News from Nasarawa
ASUU protests incessant abduction of students, staff of Nasarawa University
From Abel Abogonye, Lafia
Following the incessant abductions of students and staff of the Nasarawa state University Keffi (NSUK), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Friday took to the streets in Keffi to protest and expressed their grievances.
In a peaceful protest at the Senate building of the University in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa state, the union expressed sadness over the unabated kidnap that has created fears and bad name for the state institution, noting that no parent would want his ward admitted Into the institution.
Within a month the Deputy Vice Chancellor, four students, a lecturer and two family members of one other lecturer were Abducted and later released after payment of ransome to their abductors with millions of naira.
The protesters carried placards with inscriptions “Governor A A Sule save us from terrorists”, “Save lives of university lecturers. Overhaul the security apparatus in Keffi for us to be secured”, “The lives of lecturers matter. Let the lecturers breathe” among others.
Speaking shortly after the protest, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, National President, ASUU condemned the kidnapping which he described as pathetic as he called on relevant authorities to put in place necessary steps to avert future occurrence.
“It’s a pathetic situation. We are calling on the government, the Vice Chancellor and management of the institution to rise up to their responsibilities and ensure people are safe in this university,” he said.
He commended the ASUU branch for organizing the peaceful protest which he said was necessary to notify relevant authorities of the displeasure of the union over the recent incidents.
“I commend this branch for this protest and I want to assure you that we will also take action over this ugly development,” he added.
Also speaking, Prof. Samuel Alu, Chairman, ASUU NSUK Branch described the incessant abduction of members of the union and students as a pill too bitter to swallow hence the decision by an emergency congress of the branch’s union to organize a peaceful protest.
“We are here to register our displeasure because within the last three weeks, several of our members have been kidnapped.
“We find it difficult to understand why these incidents will happen consistently without any form of condemnation on the part of government or military,” he said.
He explained that aside the peaceful protest, the branch’s emergency congress also urged that Governor Abdullahi Sule should rise to the occasion in addressing the security challenges that have bedeviled NSUK.
“Our members are living in perpetual fear and threats because nobody knows who is next. We are being improvised and being made to pay ransom and nobody has to come to our aid.
“We are putting this notice that we can no longer accept this kind of ugly incidents on our members. Students have also been captured and ransome have been paid.
“The fear is if this continues, Nasarawa state will soon cease to exist because of fear, people will have to leave because of their safety before talking about education.
“So we are calling on the Commissioner of Police Nasarawa state command to also rise to the occasion. What is happening is totally unacceptable to ASUU NSUK Branch and ASUU generally,” he said.
In an interview with newsmen, Prof. Abdullahi Modibbo, Deputy Vice Chancellor, NSUK who spoke on behalf of the NSUK Vice Chancellor, Prof Suleiman Bala-Mohammed admitted that the institution was facing difficult times for almost a month due to incessant abductions of staff and students.
“Maybe by putting the records straight. Three of our lecturers were kidnapped. A wife of our lecturer was kidnapped. Four students of this university were also kidnapped.
“But most of them are staying off campus. So most of the people that were kidnapped are those staying outside the campus. It is a source of concern to the management of the institution even though we know it is a national problem,” he said.
He however assured that the management of the institution is making serious efforts to checkmate the ugly trend and put a stop to it.
“For those on campus, we don’t have much problem because we are in collaboration with Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
“For those living off campus, we have approved the recruitment of twenty vigilantes that will be strategically trained to do their job in various nooks and crannies of the various off campus loctions. This is one of the efforts we are making on security of staff and students,” he said.
From Abel Abogonye, Lafia
Phoenix University, the first indigenous private university in Nasarawa State, will officially matriculate its first 260 students on Monday, November 25, 2024. This milestone comes after the university began academic activities on October 7, 2024.
The Vice Chancellor of Phoenix University, Professor Abdullahi Bala, made the announcement at a press conference held at the university’s Senate Building in Agwada, Kokona Local Government Area.
The University’s Senate Building
He shared that the students, who have been admitted into various courses across the faculties of Computing Science, Applied Science, Agriculture, Social Sciences, and Management, represent the beginning of a new educational journey in the state.
Professor Bala highlighted the achievements of the university since its inception, including the relocation from its liaison office in Keffi to the permanent Agwada campus, the inauguration of principal officers, and the commencement of lectures. He also emphasized that the university is committed to offering a solid foundation for academic excellence.
He emphasized that the university has established a solid foundation with the inauguration of key university officers, the commencement of lectures, and the formation of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and the Governing Council.
As part of its strategic development, the university has appointed prominent figures.
Notable figures appointed to the university’s BOT include Dr. Abdullahi Adamu CON, Turakin Keffi, as Chairman, alongside members such as Professor Isa Ibrahim Ali Pantami, Dr. Faisal Shu’aib, and Professor Sa’adu Hassan Liman.
The Governing Council is chaired by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Professor Bala also announced that the investiture of Dr. Muhammadu Ndimi, a renowned businessman and philanthropist, as the pioneer Chancellor of the university will take place alongside the matriculation.
Dr. Ndimi will also receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa during the event.
The Vice Chancellor commended the Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, for his support, including awarding scholarships to 92 indigenes and contributing to infrastructural development such as the completion of a sports complex and the reconstruction of the 24km Kokona Junction to Agwada road.
Phoenix University aims to offer high-quality education in a secure and conducive environment, with state-of-the-art teaching facilities, green initiatives, and a focus on affordability.
Professor Bala urged the people of Nasarawa State to consider securing admission at the university, emphasizing its strategic location and commitment to quality education.
By Abel Daniel, Lafia
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Dr. Aliyu Bello, has extended his congratulations to the newly elected counterpart in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Alhaji Adamu Bako following his victory in the recent PDP elections.
In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Otaru Douglas, Dr. Bello conveyed his warmest regards, stating, “On behalf of the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Aliyu Bello, and the entire executive committee of our great party, I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your well-deserved victory as the newly elected chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Nasarawa State Chapter.”
Dr. Bello welcomed Bako to what he described as Nasarawa State’s “vibrant political landscape,” adding that Bako’s new leadership role is crucial in shaping a constructive opposition voice and offering meaningful critiques of government policies when necessary.
He expressed confidence that Bako’s expertise and vision would enhance good governance and support the state’s democratic progress.
“As a seasoned politician, we firmly believe your experience will be invaluable in promoting the principles of good governance, fostering popular participation in the political process, and building robust, competitive partnerships that will inspire the ruling party to deliver its best for the overall well-being of our citizens,” the statement read.
The APC Chairman also expressed appreciation for the outgoing PDP Chairman, Mr. Francis Orogu, recognizing his significant contributions toward fostering a spirit of political cooperation and peaceful competition during his tenure.
In closing, Dr. Bello urged the PDP to continue upholding democratic values through active citizen engagement. “As you assume duties as the new state chairman, you have a unique opportunity to build upon this legacy and inspire a new generation of leaders,” he added.
The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, Abdulkarim Zakari, from Wamba Local Government Area, and recovered part of the ransom money allegedly obtained during a recent kidnapping incident.
According to a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, Zakari, a middle-aged man, was apprehended on Sunday as part of an ongoing investigation. Police operatives from 38 PMF Akwanga, working in collaboration with the Nasarawa Eggon Division, arrested Zakari in connection with the kidnapping of Ciroman Fulani, which occurred in Arugbadu village, Nasarawa Eggon LGA.
The police reported that during interrogation, Zakari confessed to his involvement in the kidnapping. He disclosed that his syndicate collected a ransom of five million Naira (N5,000,000), of which he received a share of one million and two hundred thousand Naira (N1,200,000). A sum of five hundred and forty-seven thousand Naira (N547,000) was recovered from him during the arrest.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Shehu Nadada, has ordered a manhunt for other members of the kidnapping syndicate still at large. He also commended the police officers for their ongoing efforts to combat crime in Nasarawa State.
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