The Jigawa Conscience Alliance, a Pan Arewa group, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse the appointment of Mr. Dickson Akor as a member of the Governing Board of the Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa. The group cited Akor’s past expulsion from the University of Abuja for examination malpractice as a key reason for their opposition.
In a statement issued by the group’s National Chairman, Hon. Abdulahi Shehu-Dutse, and made available to newsmen in Abuja, the group expressed dismay at the appointment, questioning how someone with such a tarnished academic record could be entrusted with a significant role in a university’s governance. Akor, a former sociology student, was expelled from the University of Abuja following his involvement in examination malpractice during a course, SOC 804, as confirmed by the university’s disciplinary committee and senate in October 2021.
Shehu-Dutse’s statement detailed the expulsion process, highlighting that Akor continues to falsely claim a master’s degree from the University of Abuja and parades himself with a procured honorary doctorate degree. The expulsion letter, dated November 5, 2021, and signed by Deputy Registrar Alkassim M. Umar, was referenced to validate these claims.
The group underscored the inappropriate nature of Akor’s appointment to a university governing board, stressing the potential damage to the institution’s integrity and the future of its students. They noted widespread concern among stakeholders from Jigawa and Kano states, as well as from the University of Abuja, regarding this “shameful” appointment.
Hon. Shehu-Dutse also referenced a previous lawsuit filed by Akor against the University of Abuja and its Vice Chancellor, which was dismissed for lack of merit by Honourable Justice A. I. Kutigi in November 2020. The group’s chairman urged President Tinubu and the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, to act swiftly in withdrawing Akor’s appointment to protect the institution’s reputation and educational standards.
The statement commended President Tinubu’s directive to review recent appointments in federal universities’ governing boards and emphasized that Akor’s removal should be a priority. Shehu-Dutse expressed confidence that Professor Mamman, known for his strict standards as the former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, would not tolerate such a controversial figure in the academic administration.
Attempts to reach Mr. Dickson Akor for comment were unsuccessful. A senior management staff member from the University of Abuja, preferring anonymity, confirmed the authenticity of the documents presented by the group and expressed frustration with Akor’s refusal to acknowledge his wrongdoings.
The Ministry of Education, when contacted, requested a formal written inquiry to respond to the issue.
