NUC Approves 18 Full-Time Programmes for Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia – VC

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29/04/2025

Now Set to offer Medicine, Pharmacy, and Software Engineering from 2025/2026 Academic Session

The Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FUASK), Kaduna State, has secured full approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence 18 academic programmes in key areas of Basic Medical Sciences, Allied Health Sciences and Computing. The approval follows a successful resource verification of new programmes and re validation of existing exercise carried out by the NUC.

The new programmes are:

1. Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)

2. B.Sc. Software Engineering

3. Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

4. B.Sc. Information Technology

5. B.Sc. Computer Science

6. B.Sc. Cyber Security

7. B.Sc. Environmental Resource Management

8. B.Sc. Microbiology

9. B.Sc. Biotechnology

10. B.Sc. Anatomy

11. B.Sc. Physiology

12. B. Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS)

13. B. Radiography (B.RAD)

14. B. Health Information Management (B. HIM)

15. B. NSc. Nursing Sciences

16. B.Sc.Architecture

B.Sc. Quantity Surveying

18. B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry

Speaking on this significant milestone, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. William Barnabas Qurix, expressed profound appreciation to the NUC for its continuous support and guidance.

“This approval is a bold endorsement of our commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the advancement of applied sciences in Nigeria,” said Prof. Qurix. “The inclusion of critical programmes like Medicine, Pharmacy, and Software Engineering marks a turning point in our mission to provide industry-relevant, solution-driven education for national development.”

He further stated that “This achievement is a collective triumph and a signal that FUASK is ready to become a centre of excellence in applied sciences and technology,”

Legality Of Rivers Emergency Rule: Supreme Court’s Failure To Fix Hearing Date Suggests Judicial Cowardice, HURIWA

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News Editor

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29/04/2025

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..Also A Dangerous Reluctance To Confront Executive Overreach

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused the Supreme Court of deliberately stalling proceedings on a critical constitutional case brought by 11 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors challenging the legality of a state of emergency declared in Rivers State.

In a press statement issued on Sunday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the prominent civil rights advocacy group alleged that the apex court’s failure to fix a hearing date nearly a month after the case was filed suggests judicial cowardice and a dangerous reluctance to confront executive overreach..

“We believe the Supreme Court of Nigeria is doing the greatest disservice to the country by refusing or unduly delaying the constitution of a panel to adjudicate on the salient constitutional questions posed in this groundbreaking suit,” Onwubiko stated.

The suit, filed by the attorneys general of Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa states, seeks a declaration on whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acted within the constitution when he allegedly suspended the Rivers State governor and dissolved the state legislature under the guise of emergency rule.

Citing Sections 1(2), 5(2), 176, 180, 188, and 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the plaintiffs argue that no provision empowers the president to unseat an elected governor or install an unelected administrator. They also question the legality of suspending a functioning State House of Assembly.

HURIWA alleged that the Supreme Court’s silence may be a tactical ploy to pressure the governors into seeking a political resolution rather than a judicial one — a move the group warned could set a dangerous precedent.

“The delay is not just ominous; it is toxic,” Onwubiko said. “If the Justices are jittery and refusing to fix a hearing date, then we fear there may be a deeper conspiratorial plot to destabilize constitutional democracy and achieve total state capture. We pray that we are wrong.”

The group further warned that the vacuum created by judicial inaction is fueling political blackmail, with some PDP governors allegedly being coerced into endorsing President Tinubu’s re-election or defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The Justices of the Supreme Court should be patriotic enough to entertain this matter and take a decision one way or another,” the statement continued. “This unnecessary delay has allowed the APC to exploit fear among PDP governors who are scared of losing their re-election bids.”

HURIWA expressed alarm that despite the case’s national importance, there has been no communication from the court regarding its progress or scheduling, raising concerns about transparency and impartiality.

“It is surprising that such a landmark case is being treated with such a lackadaisical, ‘we don’t give a damn’ attitude,” Onwubiko said. “Millions of Nigerians and observers around the world are watching closely to see if our judiciary can still be trusted to defend democracy.”

The respondents, including President Tinubu, have 14 days from the service of the summons to enter an appearance. However, the absence of a hearing date has intensified public scrutiny of the court’s role.

“This is no longer just a legal matter. It’s about whether Nigeria’s democracy is governed by the rule of law or the whims of a powerful few,” HURIWA warned.

The group concluded by urging the Chief Justice of Nigeria to urgently constitute a panel and fix a hearing date, asserting that “justice delayed in this matter could very well be democracy denied

Economic Hardship: Nigeria’s “Senior Citizens” Dying Of Hunger, Send S O S To Pres.Tinubu Against Ministry Of Finance

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News Editor

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28/04/2025

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.. To Embark On Mass Action Should Govt. Fails To Pay Before 12th May 2025

The woeful failure of the Finance Ministry with the allied institutions saddled with the duty of paying pensioners palliatives of 25,000 for six months since the last two years and the 32,000 naira pension increase since the last seven months, has forced the pensioners to cry to Mr. President, Bola Tinubu for succour.

In an open letter dated April 28th 2025, addressed to the Minister of Finance, the Chairman, South West Zonal Congress Of Pensioners, Dr Stephen Akinnifesi FATUSIN said the consequence of their conspiracy has been tragic for Pensioners and the inevitable implications for the image of the government of Mr President.

“We know that His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also a Senior Citizen who feels the pains of fellow Senior Citizens as a consequence of the harsh economic policies introduced to solve the multiple problems of the contemporary Nigerian society. This explains why Mr President approved a six-month palliative of 25,000 naira to all pensioners since more than two years ago and 35,000 naira to workers for the same duration. In addition, Mr President approved 32,000 naira pension increase for all DBS Pensioners. Sadly enough, the Finance Ministry and the allied establishments namely, Humanitarian Services, Accountant General, CBN and PTAD have all conspired to frustrate the good intentions of Mr President in this regard with painful and tragic consequences for the Senior Citizens many of whom have now needlessly died and a large number now confined to their homes in very miserable health conditions!, the statement emphasized.

HERE UNDER IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE LETTER

28th April, 2025

The Honourable Minister,
Federal Ministry of Finance,
Abuja.

Dear Sir,

*SEVEN MONTHS OUTSTANDING 32 THOUSAND NAIRA PENSION INCREASE AND SIX MONTHS 25 THOUSAND NAIRA PALLIATIVES FOR PENSIONERS AND THE GRIM REALITY OF THE PLIGHT OF PENSIONERS: AN IMMINENT MASS ACTION BY PENSIONERS*

The Defined Benefits Scheme Federal Pensioners of this great country otherwise known as *The Senior Citizens,* seek the indulgence of the Honourable Minister of Finance to use this medium to cry aloud to the government of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that we are dying of hunger and needlessly of diseases associated with old age because the Finance Ministry with the allied institutions saddled with the duty of paying pensioners palliatives of 25,000 for six months since the last two years and the 32,000 naira pension increase since the last seven months and THREE DAYS have failed woefully to perform in this regard. The consequence has been tragic for Pensioners and the inevitable implications for the image of the government of Mr President.

We know that His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also a Senior Citizen who feels the pains of fellow Senior Citizens as a consequence of the harsh economic policies introduced to solve the multiple problems of the contemporary Nigerian society. This explains why Mr President approved a six-month palliative of 25,000 naira to all pensioners since more than two years ago and 35,000 naira to workers for the same duration. In addition, Mr President approved 32,000 naira pension increase for all DBS Pensioners. Sadly enough, the Finance Ministry and the allied establishments namely, Humanitarian Services, Accountant General, CBN and PTAD have all conspired to frustrate the good intentions of Mr President in this regard with painful and tragic consequences for the Senior Citizens many of whom have now needlessly died and a large number now confined to their homes in very miserable health conditions!

Rather than wait for the inevitable further tragic consequences of this clear lethargic attitude to the PLIGHT of the Senior Citizens of this great country, we have resolved to mobilize all DBS Pensioners who are still able, to PEACEFULLY parade the premises of the Finance Ministry in a trenchant appeal to Mr President to call his aides to order to save the Senior Citizens from a mass obliteration from the Nigerian Society.

We call on the Honourable Minister of Finance to kindly pay the six months 25,000 naira palliative as well as the 7 months arrears of pension increase to all DBS Pensioners BEFORE the 12th day of May, 2025. If this fails, we shall have no choice but to engage in the said mass action.

To ensure a wide publicity of this letter, we have resolved to publish same on multiple social media and news platforms.

Thank you very much for your prompt action.

Yours very sincerely,

Dr Stephen Akinnifesi FATUSIN,
Chairman,
South West Zonal Congress of Pensioners.

Federal University Gusau Council Appoints First Female Registrar

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News Editor

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27/04/2025

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The Governing Council of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, has approved the appointment of Hajiya Nafisa Barau Suleiman, as the 3rd substantive Registrar of the University.

A statement signed by the Head, Media and Communications Committee, Dr Linus Akor said the appointment was approved at the 29th Meeting of the Council which held from Tuesday, April 22nd to Friday, April 25th, 2025, in Abuja.
Hajiya Nafisa Barau Suleiman who holds an M.A. English Language degree from the Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS), Sokoto, is the first female Registrar of the 12-year old institution.

Prior to the appointment, Hajiya N.B. Suleiman had acted as Registrar, following the completion of tenure of the former Registrar, Malam Yakubu Anivbassa, on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025.

Hajiya N.B. Suleiman was also the Deputy Registrar in the office of the Vice Chancellor, responsible for the day-to-day administrative and related activities of the office. She equally served as the Faculty Officer, Faculty of Humanities and Education before it was split into two.

Hajiya N.B. Suleiman is a representative of the University Convocation in the current Governing Council of the University.
The new Registrar who had served as Senior Staff Officer (Establishment Division) and Head, Staff Development Office, is expected to bring her wealth of administrative and allied experience to bear positively on the running of the exalted office.

The University Management wishes the new appointee Allah’s support and guidance in the discharge of the responsibilities attached to the office, the statement concludes.

Nigeria: Boxing Champion, Bash Ali Writes Tinubu, Alleges $12m, N13m Extorted By Govt Officials

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Africaprimenews

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26/04/2025

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By Achadu Gabriel

Former World Boxing Federation (WBF) Champion, Bashiru Oloruntoyin Ali, popularly known as Bash Ali, has petitioned President Bola Tinubu over extortion of $12m and N13m from him by some government officials.

Bash Ali alleged that the monies were part of the advance payment for the proposed First Guinness World Boxing Record Championship Fight to be hosted in Nigeria, but was stalled when attempt to extort another $1m by another government official failed.

He made the submissions in a letter, dated April 14th 2025, addressed to President Bola Tinubu, and made available to our reporter on Thursday.

According to the letter, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), through the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, received an advance payment of $12 million USD. Additionally, the FGN, through the then Minister of Sports—now the Special Adviser on Media to the President—Sunday Akin Dare, along with Barrister D.A. Muhammad at the National Sports Commission, extorted N13 million. After the former Minister of Sports, now the State Minister of Trade and Investment, John Enoh, attempted but failed to extort an additional $1 million from me, the FGN stalled the hosting of the first Guinness World Record Boxing Championship on African soil, thereby depriving Nigeria of its benefits.

Bash who said he has zero tolerance for corruption told president Tinubu that “I know you are working very hard for a better Nigeria, but your efforts are not visible because 90 percent of the people working with you do not want you to succeed so they will do everything and anything possible to Stop Your Renewed Hope Agenda”.

He asserted that “If someone had told me that after almost 2 years into your administration that my Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fight would still be stalled, despite my several meetings and discussions with you on the subject matter, I would have punched the person in the mouth”.

“Sir, based on my advice, you scrapped the Ministry of Youths & Sports and directed ‘The immediate winding up of the Ministry of Sports development and the transfer of its functions to the National Sports Commission in other to develop a vibrant sports economy “.

“But, Mr. President Sir, we are still on the same spot where the FGN will continue to fund sport and not get back a kobo. The only event in sport in Nigeria that will, apart from Money, bring honor and glory, is the Guinness World Record Boxing Championship Fight but Corruption has Stalled it.

“All Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fights have held in the United States of America, so mine would be the first outside and the most lucrative in the history of Pay Per View Television Revenue, sales of souvenirs, sponsorship, advertisement, etc.

“A I32 countries are coming to Nigeria to be part of Boxing History and the FGN has written to the World Boxing Body to guarantee in Nigeria the safety of their members and that the Ministry of Youth & Sports, now the National Sports Commission (NSC) will follow up to ensure timely payment of their Approval fee which is domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria by the Private Sector”, he stated.

He noted that for almost 19 years, to make this historic event a reality in Nigeria, the FGN has, on 3 occasions, November 9, 2006, January 7, 2014 and May 21, 2019, inaugurated the Bash Ali Boxing Project Local Organizing Committee with the 3 arms of government represented as members.

According to the letter, the legislative arm was represented, with the Senate and House of Representatives Committee Chairmen on Sports, the Executive arm represented by office of the Chief of Staff to Mr. President, while the Judiciary was represented by office of the attorney general of the Federation as members respectfully.

“The Private Sector will provide the funds while the FGN will provide an enabling environment for a successful show but Corruption has stalled it.

“My President Sir, it is imperative to inform you that the FGN is not putting up a Kobo but to provide an enabling environment and in the process earn the glory, honor and money from hosting this historic event.

“My President Sir, after the FGN has collected an advance of $12M USD and extorted millions of Naira from me in the disguise of putting in place the promotional structures, the FGN has stalled the process of hosting this historic fight because I say NO to further extortion, and despite several juicy offers to fight outside of Nigeria I still refused to give up on my country, Nigeria. I want to fight in my country, Nigeria, so help me, please, please”, he stated.

Bash opened up more revelations, “Sir, I met with the Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko on November 13, 2024, to give him an update so he could go on and re-inaugurate the LOC”.

“And on December 12, 2024, the Chairman, House of Representatives, Committee on Sports wrote him a letter to go ahead to re-inaugurate the LOC but chairman Shehu Dikko is handcuffed because Sunday Dare and Cohorts that extorted millions of Naira from me and John Enoh that failed, are still in your cabinet and hold sway at the NSC”.

Bash, in the statement added that “in the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda, I am respectfully asking for the immediate re-inauguration of the Bash Ali Boxing Project Local Organizing Committee by Mr. President so all the unnecessary obstacles caused by Corruption would be Knocked out so this historic fight can hold in our great country, Nigeria”.

“That my allegations against the above-mentioned people who have extorted money from me on behalf of the FGN should not be swept under the rug, but properly investigated and the appropriate sanctions taken against them.

That the Extorted money should be refunded to me”, it added.

The letter copied to Vice President of Nigeria and President of World Boxing Federation, respectfully, urged for building a better and a more profitable Nigeria through Sports.

All efforts to reach Sunday Dare as one of the accused failed, as he could neither pick phone nor respond to the messages sent to him and through his media official.

Gov Zulum Calls For Military Offensive In Lake Chad Islands To End Insurgency

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Africaprimenews

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26/04/2025

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By Achadu Gabriel

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on the military to launch aggressive offensive operations in the Lake Chad islands, also known as the Tumbus, to eliminate insurgents from their hideouts.

Governor Zulum made the appeal Friday while receiving a high-level Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri the state capital.

The Governor, in a statement by his media aide, Abdurraman Bundi, described the Tumbus as critical haven for insurgents where they regroup and sustain their activities, calling for a special military operation to be carried out in the area.

“These islands serve as breeding grounds for insurgents who depend on the area for sustenance. It is imperative to consider launching coordinated operations to flush them out,” Governor Zulum stated.

He further warned that terrorist elements from the North West, North Central and North East are likely falling back to the Tumbus for means of livelihood.

He urged the Federal Government to enhance surveillance and border security, particularly in the Sahel region, citing the vulnerability of Nigeria’s borders and the infiltration of armed groups and weapons through the region.

“If the Sahel is not secured, the entire country remains vulnerable. There is a pressing need to fortify the Sahel region to end insecurity,” the Governor added.

Governor Zulum also advocated for increased troop deployment to areas such as the Timbuktu Triangle and the Mandara Mountains, as well as sustained military operations to prevent the reoccupation of previously reclaimed territories.

“There should be forces that will keep the ground, otherwise they will come back. What brought about the recent situation is we felt everything is OK, but they are regrouping now and I believe the Nigerian military will not allow them regroup,” he asserted.

The Governor further requested the deployment of more military hardware including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and additional personnel to improve surveillance and fortify vulnerable zones.

While acknowledging the current operational burden on the military across the country, the Governor called for the deployment of more trained manpower and logistics to the North East.

He also highlighted the success of non-kinetic measures, revealing that over 300,000 repentant insurgents and their families have surrendered over the past three years.

Governor Zulum praised the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, and Service Chiefs for their unwavering support.

In his remarks, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, assured of the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the necessary personnel and equipment to combat insurgency and facilitate the resettlement of affected communities.

“The President has directed that we provide the military with all necessary manpower and equipment to halt the recent resurgence of insecurity in Borno and the North East,” the Minister affirmed.

He commended Governor Zulum’s efforts in resettling internally displaced persons and supporting agricultural and other livelihood initiatives.

The minister was accompanied by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Mutawalle; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; representatives of the Service Chiefs; outgoing and incoming Theatre Commanders of Operation Hadin Kai as well as Principal Staff Officers and senior military personnel.

Expert Urges Harmonisation of Customs Procedures To Boost Intra-African Trade

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News Editor

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25/04/2025

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By Martha Agas

A customs expert, Dr Eugene Nweke, has called for the harmonisation of customs procedures in West and Central Africa (WCA) to boost intra-African trade in the region.

Nweke, who is also the Secretary of the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

He said customs administrations play a critical role in enhancing regional trade by reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and promoting economic integration.

“Customs administrations in the WCA region should simplify and harmonise customs procedures to reduce bureaucracy and clearance times. This can be achieved through digitalisation, transparency, and consistent application of regulations,” he said.

He noted that Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes could enable trusted traders to expedite clearance processes, cut costs, and enhance efficiency.

The CCC official urged the customs administrations to collaborate in sharing best practices, coordinating policies, and addressing common challenges.

He also emphasised the need for targeted support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which often struggle with navigating complex customs procedures and leveraging trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to him, customs officers should be equipped with training and capacity-building programmes focused on customs valuation, classification, and rules of origin.

Digital solutions, he added, should be implemented to streamline customs processes, improve data collection, and enhance trade facilitation.

“They should implement robust anti-corruption measures and ensure transparency in customs operations to build trust and confidence among traders.

“Customs administrations should also develop and implement regional strategic plans that align with continental frameworks like the AfCFTA to promote intra-African trade,” he suggested.

NAN reports that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently hosted the fourth World Customs Organisation (WCO) Donors Conference for the West and Central Africa region.

At the conference, the Comptroller-General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, identified inadequate digital infrastructure as one of the major technical challenges hampering customs operations across the WCA region.

Adeniyi noted that the digital gap was affecting the seamless processing of declarations and risk management, while limited interconnectivity between national customs systems continued to obstruct effective information exchange.

CSOs Urge Ajaokuta Steel MD to Deliver

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News Editor

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25/04/2025

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By Martha Agas

Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have urged the new Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), Prof. Nasir Abdulsalam, to show competence and dedication.

The CSOs made this call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

NAN reports that President Bola Tinubu recently approved Prof Abdulsalam’s appointment, effective April 3, to revive the steel industry and boost Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts.

Ajaokuta Steel Company

Before his appointment, Abdulsalam, a professor of Geophysics, served as Technical Adviser to the Minister of Steel Development.

He was also Special Assistant (Academics) to the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

Dr Abdullahi Jabi, Chairman of the North Central Zone, Campaign for Democracy and Civil Society of Nigeria, urged Abdulsalam to work diligently and justify the trust placed in him.

“He should write his name in history as part of the team realising President Tinubu’s vision to revive the steel company,” Jabi stated.

Jabi said the appointment signals the President’s commitment to ASCL’s revival, which holds vast economic potential for Nigeria and the African continent.

“If fully operational, it will drive industrial growth, including vehicle manufacturing. It’s a crucial step forward, if successful,” he added.

Jabi also urged the MD to understand the company’s challenges and consider past recommendations to make informed decisions for ASCL’s recovery.

“He must learn from previous failures and evaluate the current administration’s political will to succeed.

“Reviving this ailing company is vital for economic development and job creation. It’s encouraging that Mr President is prioritising the steel sector,” he said.

Similarly, Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of Renevyln Development Initiative (RDI), welcomed the appointment but stressed the need for transparency and accountability at ASCL.

“We expect the government to investigate and prosecute those behind the mismanagement and corruption that crippled Ajaokuta,” Jakpor stated.

He said several reports highlight issues like embezzlement, poor transparency, and bureaucratic delays that hindered past rehabilitation efforts.

“If these issues remain unresolved, this initiative risks becoming another failure,” he warned

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