The Vice Chancellor of Federal University Gusau, Prof. M.G. Abubakar, has responded to a recent online report that alleged Nigerian lawmakers are extorting universities for budget approvals.
The publication claimed that lawmakers are coercing university heads to pay N8 million each to approve their 2025 budget allocations, using intimidation and threats.
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The report singled out Prof. Abubakar as a target of these threats, stating that during a January 16 meeting, lawmakers threatened to “deal with” the Vice Chancellor for being “stubborn.” The article implied that the university head had defied the lawmakers’ demands, though it was unclear what the specific issue was.
In a statement, Prof. Abubakar expressed his dismay at the article’s content, calling it misleading and defamatory. He clarified that the university’s budget defense was led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration, Dr. Lawal Sa’adu, and was marked by a positive and constructive exchange with lawmakers.
According to the Vice Chancellor, neither Dr. Sa’adu nor any member of the university team was involved in the alleged events described in the report.
“We urge you, Mr. Chairman, and members of your Honourable Committee, to disregard the malicious and misleading report, which is known for sensational journalism,” the statement read.
Prof. Abubakar further expressed appreciation for the continued support from the House Committee on University Education, emphasizing the university’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Committee for the benefit of the institution and Nigeria’s higher education sector.
