Niger State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, IBBU, Lapai, following growing security concerns in the area.

The decision was announced on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, in Minna.

Usman said the move was prompted by recent security breaches and the killing of a student near the campus, which sparked protests by fellow students demanding justice and improved safety.

“The safety of all citizens, particularly students, is a top priority for the government,” Usman said, urging the university community to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

He added that investigations were ongoing to identify and prosecute those behind the attacks.

Usman noted that the government was taking proactive steps to restore normalcy and ensure peace and stability around the institution.

Ekwutosblog reports that the closure came two days after the killing of Abdulkareem, a 300-level student who was attacked in his off-campus residence by suspected phone snatchers.

The panel of inquiry set up by the Abia State Government to investigate the suspended provost of Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, Professor Vincent Onwe, has submitted its report.

The chairperson of the Independent Committee, Professor Regina Ogbonna, while submitting the report to the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, stated that the team was given terms of reference and 21 days to complete its assignment and submit the report.

While thanking Governor Alex Otti for giving the members of the Panel the opportunity to serve the state, she noted that a series of physical and virtual meetings were held, and memoranda and interviews with certain individuals were conducted before the report was finalised.

Receiving the report, the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, represented by the Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechuckwu Uwanna, described the review of developments at Abia State College of Education (Technical) as a delicate task.

He pointed out that, from the moment the panel was constituted, it was clear the assignment required not only intellect but also integrity, due process, and principle to achieve its objectives.

Professor Kalu commended the committee for approaching the responsibility with sobriety, diligence, and an evident commitment to the truth, assuring them that the recommendations in the report would guide the government’s next steps.

Professor Joseph Duke, a contender for the position of Vice Chancellors in the University of Calabar (UNICAL), has threatened legal action if the institution fails to review what he described as a discriminatory requirement

Duke is kicking against the criterion mandating 10 years post-professorial experience for aspirants seeking to succeed the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi.

In a letter dated June 17, 2025, addressed to the University’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council with reference: Unical/VC/2025/001, Duke demanded that the university places another advertisement in reputable newspapers, indicating equitable criteria.

The letter was also copied to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Minister of Education, and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, decrying the alleged violation of statutory provisions.

He alleged that the intention of the university’s management was to scheme him and other contenders out in favour of their adopted candidate.

Speaking through his lawyer, Barrister Ubong Akpan, Duke called for withdrawal of earlier advertisement for the position of Vice Chancellor which set 10 years criterion as benchmark.

Duke argued that withdrawing the advertisement will avoid possible discrimination under Section 19, Section 42(1), and Section 14(3).

According to him, the violations undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education governance and may set dangerous precedents for other federal universities if left unchecked.

He disclosed that the university’s historical benchmark was 5-9 years of professorial experience, with national norms of 5-8 years among first generation universities in the country.

“The 10-year criterion, adopted without a Senate and Council approved statute under Section 10 of the Act or a proper resolution under first schedule, paragraph 4(2)(a)(i), exceeds the Council’s authority, as evidenced by member dissent,” he stated.

The professor further accused the university of relying on unspecified federal directives which infringe on university autonomy as spelt out under section 2(a) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2003.

“Similarly, I demand that the university management ensure criteria are applied equitably, avoiding discrimination under Section 19, Section 42(1), and Section 14(3).

“Publish a new advertisement in a reputable newspaper, complying with first schedule, paragraph 4 of the 1999 constitution, and NUC guidelines,” the letter added.