…applauds promoters 

* As Varsity begins 2026/2027 academic activities with 3 faculties, 12 departments, 13 programmes

The National Universities Commission (NUC), has inspected the facilities of the newly licensed Millennium Crest University, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, ahead of the institution’s planned commencement of academic activities for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The resource verification exercise, which took place at the university’s take-off campus on Aaye-Oda Road, Akure, was led by Architect Faiza Mohammed, who commended the promoters for their investment in the development of university education.

The NUC team was received by members of the university’s Board of Trustees and management, led by the Chairman, Prof. Joseph Olorunda. 

The university is expected to commence academic activities with three faculties, 12 departments and 13 degree programmes.

Recall that the Federal Government recently approved a provisional licence for Millennium Crest University, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, as a private university, with its take-off campus located on Aaye-Oda Road, Akure.

The Federal Government, through an approval letter issued and signed by the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, to the proprietor of the university, stated that Millennium Crest University had fulfilled all the requirements stipulated in the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, Cap E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The approved faculties are the Faculty of Medical and Allied Health Sciences; Faculty of Arts, Management and Social Sciences; and Faculty of Science and Computing.

The departments include Computer Science, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Dental Therapy, Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Community Health Science, Accounting, English Language and Literature, Economics, Social Work and International Relations.

Speaking during the resource verification exercise on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Architect Mohammed said the assessment was aimed at determining whether the proposed university had the required physical facilities, human resources and other infrastructure to commence academic activities.

She explained that resource verification was a crucial stage in the NUC’s approval process for the establishment of a university and its proposed academic programmes.

According to her, the exercise would cover the institution’s physical structures, human capacity and ancillary facilities required to support effective teaching, learning and the overall delivery of its vision and mission.

Mohammed said the team would compare the facilities and resources provided by the university with the NUC’s minimum academic standards and core curriculum requirements.

She said, “We, as university regulators, are there to ensure that we have laid down standards that, at the end of the day, you have graduates that can be globally competitive, not only locally within the country.”

She added, “Our own duty today is resource verification. Resource verification is trying to see what you have put in place in terms of physical structures, human capacity and other ancillary facilities that could help and assist you in delivering the purpose, mission and vision of the university.”

Architect Mohammed described the establishment of a university as a capital-intensive undertaking requiring sustained commitment, saying the promoters deserved commendation for investing in education and nation-building.

She added that the exercise would be conducted according to established procedures and expressed optimism that the eventual success of the institution would be a source of pride to all stakeholders.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Joseph Olorunda, expressed deep appreciation to the NUC for its continued guidance and support throughout the institution’s development process.

He explained that the recently approved university was established as part of the promoters’ efforts to contribute to the revitalisation of university education in Nigeria.

He said the institution was conceived as a citadel of learning that would offer contemporary academic programmes in an environment designed to promote integrity, hard work and high moral and ethical standards.

Prof. Olorunda said the university would focus on the three core functions of teaching, research and community service, while striving to produce graduates and research outputs capable of competing favourably with their counterparts globally.

He added that the institution’s goals included enhancing academic quality, preparing students for a rapidly changing world, advancing innovation, promoting research and scholarship, and developing global competence and leadership.

The BoT chairman disclosed that the university had projected an annual capital expenditure of N500m on physical infrastructure at its permanent site for the next five years.

“A 25-year period of academic development, broken into three phases, has been planned for the university. At the end of the 25 years, it is planned that all faculties, departments and programmes of the university shall be in place.

“The university shall, at its full growth after 25 years of establishment, have the full complement of 71 departments and 79 undergraduate programmes and a full-fledged school of postgraduate studies.

Thus, at full maturity, 25 years after its establishment, the university shall have 12 faculties, 91 departments and 359 academic programmes, comprising 103 undergraduate programmes, 128 master’s degree programmes and 128 PhD programmes.

“The university intends to commence academic activities as soon as the report of the resource verification exercise is officially communicated to us,” he stressed.

He said the promoters were in discussions with financial partners and banking institutions, adding that commitments had been received towards funding and sustaining the university.

Prof. Olorunda also disclosed that the university had signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, to use its well-equipped facilities for the next five years, particularly to address accommodation and other infrastructural needs during the take-off period.

He said, “Presently, we have the capacity to absorb over 1,000 students,” adding that the institution would recruit qualified and competent academic staff in line with NUC requirements and maintain the prescribed lecturer-to-student ratio.

On its mode of operation, Olorunda said the university would leverage technology to enhance teaching and learning, noting that it currently had approximately 300 functional computer units at its ICT building and departmental levels.

He said the institution planned to adopt an 80 per cent physical and 20 per cent hybrid learning model, particularly for non-clinical programmes, while its academic development would be implemented in phases over 25 years.

Prof. Olorunda assured the commission that all observations and recommendations arising from the exercise would be immediately addressed.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Wasiu Adebimpe, assured the NUC team that the university had mobilised substantial resources and facilities to meet the requirements for the commencement of its academic programmes.

Prof. Adebimpe said the institution had prepared the necessary application and academic documents for the exercise and would document the observations and recommendations of the verification team.

He pledged that the management would implement the NUC’s recommendations, stressing that they were aimed at strengthening the institution and protecting the interests of prospective students.

The epoch-making event was attended by other members of the university’s Board of Trustees, including Dr. Ayodele Mesuleya, Dr. Ayoola Bello and Prof. Mark Okeji.

• As Varsity begins 2026/2027 academic activities with 3 faculties, 12 departments, 13 programmes

The National Universities Commission has inspected the facilities of the newly licensed Millennium Crest University, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, ahead of the institution’s planned commencement of academic activities for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The resource verification exercise, which took place at the university’s take-off campus on Aaye-Oda Road, Akure, was led by Architect Faiza Mohammed, who commended the promoters for their investment in the development of university education.

The NUC team was received by members of the university’s Board of Trustees and management, led by the Chairman, Prof. Joseph Olorunda. 

The university is expected to commence academic activities with three faculties, 12 departments and 13 degree programmes.

Recall that the Federal Government recently approved a provisional licence for Millennium Crest University, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, as a private university, with its take-off campus located on Aaye-Oda Road, Akure.

The Federal Government, through an approval letter issued and signed by the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, to the proprietor of the university, stated that Millennium Crest University had fulfilled all the requirements stipulated in the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, Cap E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The approved faculties are the Faculty of Medical and Allied Health Sciences; Faculty of Arts, Management and Social Sciences; and Faculty of Science and Computing.

The departments include Computer Science, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Dental Therapy, Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Community Health Science, Accounting, English Language and Literature, Economics, Social Work and International Relations.

Speaking during the resource verification exercise on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Architect Mohammed said the assessment was aimed at determining whether the proposed university had the required physical facilities, human resources and other infrastructure to commence academic activities.

She explained that resource verification was a crucial stage in the NUC’s approval process for the establishment of a university and its proposed academic programmes.

According to her, the exercise would cover the institution’s physical structures, human capacity and ancillary facilities required to support effective teaching, learning and the overall delivery of its vision and mission.

Mohammed said the team would compare the facilities and resources provided by the university with the NUC’s minimum academic standards and core curriculum requirements.

She said, “We, as university regulators, are there to ensure that we have laid down standards that, at the end of the day, you have graduates that can be globally competitive, not only locally within the country.”

She added, “Our own duty today is resource verification. Resource verification is trying to see what you have put in place in terms of physical structures, human capacity and other ancillary facilities that could help and assist you in delivering the purpose, mission and vision of the university.”

Architect Mohammed described the establishment of a university as a capital-intensive undertaking requiring sustained commitment, saying the promoters deserved commendation for investing in education and nation-building.

She added that the exercise would be conducted according to established procedures and expressed optimism that the eventual success of the institution would be a source of pride to all stakeholders.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Joseph Olorunda, expressed deep appreciation to the NUC for its continued guidance and support throughout the institution’s development process.

He explained that the recently approved university was established as part of the promoters’ efforts to contribute to the revitalisation of university education in Nigeria.

He said the institution was conceived as a citadel of learning that would offer contemporary academic programmes in an environment designed to promote integrity, hard work and high moral and ethical standards.

Prof. Olorunda said the university would focus on the three core functions of teaching, research and community service, while striving to produce graduates and research outputs capable of competing favourably with their counterparts globally.

He added that the institution’s goals included enhancing academic quality, preparing students for a rapidly changing world, advancing innovation, promoting research and scholarship, and developing global competence and leadership.

The BoT chairman disclosed that the university had projected an annual capital expenditure of N500m on physical infrastructure at its permanent site for the next five years.

“A 25-year period of academic development, broken into three phases, has been planned for the university. At the end of the 25 years, it is planned that all faculties, departments and programmes of the university shall be in place.

“The university shall, at its full growth after 25 years of establishment, have the full complement of 71 departments and 79 undergraduate programmes and a full-fledged school of postgraduate studies.

Thus, at full maturity, 25 years after its establishment, the university shall have 12 faculties, 91 departments and 359 academic programmes, comprising 103 undergraduate programmes, 128 master’s degree programmes and 128 PhD programmes.

“The university intends to commence academic activities as soon as the report of the resource verification exercise is officially communicated to us,” he stressed.

He said the promoters were in discussions with financial partners and banking institutions, adding that commitments had been received towards funding and sustaining the university.

Prof. Olorunda also disclosed that the university had signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, to use its well-equipped facilities for the next five years, particularly to address accommodation and other infrastructural needs during the take-off period.

He said, “Presently, we have the capacity to absorb over 1,000 students,” adding that the institution would recruit qualified and competent academic staff in line with NUC requirements and maintain the prescribed lecturer-to-student ratio.

On its mode of operation, Olorunda said the university would leverage technology to enhance teaching and learning, noting that it currently had approximately 300 functional computer units at its ICT building and departmental levels.

He said the institution planned to adopt an 80 per cent physical and 20 per cent hybrid learning model, particularly for non-clinical programmes, while its academic development would be implemented in phases over 25 years.

Prof. Olorunda assured the commission that all observations and recommendations arising from the exercise would be immediately addressed.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Wasiu Adebimpe, assured the NUC team that the university had mobilised substantial resources and facilities to meet the requirements for the commencement of its academic programmes.

Prof. Adebimpe said the institution had prepared the necessary application and academic documents for the exercise and would document the observations and recommendations of the verification team.

He pledged that the management would implement the NUC’s recommendations, stressing that they were aimed at strengthening the institution and protecting the interests of prospective students.

The epoch-making event was attended by other members of the university’s Board of Trustees, including Dr Ayodele Mesuleya, Dr Ayoola Bello and Prof. Mark Okeji.

The Ondo State Government has pledged sustained support for women farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs, with a commitment to improving their access to productive resources, finance, technology and markets.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, made the pledge at the 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer State Women Agribusiness event organised by the Federal Government’s Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project in Akure.

The event, which had the theme, “Empowering Women, Strengthening Agribusiness, Building Resilient Communities,” also featured the recognition and presentation of awards to outstanding women farmers.

Akinola said the state government was committed to working with relevant stakeholders to build an agricultural sector where women farmers would be recognised, empowered, adequately supported and fully represented in agricultural decision-making processes.

He said women remained central to agricultural value chains, contributing significantly to production, processing, marketing, storage and household nutrition.

“Women farmers are central to our agricultural value chains. From production and processing to marketing, storage and household nutrition, women continue to play critical roles in sustaining our food systems.

“Yet, despite these contributions, many women farmers still face challenges, including limited access to land, finance, agricultural inputs, modern technology, extension services, markets and decision-making opportunities,” he said.

The commissioner said the state government recognised that agricultural transformation could not be achieved without the meaningful inclusion and empowerment of women farmers.

According to him, the government will continue to support policies and programmes that promote gender-responsive agricultural development, improve women’s access to productive resources and strengthen their participation in agricultural value chains.

He added that the government would create more opportunities for women to thrive as entrepreneurs and leaders in the agricultural sector.

Akinola also assured that the state would continue to meet its counterpart funding obligations to the LIFE-ND Project to sustain its impact on young people and women involved in agricultural value chains across the state.

“Let us work together to ensure that women farmers have the resources, skills, technologies, finance and institutional support required to increase productivity, add value to their produce and access profitable markets,” he stressed.

Earlier, the LIFE-ND State Project Coordinator, Dr Olawale Ademola, said the United Nations, through the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer to celebrate the contributions of women across the agricultural value chain.

Ademola said women played vital roles in production, processing, marketing, technology, administration and policymaking, stressing that their contributions were critical to sustainable food security.

“Without women in the system, the system will be incomplete. The women are involved in production, processing, marketing, technology, administration, policymaking and all other areas.

“We cannot do without them. Looking at their efforts, contributions and support in ensuring sustainable food security, they have to be celebrated. So, we are celebrating our women all over the world,” he said.

He urged women, particularly young women, to embrace agriculture as a commercial venture rather than viewing it merely as backyard farming.

“Agriculture is no longer just about having a garden in the backyard, planting and consuming everything. Today, we are talking about agribusiness and being in the sector commercially,” Ademola said.

He disclosed that more than 4,000 women had benefited directly from the LIFE-ND Project, adding that beneficiaries had recorded improvements in their economic wellbeing.

Also, the Ondo State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. Olatoke Olufunmilola, described women as the backbone of food security, drivers of rural economic growth and architects of agricultural innovation.

She said women farmers were contributing to the sustenance of families, local commerce and community development, while increasingly moving from subsistence farming into high-value processing, distribution and global trade.

Olufunmilola, however, called for urgent measures to address challenges limiting the potential of women farmers, particularly inadequate access to finance, land ownership and security, modern technology and agricultural modernisation.

* Agba Imole Renewed Hope Agenda alleges power concentration, urges wider consultations with stakeholders

A socio-political group, Agba Imole Renewed Hope Agenda, has urged Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to deepen consultations with stakeholders, party leaders and constitutional office holders to promote inclusive governance and strengthen unity within the state.

The socio-political movement, established over two decades ago by progressives committed to defending democracy, also called on the governor to initiate genuine reconciliation among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to restore confidence and unity within the party.

The group made the call at a press conference held in Akure on Thursday.

Its chairman, Otunba Aderemi Adebiyi, warned against allowing governance to be dominated by a powerful minority, saying such a situation could weaken democratic institutions, alienate stakeholders and create avoidable political resentment.

Adebiyi stressed the need for the governor to broaden consultations and restore confidence among party leaders and stakeholders, adding that no individual should exercise authority beyond constitutional limits.

He said no political appointee, regardless of competence or proximity to the governor, should become so influential that elected officials and other stakeholders would begin to question where governmental authority resides.

“The Governor must urgently address this perception and ensure that government institutions function within their constitutional mandates,” he said.

The group also raised concerns over what it described as a political and governance crisis in the state, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene to prevent internal divisions within the APC from affecting the party’s electoral fortunes ahead of the 2027 elections.

It accused the Aiyedatiwa administration of excessive centralisation of power and the systematic sidelining of constitutionally recognised office holders.

According to the group, presidential intervention is necessary to protect democratic governance and strengthen public confidence in the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We respectfully call upon our National Leader and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to continue providing the firm leadership, political direction and moral authority required to preserve unity, discipline, accountability and stability within the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State,” Adebiyi said.

The group’s chairman also expressed concern over reported legal proceedings instituted by the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac, against some APC leaders from Owo, urging the parties to explore internal mechanisms for resolving the dispute.

He said, “Dragging respected party leaders before the courts over internal disagreements projects disunity and weakens the confidence of party faithful.

“Political disagreements should never be allowed to degenerate into public hostility.”

On tertiary institutions in the state, Adebiyi urged the government to engage with university and other tertiary institution managements, governing councils, unions and other relevant stakeholders to prevent prolonged industrial disputes.

He warned that students should not become victims of administrative or financial disagreements between the government and the institutions.

Adebiyi urged President Tinubu to deploy his political experience and statesmanship to prevent unnecessary divisions, restore confidence among party members and ensure that the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda are not undermined in Ondo State.

…Prof. Obamuyi says intervention will end strike, safeguard academic calendar

The Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Prof. Tomola Obamuyi, has commended the Governor and Visitor to the institution, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for approving a 60 per cent increase in the university’s subvention and the immediate implementation of the Federal Government’s agreements with staff unions.

The announcement of the interventions was made on Monday in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan.

In his response, Prof. Obamuyi described the approvals, which take immediate effect, as timely and welcome developments that would restore normalcy to the campus, preserve academic integrity and protect the academic calendar.

The VC said, “The announcement is heartwarming. And coming two weeks after the governor approved a N1.1bn bailout for our university, it shows that the governor has listening ears and is concerned about the welfare of members of the university community and the education of the students.

“With these interventions, we can all heave a sigh of relief, as they will put an end to the ongoing strike action by the academic staff and nip in the bud the proposed industrial action by the other unions.

“These subventions, which are for all the state-owned institutions, speak to the love the governor has for education.

“We assure Mr Governor that the subventions would be judiciously utilised.”

Prof. Obamuyi added that the development would boost staff morale and lead to increased academic and administrative output.

The Nigeria Academy of Letters has inducted some distinguished scholars into its  Membership at the 28th convocation ceremony held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the J. F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos. 

Among the newly inducted Regular Members is Professor Benson Monehin Akinnawonu, a renowned Professor of Epistemology, Critical Thinking, and the Philosophy of Science at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, whose induction into the apex Learned society for the humanities in Nigeria marks yet another milestone in a distinguished academic career spanning decades.

Prof. Akinnawonu, who currently serves as the National President of the Philosophers Association of Nigeria (PAN), is widely regarded as one of the foremost philosophers in the country. His scholarly contributions in the areas of epistemology, critical thinking and the philosophy of science have earned him recognition both locally and internationally. 

He is an alumnus of the prestigious Galilee International Management Institute in Israel and a member of the Intellect-Base International Consortium, USA, further underscoring his global academic footprint. 

Beyond his scholarly achievements, Prof. Akinnawonu has left an indelible mark on university administration. At Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, he has held several strategic positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Arts, immediate past Dean of the Postgraduate School, two-term Member of the University Governing Council and former Director of Academic Planning. His leadership in these roles has been credited with advancing academic standards and fostering a culture of excellence within the institution.

The convocation ceremony was a gathering of intellectual giants, with the Academy conferring Honorary Fellowships on the Chancellor of the University of Lagos, His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, CFR, and Professor Ephraim Olabode Lucas. 

Also, Professor Emeritus Femi Osofisan, Nigeria’s foremost playwright and literary scholar, was invested as a Distinguished Life Fellow, while Professor Nwando Achebe was inducted as an Overseas Fellow for her outstanding contributions to African historical scholarship. 

Speaking on his induction, an elated Prof. Akinnawonu described the honour as both a personal achievement and a recognition of the quality of scholarship being produced at Adekunle Ajasin University. He expressed gratitude to the Academy for finding him worthy of the honour and pledged to continue his commitment to advancing knowledge in the humanities.

 “This induction is not just for me but for every scholar who has contributed to my journey. It is a call to do more, to mentor younger academics and to ensure that the humanities remain a vibrant and critical field of inquiry in Nigeria,” he said. 

He further noted that the fellowship would enhance the global visibility of Adekunle Ajasin University, open doors for high-level academic collaborations and provide a platform for deeper engagement with scholars across disciplines.

The induction of these eminent scholars is expected to further strengthen the Nigeria Academy of Letters as the premier learned society championing the humanities in Nigeria. With the calibre of newly inducted fellows and members, including Prof. Akinnawonu, the Academy is poised to continue its mission of promoting excellence in research, mentorship and intellectual discourse. 

The Nigeria Academy of Letters remains the umbrella body of all professional associations in Nigeria dedicated to the promotion of scholarship in the humanities.

* Life sentence handed down, but the battle over Nigeria’s deadliest punishment has only just begun

By Victor Akinpelumi
July 27, 2026

Two years after Professor Akin Oluwadayisi proposed life imprisonment for kidnappers and terrorists, a Federal High Court in Abuja has done exactly that — sentencing three men to life for the Oriire school abduction. But the Department of State Services is not satisfied. It wants death. And it is heading to the Court of Appeal to get it.

Two years after a proposal for stiffer punishment against kidnappers and terrorists sparked national debate, a Federal High Court verdict in Abuja has brought that proposal full circle.

The court on last  Thursday sentenced three men to life imprisonment for their roles in the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

But the judgment is already setting the courts against the country’s secret police. The Department of State Services (DSS) has rejected the sentence and vowed to appeal, demanding the death penalty instead.

THE JUDGMENT

Justice Salim Ibrahim of the Federal High Court, Abuja, convicted Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa; Yunusa Musa, also known as Yunusa bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar.

All three pleaded guilty to parts of a ten-count charge filed by the Federal Government under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. The charges bordered on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement, and illegal mining.

In court, the defendants admitted to concealing information about the masterminds of the school attack and to membership of Darul Salam, said to be an affiliate of Ansaru, a proscribed terrorist organisation. Umar also admitted to running a WhatsApp group, “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace,” used to train and instruct terrorists.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, asked the court to sentence them on the counts they admitted. Defence counsel begged for mercy, citing that they were married men with children and aged parents. The prosecution argued that they should have reported what they knew to the authorities.

Justice Ibrahim thereafter handed down life imprisonment.

THE ORIIRE ATTACK

It was a morning of horror for three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities: Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

Gunmen stormed the schools on May 15, 2026, and took away 46 people — 39 pupils and 7 teachers. Two teachers did not make it out alive. Joel Adesiyan, Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, was shot while trying to escape. Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher, was killed by his captors.

For almost two months, families lived in anguish. Relief came on July 10 when troops carried out an intelligence-led operation in the Old Oyo National Park. The Army said 44 pupils and teachers were rescued, and eight suspected gang members were arrested.

The Presidency insisted that no ransom was paid and no concessions were made, despite reports that the kidnappers had demanded N1 billion and the release of a detained commander.

FROM A 2024 PROPOSAL TO A 2026 VERDICT

The link to Thursday’s judgment is Professor Akin Oluwadayisi. In September 2024, the professor, a Nigerian academic, publicly proposed life imprisonment for kidnappers and terrorists as a deterrent.

He made his position known at the Annual Law Librarian Workshop/Conference organized by the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, where he was invited to speak as a facilitator. His presentation examined legal frameworks for combating terrorism and kidnapping and argued that life imprisonment should serve as a baseline punishment while allowing judicial discretion in aggravated cases.

At the time, many misinterpreted his position as a call for the death sentence.

With the Oriire convicts now jailed for life, Professor Oluwadayisi’s proposal has effectively been echoed in law — at least at the trial court level.

Speaking through associates yesterday, the professor said he stood by his 2024 position: that life imprisonment, not death, should be the baseline punishment, while allowing the law to run its course in aggravated cases.

DSS VERSUS THE COURT

That is where the disagreement begins. DSS officials, who prosecuted the case alongside the DPP, expressed their dissatisfaction with life imprisonment for a crime that led to the deaths of two teachers. They confirmed plans to appeal and seek the death penalty.

The move sets up a legal contest over how far the 2022 Terrorism Act should go in cases involving children.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

In Ibadan and Oriire, reactions were mixed.

Parents of the rescued children said they were grateful for the rescue and conviction, but wanted “full justice.” Education stakeholders called the life sentence a strong signal, while security analysts said the appeal will test Nigeria’s resolve to protect schools.

The Oyo State Government had earlier dismissed claims that ransom was paid for the release.

WHAT NEXT

1. Appeal: The DSS is expected to head to the Court of Appeal to seek an upgrade of the sentence.

2. Wider Crackdown: Eight other suspects remain in DSS custody, with investigations ongoing.

3. Recovery: The 44 rescued pupils and teachers are receiving support from state and federal agencies.

From a September 2024 policy paper presented at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, to a 2026 courtroom verdict, Professor Oluwadayisi’s call has found judicial expression. Whether it remains life or becomes death will now be decided higher up the ladder of justice.

For the children of Oriire, and for schools across Nigeria still living under the shadow of abduction, this case may define what justice looks like.

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Akoko Northwest Local Government Constituency II have reaffirmed their commitment to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and pledged to intensify grassroots mobilisation to secure victory for the party in the 2027 general elections.

The resolution was reached during a strategic meeting convened by the Chairman of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum in Ondo State, Chief Demola Ijabiyi, at his residence in Afin on Saturday.

Addressing party leaders, Ijabiyi outlined strategies to strengthen party cohesion and deepen mobilisation across the constituency. After extensive deliberations, participants unanimously adopted the resolutions presented at the meeting.

The leaders paid glowing tributes to the late Chief Erastus Akeju, a former APC elders’ leader at the state and local government levels, observing a minute’s silence in his honour. They also pledged support for preparations towards his burial.

Ijabiyi said the meeting was not convened to seek control of the party structure in the local government but to solicit support for his leadership of the APC State Elders Forum and galvanise party leaders towards delivering Akoko Northwest to President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The meeting also unanimously reaffirmed its loyalty to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, commending his contributions to the growth of the APC, the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda and support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Ijabiyi urged party leaders to begin early grassroots mobilisation with the target of delivering at least 95 per cent of the votes in Akoko Northwest Local Government to Tinubu in the next presidential election.

He said both the local government and Ondo State had continued to benefit from Tunji-Ojo’s appointment and performance as Minister of Interior, describing his achievements as a source of pride for the people of the area.

Beyond the presidential poll, the APC chieftain urged members to work for the victory of all APC candidates in the Senate, House of Representatives and Ondo State House of Assembly elections, a position unanimously endorsed by the gathering.

On party leadership, Ijabiyi maintained that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remained the undisputed leader of the APC in Ondo State by virtue of his office, adding that there was no need to reaffirm his leadership.

The meeting was attended by the Chairman of Akoko Northwest Local Government, Alhaji Isa Oloruntoba; Hon. Esan Owolabi; Alhaji S. M. Akintola; Mr. Jacob Adekambi; Mr. Raphael Fadunmiye; Hon. Awe Azeez; Hon. Felix Ogunmilade; Hon. Peter Aliu; Hon. Wilson Adekanbi; Chief Tayo Mayegun; all ward chairmen, councillors from the constituency and other stakeholders.
Hon. Chief Rasheed Badmus and Otunba Callistus Afe sent apologies for their absence.

At the end of the meeting, participants commended Ijabiyi for convening the strategic engagement and urged him to sustain regular consultations aimed at strengthening party unity, cohesion and electoral preparedness ahead of the 2027 elections.

Today, I celebrate a man whose tenure has been defined not merely by achievements, but by purpose, vision and genuine service, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.

Congratulations, sir, on the successful completion of an impactful and transformational tenure. You leave office with an enviable record of excellence and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. 

The remarkable strides recorded in academic standards, infrastructure, staff development, research and institutional growth are enduring testimonies to your exemplary leadership.

Beyond these accomplishments, I have every reason to celebrate you because you have been a leader who believed in people. You created opportunities, encouraged excellence and extended support to many, including me. 

Your generosity, humility and willingness to uplift others have made a lasting difference in countless lives.

True leaders are remembered not only for the offices they occupied but for the lives they touched. By that measure, your name will remain etched in the history of AAUA and in the hearts of those privileged to learn from and work with you.

As you begin another phase of your journey, I pray that God grants you abundant grace, excellent health, renewed strength, and even greater opportunities to continue contributing to humanity. May your wisdom, experience and passion for service continue to impact lives and institutions across Nigeria and beyond.

Thank you for your outstanding service, unwavering commitment, and inspiring leadership.

Congratulations once again, Prof. Your legacy is secure, your impact is enduring and your footprints will remain indelible.

 Wishing you God’s richest blessings in the years ahead.

Adekola Afolabi, an alumnus of AAUA.

…commissions 80-bed Legacy Hall, cites 100% programme accreditation, infrastructure gains

The immediate past Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has declared that he is leaving the institution in a far better state than he met it, bringing the curtain down on a weeklong valedictory celebration that ran from Monday, June 29 to Monday, July 6, 2026.

The former chief executive, who served as the university’s sixth substantive Vice Chancellor, spoke at a programme themed “Celebrating a Legacy of Purposeful Leadership and Lasting Impact,” held on the university campus on Monday, July 6, 2026, to mark the end of his tenure.

The week long activities included lectures, a friendly football match, a colloquium, mosque and church services, gift giving, and sessions of thanksgiving and goodwill messages, drawing participation from principal officers, academic and non teaching staff, students, unions, and alumni.

Prof. Ige cited significant gains in academic accreditation, faculty expansion, staff welfare, and infrastructural development as hallmarks of his tenure, while attributing his achievements to the cooperation and support of the university community.

On academic integrity, he disclosed that all programmes had secured 100 per cent accreditation from the National Universities Commission, while professional courses in Law, Architecture, Finance and Geology passed all requisite external accreditations.

“Our graduates, like Ojuko Temitayo Victoria, Eniola Aladeloba, and Akinola Tinuoluwa, have made First Class at the Nigerian Law School,” he said. “They are proof that AAUA produces excellence.”

The outgoing Vice Chancellor also reported that the university had expanded from seven to ten faculties, with the addition of Administration and Management Sciences, Allied Health Sciences and Computing, alongside new departments including French, Food Science and Technology, and Library and Information Science.

On staff welfare, he announced that 253 academic staff were promoted to Professors and Readers during his tenure, comprising 110 Professors and 143 Readers, with the highest number of promotions recorded in the 2025/2026 session. 13 non academic staff rose to Deputy Registrar and five to Deputy Bursar.

Prof. Ige further highlighted a marked improvement in academic culture, noting that inaugural lectures had risen from a dismal fifteen to sixty seven during his time in office. “Each lecture has been a gift to the university and to the wider community,” he remarked.

Despite severe financial constraints, he said several structures were built, reconstructed or renovated, including the Faculty of Science building, the new Faculty of Social Sciences building, and the 30 classroom Quadrangle.

In what he described as a crowning achievement, the former Vice Chancellor commissioned an 80 capacity Legacy Hall of Residence, the first new hall built through staff, student, alumni and stakeholder donations since the university was established. 

The commissioning also took place on Monday, July 6, 2026. “It stands on a foundation of goodwill, not just concrete,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the University Governing Council, Dr Tunji Abayomi, praised the outgoing Vice Chancellor for sustaining the institution’s ratings and visibility despite financial constraints and for maintaining industrial harmony throughout his tenure.

A book of essays titled “Transformative Leadership in Higher Education, Festschrift in Honour of Prof. Olugbenga Ige” was launched at the event, which was attended by political and religious leaders, traditional rulers, academics and family members.