatement between 2003 and 2006 amounting to N13 billion. He used the example to underscore how weak regulatory oversight and ethical lapses could destabilise both corporate and national economies.

His legal reasoning often stressed institutional reform over punitive populism, arguing that systemic fixes, such as legal protections for whistleblowers and financial transparency measures, were more sustainable paths to integrity in governance.

These earlier remarks may now invite renewed scrutiny as Amupitan assumes the leadership of INEC, an institution at the heart of Nigeria’s democratic process. His nuanced views on legislative powers and institutional autonomy could shape how he approaches electoral reforms and relations between INEC and other arms of government.

From right: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and Abia State governor, Alex Otti, during the National Council of State meeting, at the Presidential Villa Abuja yesterday

Parties urge neutrality and reform

Meanwhile, political parties, civil society groups, and other stakeholders have urged Amupitan to ensure fairness, transparency, and neutrality as he takes over the leadership of Nigeria’s electoral body.

The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have called on Amupitan to serve the interest of Nigerians rather than those of the government that appointed him, saying his impartiality will define his tenure.

Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, told Daily Trust that while the party welcomes Amupitan’s credentials, Nigerians expect him to restore faith in the electoral system.

‘We wish him well and hope he lives up to expectations. He resumes with an impressive CV and a strong legal background,’ Abdullahi said. ‘But he must avoid the controversies that plagued the Yakubu era, the allegations of rigging, inconclusive polls, and loss of public trust.’

He added that Amupitan faces a defining moment: ‘He can either depart from the past and write his name in gold or continue down the path of manipulation and earn public condemnation.’

Similarly, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party would give Amupitan the benefit of the doubt but expects clear reforms to restore confidence in elections.

‘We expect the new INEC chairman to have a personal ambition to do better, to restore Nigerians’ confidence in elections. His loyalty must lie with the people, not with those who appointed him,’ Abdullahi said.

He noted that Amupitan’s tenure would likely span beyond one electoral cycle. ‘He must therefore look beyond political interests and focus on institutional integrity.’

Also speaking, PDP National Executive Committee member Timothy Osadolor cautioned Amupitan against viewing his appointment as a favour from the president.

‘He should see this as a call to national duty,’ Osadolor said. ‘The 2027 elections will define Nigeria’s democratic future. His success or failure will shape how history remembers him.’

Osadolor urged Amupitan to prioritise reforms that guarantee credible elections, including strengthening the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and result transmission. ‘Humphrey Nwosu remains respected because of the 1993 election he conducted. Since then, standards have dropped. Professor Jega tried, but the system still needs deep reform,’ he said.

Also commenting, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) welcomed the new INEC chairman and asked him to be committed to free, fair and credible elections in the country.

In a telephone interview with Daily Trust last night, the APC National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said, ‘We expect that when he submits results, there won’t be doubts about the outcome of the elections.’

Ibrahim, however, said, ‘Looking at the unanimous nature of his acceptance by the National Council of State, it shows that the man’s credibility is stainless.

‘And the speed with which his nomination was made suggests that he must have passed the initial security screening. I think he is going to bring on board what is expected.’

Civil society: Restore credibility and independence

Civil society organisations have also outlined expectations for the new INEC boss, urging him to rebuild public confidence, ensure transparency, and protect the commission’s independence.

Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said Nigerians expect Amupitan to prioritise institutional integrity and electoral credibility.

‘He must start by conducting a comprehensive audit of the 2023 elections to identify weaknesses and strengthen INEC’s processes,’ Rafsanjani said. ‘Civil society has produced detailed recommendations on this; he should act on them.’

Rafsanjani added that reforming the voter register, prosecuting electoral offenders, and fixing logistical failures must be immediate priorities.

‘INEC must ensure every vote counts. Nigerians must believe again that their votes matter,’ he said. ‘We cannot keep allowing politicians who sponsor violence to walk free. There must be consequences.’

He also urged the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in the electoral process and called for legislation to entrench technology use. ‘The law should leave no ambiguity-BVAS and electronic transmission must be the rule, not the exception,’ he said.

Rafsanjani concluded that Amupitan’s success would depend on sincerity, transparency, and collaboration with stakeholders. ‘He must show that INEC can operate above political influence.’

Yiaga Africa: Enforce rules, protect independence

Yiaga Africa, a leading election-monitoring organisation, said it had no objection to Amupitan’s appointment given his professional background but urged him to prioritise enforcement of INEC’s own rules.

Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, said INEC under Amupitan must be insulated from political interference.

‘The appointing authority must protect him and the institution from political pressure,’ he said. ‘He must also ensure that INEC’s guidelines are enforced without bias.’

Itodo emphasised that transparency in managing technology remains central to INEC’s credibility. ‘The backend of the BVAS and the iREV should be subject to public scrutiny. Electronic transmission of results must become standard practice,’ he said.

He added that the Senate confirmation process should be transparent and open to civil society participation. ‘The president’s consultation with the Council of State is commendable, but the next step must be full public scrutiny of his confirmation,’ Itodo said.

Attendance at council of state meeting

Daily Trust gathered that former Heads of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.) and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.), joined the Council of State meeting virtually, where the president presented Amupitan’s nomination.

However, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan were absent.

Those physically present included Vice President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Also in attendance were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, and several state governors, with some represented by their deputies.

Addressing State House correspondents after the meeting, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. Emanso Umobong, confirmed that Generals Babangida and Abdulsalami attended virtually.

She added that the Senate President, the Speaker, and almost all state governors participated either in person or through their deputies.

Kogi, Plateau hail appointment

Meanwhile, governments of Kogi and Plateau states have lauded President Tinubu for appointing Amupitan, describing it as recognition of competence and inclusiveness.

Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said the appointment reflected Tinubu’s commitment to merit and national unity.

‘Professor Amupitan’s distinguished career and integrity make him well-suited for this role. His appointment is a validation of the president’s belief in excellence,’ Fanwo said.

He expressed confidence that Amupitan would uphold transparency in managing elections and ‘bring honour to Kogi State and the country.’

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also congratulated Amupitan, describing him as a ‘towering legal scholar, a patriotic Nigerian, and a strategic thinker whose contributions to governance and democracy are widely acknowledged.’

Mutfwang said the appointment also reflects inclusiveness toward the North Central region, commending Tinubu for recognising the zone. He urged the Senate to expedite confirmation, noting that ‘the nation needs his expertise as we approach a critical electoral cycle.’

By Clement A. Oloyede, Saawua Terzungwe, Baba Martins, Itodo Daniel Sule (Abuja), Ado Abubakar Musa (Jos) and Tijjani Labaran (Lokoja)

The police in Ekiti State have arraigned two persons, Abubakar Sodiq (25) and Ojo Gbenga (23), at the Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti over an alleged stealing.

The prosecutor, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendants on October 5, 2025, at about 2 pm at Abeope Farm, Industrial Estate, Ikere-Ekiti, conspired to steal ten tubers of yam valued at N30,000, the property of Odeyemi Sunday.

Inspector Oriyomi said the offence is contrary to Sections 421 and 295 and punishable under Section 302 of the Criminal Laws of Ekiti State Law No. 12 of 2021.

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Counsel to the defendants, Barrister Dotn Omoteye, urged the court to grant his clients’ bail. The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, granted them bail in the sum of N20,000 with one surety each.

The case was adjourned until November 11, for hearing.

Brethren, attend any prayer in your neighbourhood and you would probably hear the imam supplicate passionately to the Almighty on behalf of the congregation for more of His favours. One of the ‘prayer points’ is usually that the Almighty should protect the congregation against ‘sudden death’. You would likely hear him as he says: ‘Protect us O! God! from accidents on the road, from death while in sleep, from .’. The imam usually supplicates against all possible predisposing factors to death, although human experience shows that these incidents are often deployed by the Almighty as causes in order for His decree to come to pass. We all also know, dear brethren, that each day the sun rises, it signals the birth of a child and the death of another; the rise to fame of a group and the descent of another into infamy. Since the primordial period, my dear brethren, humanity has learnt that to be born is to keep a date with death; to emerge from the womb into life is to book a space in the tomb.

Brethren, that brother probably travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah. He could have begun the spiritual journey in Makkah, before his onward journey to Madinah to visit the Prophet’s mosque. He could even have been a citizen of Saudi Arabia who enjoyed the uncommon privilege of being a neighbour to the holiest sites in Islamic Weltanschauung.

No matter the tenor of the narrative and notwithstanding the possibilities in his biography, that brother of yours and mine actually entered the Prophet’s mosque that particular day like other worshippers. He took his position among the worshippers of the Creator of the heavens and the earth; he joined the congregation to raise his voice and glorify the name of Almighty Allah. Yes, he raised his voice and said Allahu Akbar- that the Almighty is Great. He raised his two hands in an expression of his nothingness in relation to His majesty; he raised his two hands to affirm his awareness that he came to the world with nothing and that when the ‘hour’ comes, he shall leave with nothing except his worship of the Almighty and the good deeds he puts forward.

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Brethren, that brother of yours and mine said Allahu Akbar. He could have recited the first chapter, Surah al-Fatiha, and another chapter from the Quran, the last testament. After a short while, he bowed his head, in the ruku’ posture, like other worshippers in the mosque. There, he said ‘Subhanna Rabbi al-Adhim’- glory be to my lord, the Great. According to al-Ghazali in his book al-Maqsad al-Asna, when reference is made to an entity as being great, two possibilities come to mind: that entity whose greatness is receptive and perceptible to the eye, and that whose greatness is inconceivable for human vision to encompass, such as the heavens and the earth. He goes further to say that when reference is made to the Almighty as The Great, it is because His essence (Kunh) is beyond perception. Thus, any greatness applied to one other than the Almighty is deficient and invalid.

Thereafter, dear brethren, our brother proceeded from the rukuu to the sajdah. The sajdah posture, you would remember, is the closest station the servant can reach on this planet earth in relation to the Almighty. In the sajdah posture, dear brethren, our forehead, our two palms, our two knees, and the toes of our foot (the seven points of submission to the Almighty) should touch the ground. The sajdah posture is usually observed twice in our prayer, and each of them carries great lessons for our contemplation.

When the Muslim worshipper puts his forehead on the ground in obeisance and in submission to the Almighty, he practically humbles himself. By bringing our foreheads to the ground, Muslims engage in willful self-immolation in front of their creator. The Muslim worshipper who brings his forehead to touch the ground enters into a covenant with the Almighty; such a Muslim is saying she would not, no matter how austere or prosperous the circumstance becomes, serve any other principal apart from His Majesty.

In the sajdah posture nests one other important lesson. When the Muslim worshipper puts his head on the ground and raises it, he brings to mind the fact that it is from the earth he was created; when he goes back to put his forehead on the ground, he becomes attentive to the reality that sooner or later he shall, at his demise, be returned back to the earth; when he raises his head from the ground once again, he is aware that no matter how long he stays in his grave or tomb, he shall be resurrected from the earth on the day of judgment: ‘We have created you from the earth, into it We shall return you, and from it, We shall bring you back to life once again (Quran 20: 55).

Dear Brethren, after a long while during which he remained transfixed on the same spot, his forehead firmly glued to the ground, his hands spread out as if they had become wings like that of a bird in space, his fellow worshippers became aware that their brother had departed this world. He had died while in Salat, in prostration to the Almighty Allah, in the hallowed space of the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah.

What are the matters arising from the incident, dear Brethren? I thought the nodus of the matter is exemplified in the preface to this sermon. Thus, I call on you to read and ponder Surah Luqman, verse thirty-four. The Almighty reminds us that the knowledge of five entities in our world has not and will never be given to anybody: the knowledge of the ‘hour’- the hour in which you and I will depart this world, the hour in which resurrection will take place; the knowledge of the means and time by and in which our sustenance will come to us; the knowledge not only of the gender of the foetus in the womb immediately conception takes place but more importantly the destiny and trajectories of its sojourn on earth; the knowledge of what lies ahead of each one of us each time the sun rise; and ultimately the knowledge of where our death will meet us. All these realities are firmly under the control of the Almighty.

Brethren in faith, let us compare the destiny of that man who died in his prayer with that other ‘big’ man who died in a hotel while engaging in illicit sexual relations with a harlot? Who between the two stands a chance of enjoying eternal redemption? Ask yourself this question: whenever the Almighty ‘knocks on your door’, would you confidently say ‘come in, the door is unlocked’?

In the evolving narrative of Nigeria’s higher education, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has consistently occupied the position of an unwavering yet frequently misunderstood actor. Despite systemic neglect, official indifference, and public apathy, ASUU has maintained its role as a steadfast advocate for academic integrity and the protection if educational standards. This prompts a critical question: how has the responsibility of defending public education in Africa’s most populous country come to rest predominantly upon the shoulders of a single trade union?

Established in 1978, ASUU has transformed into far more than a conventional labour organisation. It now represents the moral and intellectual conscience of Nigeria’s university system. Its consistent demands, which include improved funding, fair and competitive remuneration, institutional autonomy, and infrastructural renewal, are not limited to the interests of its members. Rather, they are reflective of wider societal imperatives such as social justice, equitable access to knowledge, and national development.

From a sociological perspective, ASUU’s advocacy resonates strongly with Emile Durkheim’s notion of moral education. Durkheim contended that educational institutions are central to the development of collective consciousness and the reinforcement of societal cohesion. When these institutions are allowed to deteriorate, the consequences extend beyond academic decline to include weakened civic values, diminished critical thought, and the erosion of national identity. In this regard, ASUU’s industrial actions should not be perceived solely as disputes over wages or benefits. Instead, they are symptomatic of deeper institutional dysfunctions and serve as a protest against what Max Weber might characterise as bureaucratic irrationality, wherein state structures prioritise transient political gain over long term societal investment.

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Despite the union’s enduring commitment to higher education reform, ASUU remains frequently isolated in its efforts. Students, paradoxically the primary beneficiaries of its struggle, often express resentment or indifference. Repeated disruptions to the academic calendar have generated a psychological detachment frequently referred to as strike fatigue. This condition, however, reflects a more fundamental problem: the absence of political education and civic awareness among the youth. Antonio Gramsci’s theory of cultural hegemony provides a useful lens for understanding this phenomenon. By framing ASUU as an impediment rather than an advocate for progress, the state sustains ideological control and suppresses collective resistance. The lack of effective communication strategies by the union has enabled such misrepresentations to persist, limiting the potential for public solidarity. Nonetheless, the responsibility for reforming Nigeria’s educational system must be shared. Students, parents, civil society organisations, and university administrators all possess a critical role in this process.

The approach adopted by the Nigerian government towards ASUU has been largely reactive and lacking in strategic vision. Successive administrations have consistently failed to engage in meaningful dialogue or to honour previously negotiated agreements. Instead, they have relied on delay, deflection, and superficial gestures. This approach is emblematic of a broader postcolonial governance crisis characterised by institutional fragility, clientelism, and an absence of developmental foresight. Public education, rather than being treated as a cornerstone of national progress, has been relegated to the margins of political consideration. While public universities remain grossly underfunded and structurally weakened, private institutions have flourished, thereby reinforcing class divisions and perpetuating educational inequality.

An analysis rooted in political economy provides further insight into this structural crisis. The deterioration of Nigeria’s public universities is not simply the consequence of fiscal mismanagement or policy neglect. It is also a by-product of the neoliberal restructuring of African states which began in the 1980s with the implementation of Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAP). These programmes, promoted by international financial institutions, imposed austerity measures, encouraged deregulation, and significantly reduced public expenditure on education and other social services. ASUU’s resistance can thus be understood as a form of counter hegemony, challenging the commodification of education and the erosion of public responsibility.

At a global level, the challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education sector are reflective of wider structural inequalities between the Global South and the Global North. The trend popularly referred to in Nigeria as the Japa syndrome, involving the mass emigration of academics and skilled professionals, underscores the global imbalance in institutional capacity and opportunity. The continuous outflow of talent in search of better research facilities, career advancement, and working conditions further deprives Nigeria’s universities of the human capital necessary for meaningful transformation. This creates a vicious cycle of underdevelopment and dependency.

ASUU’s demand for the revitalisation of the Nigerian University System is therefore both legitimate and urgent. The union has consistently called for improvements in physical infrastructure, modern laboratory facilities, increased funding for research, manageable student to staff ratios, and the restoration of conducive working conditions. These demands are fundamental to the proper functioning of a modern university and essential for positioning Nigerian institutions within the global academic landscape.

Nevertheless, it is imperative for ASUU to engage in critical self assessment. Although its objectives are commendable, the union’s operational strategies require recalibration. The movement must transcend its current posture of institutional insularity and adopt a broader coalition building approach. By forging alliances with student unions, parents, civil society actors, and sympathetic voices within the private sector, ASUU can enhance its legitimacy and bargaining power while amplifying the urgency of its message.

In conclusion, the question is not whether ASUU’s demands are reasonable; they are. The deeper question concerns why the union has been left to pursue this struggle in isolation. Nigeria’s future is inextricably linked to the quality of its education system. A nation that fails to invest in intellectual development, research, and human capital imperils its capacity for innovation, governance, and sustainable growth. It is time for the Nigerian government and society more broadly to reconsider education not as an expenditure but as a critical investment in the survival, stability, and advancement of the nation.

The Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) and the Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) have called on relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, over alleged certificate forgery, the scandal that reportedly led to his resignation from office.

In a statement on Thursday, Dr Iliyasu Gashinbaki, the chairman of CIFCFIN governing council, said it was not enough for the former minister to resign, insisting that he must face the full consequences of his actions.

The council described the growing culture of forgery in public service as a symptom of a failing system marked by the absence of consequences, weak deterrence, and institutional compromise.

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CIFCFIN said to reverse the trend and restore integrity in public institutions, the federal government must ensure a transparent and accountable criminal justice system, as well as a nationwide independent forensic audit to be led by the institute. According to the council, the proposed forensic audit would involve verifying the academic credentials of all civil servants, public office holders, and ministerial nominees to ensure professional integrity in line with global best practices.

‘We can either continue on the path of impunity, which destroys the very foundations of our society, or choose the path of accountability and the rule of law. The prosecution of all offenders is the first step on this new path. Otherwise, we shall continue to build in vain,’ the statement said.

Similarly, the Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has urged the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Enugu State to prosecute Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, who hails from the state.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, CASER’s Executive Director, Mr. Frank Tietie, said the organisation had already petitioned the Enugu State Attorney General to commence prosecution, noting that federal agencies appeared to be ‘dragging their feet’ on the matter.

He warned that such dereliction of duty, particularly in cases involving high-profile figures, undermines public trust in the justice system and erodes the principle that no one is above the law.

‘It is precisely the perceived inaction and selective enforcement by these federal agencies, for politically obvious reasons, that has compelled CASER to formally request the Honourable Attorney General of Enugu State to exercise his constitutional powers under Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to investigate and prosecute Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji for alleged acts of forgery and related offences,’ Tietie said.

He explained that Section 211 empowers a state attorney general to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person in respect of offences created by state law.

‘This request by CASER is not politically motivated – it is a principled call for justice, deterrence, and the restoration of institutional integrity. If federal agencies will not act due to political convenience or policy correctness, then a state authority that still believes in the sanctity of law must do so,’ he added.

Following an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate in the possession of the former Minister, saying the politician did not complete his studies at the institution and was never issued a certificate.

According to PREMIUM TIMES, Simon U. Ortuanya, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, stated that although Nnaji was admitted to the institution in 1981, he did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree.

The platform added that authorities at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) also confirmed that the certificate of national service being paraded by Nnaji was strange to it and could not be authenticated.

An Islamic scholar, Ustadh Dhikrullahi Shafii, has called for the adoption of a centralised Friday sermon across major mosques in Nigeria to promote unity and a common direction on issues affecting the Muslim community.

He made the call at the 2nd Annual Imam’s Conference organised by the Daarus-Sa’aadah Islamic Centre in Ajase-Ipo, Kwara State.

The conference, themed ‘The Mosque, the Imam and Da’wah,’ brought together scholars, Imams, traditional rulers, and worshippers from across the country.

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Ustadh Shafii noted that the mosque should not be seen merely as a place of prayer but as a hub for decision-making, social welfare, refuge, and even medical care, as exemplified in early Islamic history. He lamented that these vital roles have been largely neglected in contemporary Muslim communities, leading to social and moral setbacks within the Ummah.

Describing the Imam as the ‘principal of the mosque,’ Shafii stressed that the position requires deep grounding in the Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, and awareness of global issues.

‘No single individual can master all branches of Islamic jurisprudence. Imams and scholars must therefore specialise in particular fields and collaborate for the benefit of the community,’ he said.

He called for the repositioning of mosques to serve broader community needs by establishing committees dedicated to children, women, the aged, marriage, naming ceremonies, and conflict resolution.

According to him, when properly utilised, mosques can once again produce pious leaders and scholars as they did in the early history of Islam.

In his presentation on ‘Da’wah Without Bitterness: Etiquette of Disagreement in Islam,’ Dr. Sirajudeen Al-Asra urged scholars and preachers to approach da’wah with humility, patience, and wisdom.

He cautioned against arrogance in preaching, noting that Islam discourages hostility and that the strength of da’wah lies in its truth and delivery rather than aggression.

The founder and sponsor of the conference, Alhaja Rahmat Mojisola Salih, a Lagos-based businesswoman, said her motivation for the annual event was inspired by her grandmother, who taught her the value of dedicating part of one’s earnings to the service of the mosque.

‘The annual Imam Conference is my way of sustaining that legacy of service and philanthropy,’ she said, urging others to emulate the gesture to promote a more disciplined and caring society.

The Chief Imam of Ajase-Ipo, Shaykh Aliyu Taofeeq Atoloye, who chaired the occasion, said the programme has continued to make a significant impact by providing a platform for Islamic scholars and imams to exchange ideas and deepen their knowledge.

He added that this year’s theme broadened the understanding of the mosque’s role beyond worship, reaffirming its centrality to the moral and spiritual life of the Ummah.

In his goodwill message, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Muhammed Yahya Atoloye, described the event as a ‘blessed gathering’ and recommended its extension to three days due to its immense benefits.

He called for the sustainability of the initiative and encouraged more individuals and institutions to support it for the advancement of religion and community life.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State commended the organisers for championing a noble cause that equips Imams and scholars with deeper religious understanding for the growth of Islam.

‘This event is highly educational and impactful. It reinforces the vital role of religious leaders in promoting peace, moral discipline, and spiritual development,’ the governor said.

Governor Uba Sani has made mental health a basic human right, by enacting the Kaduna State Mental Health Law on September 18, 2025, to replace the outdated Lunacy Act of 1958.

The law protects every citizen living with mental health condition against discrimination and guarantees access to quality care, as well as restores dignity to those who have long been ignored.

The Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, disclosed this while delivering a keynote address at a public lecture during the 2025 World Mental Health Day on Friday, which was organized by the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna.

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Dr Balarabe further disclosed that Governor Uba Sani has ‘transformed the former Bureau For Substance Abuse into Kaduna State Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency(KADSAMHSA).’

According to her, KADSAMHSA now ‘coordinates care for mental, neurological and substance use disorders in a unified, humane system’, adding that ‘this is not only an administrative reform; it is a moral statement.’

The Deputy Governor who is a medical Doctor, said that Kaduna State has trained and graduated the first cohort of 100 clinicians, doctors, nurses and pharmacists from 10 General Hospitals under the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Program.

She argued that with this policy initiative, ‘care has moved from isolation to integration, from centralization to community, from exclusion to inclusion.’

Dr Balarabe recalled that in 2024, Kaduna State Government recognized the emotional burden that accompanies pregnancy and childbirth, through a Technical Working Group on Perinatal Mental Health.

‘By integrating screening into maternal and child health services, we reached women who might otherwise have suffered in silence. This initiative is saving lives, restoring families and giving voice to many who once felt invisible,’ she said, adding that ‘these efforts are part of a broader reform that embeds mental health into our primary health care system.’

Dr Balarabe commended the partnership among KADSAMHSA, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, the Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Board, describing it as a model for partnership and ‘proof that progress is possible when policy, professionalism and compassion move in the same direction.’

The Deputy Governor revealed that Kaduna State plans to extend mental health services to ‘all 30 General Hospitals and every ward-level Primary Health Care, including our 23 designated Centers of Excellence. We are also working with KADCHMA to make mental health care covered and affordable under the Contributory Health Scheme.’

Dr Balarabe called on all tiers of government, development partners, civil society organizations, faith leaders and the private sector to lend support, resources and influence to mental health issues.

The Deputy Governor commended Dr Aisha Yushau Armiyau, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, for her impeccable leadership, professionalism and dedication, which continue to shine as example of excellence.

‘She embodies what it means to lead with skill, with vision and with a heart. She is not only delivering results but also inspiring confidence in the health care system and doing women professionals proud as a remarkable role model’, she added.

Dr Balarabe also commended the Director General of KADSAMHSA, Dr Joe Ike, for his purposeful leadership and for working with likeminds ‘who share the same spirit of service, compassion and professionalism.’

Running a small shop is a daily balancing act. You manage inventory, serve customers, keep the accounts tidy, and still need to plan for risks that can throw operations off track. Fire, theft, floods, equipment breakdown, or an accident in the store can lead to steep bills and long closures. A well-structured shopkeeper insurance policy can be the difference between a quick recovery and a prolonged setback. Here is how it helps small businesses and why it is a smart pillar of MSME insurance planning.

? Fast cash flow support when it matters most

After a loss, time is money. The right policy is designed to settle admissible claims quickly so you can restore the store layout, repair fixtures, and replace damaged stock without draining your working capital. This immediate liquidity shortens downtime, which is crucial for MSMEs where even a week of closure can disrupt supplier payments and monthly cash cycles.

? Protection for the essentials you rely on

Shops are more than four walls. Counters, racks, refrigerators, point of sale machines, and computers keep the business moving. A comprehensive shopkeeper insurance policy typically covers accidental damage or breakdown of such business equipment. That means costly replacements or repairs do not have to derail your operations. For stores that rely on billing systems, barcoding, and CCTV, electronic equipment and data restoration cover can help you bounce back from power surges, short circuits, and device failures.

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? Safeguard stock and seasonal inventory

For many retailers, stock is the most significant asset. Losses from fire, flood, or burglary can be severe, especially right before a festive sale or peak season. Insurance that covers contents and stock at reinstatement or market value helps you rebuild shelves quickly. Some policies also include debris removal and professional fees after a significant incident, making recovery more organised and less stressful.

? Cover for glass fronts, signs, and visual appeal

Your storefront is part of your brand. Plate glass, display windows, and glow signs are vulnerable to accidental breakage. With the right cover, you do not have to absorb the entire replacement cost, which helps the shop look open, safe, and inviting again within days.

? Liability protection to keep reputational risks low

Accidents on the premises can lead to third-party claims. Public liability cover supports legal defence costs and compensation, helping you manage not just financial exposure but also reputation. For small businesses, this can prevent a single incident from turning into a prolonged legal and financial burden.

? Support for people who keep the shop running

People’s risks can hit hard. A personal accident cover for the owner ensures family finances are protected if the worst happens. Employee compensation coverage addresses workplace injuries and statutory liabilities. Together, these help you protect livelihoods and maintain high trust within a small team.

? Protection against internal fraud

Even well-run shops can face losses from employee dishonesty. A fidelity guarantee section compensates for defined fraudulent acts when reported within the stipulated timeframe. This is a practical layer in MSME insurance, where duties often overlap and cash handling is frequent.

? Add-ons that fit your reality

Every shop is different. Smart add-ons let you tailor protection to your risk profile. Accidental damage for everyday mishaps, impact damage if your store faces a car park, electrical and electronic appliance cover for power-fluctuation zones, dewatering expenses after water ingress, snow damage in hill stations, immediate repairs to start work without waiting for approvals, and an escalation clause to account for rising material and labour costs. These options help you build a policy that mirrors real-world risks.

? Underinsurance guardrails for more complete payouts

Underinsurance can reduce claim payouts just when you need them most. Some policies offer a waiver of underinsurance up to a specified percentage if your sum insured is within set thresholds. This feature softens the blow of valuation gaps and supports a fuller recovery after a covered loss.

? Simple documents, transparent processes, smooth onboarding

Buying cover should not feel like a project. Typical documents include basic KYC, shop registration or trade license, GST where applicable, and a simple inventory or asset list to set the sum insured. Transparent processes and digital journeys make issuance and servicing easier, saving owner time for customers and growth.

? Realistic premium planning with calculators

Online premium calculators help you see how location, built-up area, business type, asset value, and add-ons influence the premium. You can tweak inputs until you arrive at the right balance of cost and cover. This prevents overpaying for protection you do not need while avoiding risky underinsurance.

? Business continuity mindset for MSMEs

Recovery is not only about replacing things. It is about restoring confidence so customers return and suppliers keep credit lines open. A robust shopkeeper insurance policy supports continuity by funding repairs, protecting stock, covering third-party liabilities, and reducing disruption. For MSMEs that operate on thin margins, this is central to resilience planning.

? One mention that matters

Bajaj General Insurance offers a comprehensive Shopkeeper Insurance solution with broad coverages, practical add-ons, and supportive features that help small businesses recover faster and more completely after a covered loss.

Quick checklist to build your cover

List assets by category structure, furniture, electronics, and stock.

Choose a sum insured that reflects today’s replacement costs.

Add public liability, personal accident, employee compensation, and fidelity cover.

Pick add-ons that suit your locality and store design.

Review every 12 months or after any renovation or expansion.

Final word

Losses are inevitable in any business, but they should not mean the end of operations. With a carefully chosen shopkeeper insurance policy, you can secure your shop, assets, employees, and customers against unforeseen risks. As part of a broader MSME insurance strategy, this cover ensures you have the financial support to recover quickly, reduce downtime, and maintain customer trust. It helps protect cash flow, supports livelihoods, and gets your business back on its feet without unnecessary delays. Insurance is not just protection; it is a commitment to business continuity and long-term stability.

At least three people have been reportedly killed and several properties destroyed following a communal crisis that erupted in the Taraku community of Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.

Locals said that the incident, which occurred around 4:30 am on Monday, was triggered by the killing of a 41-year-old member of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guard (BSCVG), Jacob Kwaghgba.

Kwaghgba was reportedly attacked and stabbed by some hoodlums while making inquiries in the area.

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He was later rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, where he died while receiving treatment.

It was gathered that his death triggered a reprisal attack by alleged relatives, resulting in the killing of an 80-year-old woman, Mrs. Luna Aeer, who was burnt to death in her home, and a 25-year-old man, Fidelis Aondohemba, who was shot dead.

The incident, according to the locals, further led to the setting ablaze of three houses and a rice mill in the violence before troops of the Nigerian Army, police, and personnel of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guard moved in to restore calm.

The police spokesperson for the Benue command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi, saying normalcy has since returned to the area.

Edet added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend those behind the killings.

Nine Nigerians have emerged winners in the Hadith competition organised by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI Foundation of African Oulema.

One of the judges, AbdulGaniyu Tijani, disclosed this during the closing ceremony held in Abuja.

In the first category (40 Hadith), the winners were Fatima Husseini Turbo (first position), Muhammad Ibrahim (second), and Abubakar Kabir Abba (third) – all from Borno State.

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For the second category (35 Hadith and meanings), Saleh Ishaq Al-Amin from Borno took first place, followed by Ahmad Abdul-Aziz Kolawole from Kwara (second) and Khalifah Ibrahim Jibril from Kaduna (third). In the third category (25 Hadith and Islamic rulings), Abdul Kadir Abubakar from Kaduna came first, while Abdurrahman Abubakar Ibrahim and Ibrahim Muhammad Hussain, both from Borno, placed second and third, respectively.

The winners were selected from an initial pool of 560 participants who competed from the preliminary stage. Each category’s top three contestants received cash prizes of N250,000, N200,000, and N150,000, respectively.

Mr Tijani explained that the competition aimed to encourage young Muslims to memorise and understand the Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

‘The main objective of this competition is not the money they are winning, but the knowledge and the opportunity to memorise the Sunnah and Hadiths of our beloved Prophet. Nigeria today is regarded as number one in Africa in Quran memorisation, but we have not done much in the area of Hadith memorisation,’ he said.

Also speaking, Imam Ibrahim Maqari, one of the coordinators, said the winners would represent Nigeria at the continental stage of the competition.

‘We are going to prepare them. There will be a camp where they will be mentored on the lapses observed in their presentations. Insha’Allah, they will perform even better,’ he said.

One of the winners, Ahmad Kolawole, expressed gratitude for the experience, saying the competition broadened his understanding of Hadith.

‘Through this competition, I learned the second most important thing in Islam – the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). I discovered Hadiths I didn’t know before, especially those related to prayer and other aspects of Islamic life. This experience has encouraged me to adhere more closely to the Sunnah of the Prophet,’ he said.