The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

Role of universities in character building

Sir: Recently, a few colleagues and I had the privilege of interviewing Dr Emmanuel T. Abraham, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Topfaith University. Dr Abraham, who delivered the 34th and 35th Convocation Lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), titled “Twists, Turns and Triumphs of University Education in Nigeria,” posed a question that was not merely provocative but profoundly unsettling. He asked: “The companies in Nigeria that once thrived and employed thousands but have now folded up—who managed them? And which tertiary institutions produced those managers?

This question demands more than a casual answer. Its logic is structural. UNCorruption, mismanagement, and leadership failure are not standalone phenomena; they are symptoms of deeper systemic deficiencies. Dr Abraham’s philosophical inquiry compels us to excavate the foundational values that structure our national life.

Pressed to identify what we have missed in diagnosing the Nigerian problem, Dr Abraham answered with one word: Character.

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This answer, though deceptively simple, is deeply profound. Do our universities genuinely assess the character of their students before declaring them “worthy in character and learning”? Dr Abraham maintains that the collapse of institutions, corporate or governmental, stems not merely from technical incompetence but from moral failure. If we are serious about national transformation, we must return to the roots: to the ethical formation of the citizen.

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “By education I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in child and man—body, mind and spirit.” True education must stimulate not only intellectual faculties but also cultivate the moral imagination. John Dewey echoed this, arguing that “the establishment of character is a comprehensive aim of school instruction and discipline.”

In this light, Topfaith University has taken a bold step. It recently became the first institution in Nigeria to institutionalise Character and Leadership Education as a mandatory course across all semesters. There are no written exams; students are assessed through reflective, behavioural, and performance-based methods.

Every student receives a university-authored textbook on character and leadership development. This is not symbolic, it is strategic. It is a practical affirmation of the philosophy that education for moral character is what redirects human energy toward the flourishing of humanity.

All tertiary institutions must embrace this responsibility. They must become the conscience of the nation, the moral compass of the Republic. Universities must act not only as agents of enlightenment but as guardians of character.

Education finds its truest meaning when its aim is the cultivation of virtue. The time has come for the National Universities Commission (NUC) to declare a state of emergency, not in literacy rates, but in moral literacy. We must rebuild the moral infrastructure of the Nigerian state, and our universities must lead this renaissance.

•David Bassey Antia Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State

May 14, 2025
Gen. Musa’s well-rounded leadership style

Sir: Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has emerged as a figure of resolute leadership in a period marked by profound security challenges. His tenure, though still unfolding, has been characterised by a multi-pronged approach that seeks to address the multifaceted threats facing Nigeria. While the spectre of terrorism continues to loom large, exacerbated by the insidious flow of international support to these nefarious groups, his strategic vision and operational execution have demonstrably stemmed the tide, preventing what could have been a far more catastrophic descent into chaos.

One of his most significant achievements lies in his nuanced approach to counter-insurgency. Recognising that military might alone cannot vanquish deeply rooted conflicts, he has prioritised the fostering of robust civil-military relations. This is not merely a matter of public relations; it is a strategic imperative. By engaging with local communities, through initiatives like the Peace and Unity Football Tournament in Jos, he is building bridges of trust and cooperation. Such initiatives are crucial in gathering vital intelligence, disrupting recruitment networks, and ultimately, undermining the support base of terrorist organisations.

His efforts to restructure the Nigerian Army also deserve commendation. The commissioning of the Defence Holding Company Limited, for instance, signals a commitment to modernisation and self-reliance. This is not just about acquiring advanced weaponry; it’s about building a sustainable and adaptable military capable of responding to the evolving nature of threats. His focus on strategic planning and policy formulation, evidenced by his leadership of the Defence Planning Committee, underscores a proactive approach to national security.

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Furthermore, Gen. Musa’s emphasis on border security is critical. The porous nature of Nigeria’s borders has long been a conduit for illicit activities, including the trafficking of arms and the movement of insurgents. By strengthening border security measures, he is working to choke off the supply lines that fuel instability. This is a complex undertaking, requiring not only enhanced surveillance and patrols but also close cooperation with neighboring countries.

It must be acknowledged that the fight against terrorism in Nigeria is an uphill battle. The insidious flow of international support, be it financial, logistical, or ideological, provides a lifeline to these groups, enabling them to perpetuate their violence. Were it not for these external factors, one could argue that his efforts would have achieved even greater success in definitively nipping terrorism in the bud.

However, his leadership extends beyond the battlefield. His commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated by his support for the Potter Gallery Initiative, showcases a holistic understanding of security. True and lasting peace cannot be achieved through military might alone; it requires addressing the root causes of conflict, including social inequality and marginalisation.

While challenges remain, his tenure has been marked by a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to building a more secure and inclusive Nigeria. His strategic vision, operational acumen, and dedication to fostering civil-military relations provide a solid foundation for continued progress. His efforts in strategic planning, modernisation and humanitarian aid also show a well-rounded leader. With continued dedication and commitment from all stakeholders, Nigeria can overcome its security challenges and build a brighter future.

•Kennedy Elaigwu Awodi USA

May 12, 2025
National Health Fellows: Impact so far

Sir: In a country where bold promises often fade into political noise, something refreshingly different is happening. A movement that started quietly, with little fanfare. But now humming with purpose, momentum, and an energy that cannot be ignored. The 774 National Health Fellows (NHF) programme, which was launched a few months ago by the President Bola Tinubu administration, is not just another government announcement lost in the pages of bureaucracy, but a living force, a symbol of action, and a spark rapidly becoming a flame.

At its core, the programme is a strategic investment in youth leadership for health, designed to place one young, vibrant fellow in every local government area across the federation. But what sounded like a smart idea on paper has quickly grown into something bigger, bolder, and beautifully human.

Under the coordination of the Sector-Wide Approach Secretariat, the NHF initiative is reshaping what grassroots health intervention looks like. The young professionals are not just observing the system, but are being immersed in it. Studying the core concepts of public health, data analytics, and leadership. As of April 30th, it was made public that they had already completed over 73 percent of their assigned learning modules. That is such a fantastic feat. Signaling that these young Nigerians are hungry to learn, ready to lead, and prepared to deliver.

Beyond the e-learning, every fellow has been paired with an experienced health sector mentor, creating powerful bridges between knowledge and action, and available information showed that over 2,100 structured mentorship engagements have taken place, alongside more than 6,000 follow-up calls to troubleshoot, guide, and refine their experience in real time. Showcasing what mentorship with muscle and what real grooming looks like.

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Going forward, another exciting phase is here. The Capstone projects. Showing that these fellows are not just learning and listening. They are launching. They are mapping the real health challenges in their communities and crafting innovative, locally tailored solutions. Evidently outlining that this is far from the usual cut-and-paste interventions. Indeed, these are not just symbolic gestures. Rather, seeds of lasting change. A blueprint for the kind of youth engagement that actually works, and not just a flash in the pan.

Much credit must go to the Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who has done more than supervise. He has been inspiring. With every update, he speaks not just with authority but with visible passion for the possibilities this programme unlocks. His hands-on leadership is a reminder that good governance is not about policies alone, but people. Not about titles, but tangible results. Not to forget the collaboration with local government leaders, traditional rulers, and state commissioners for health which has ensured the success of the programme. Together, they have ensured that the fellows are not strangers in their host communities. They have been welcomed, embraced, and empowered to act. Their presence has been described as transformative, and rightly so.

Now, as we hail the progress so far, a big focus on sustainability must be the centre of thought. The NHF programme must not end as a one-time experiment. It must become institutionalised. The structure is already in place. The model is working. The results are rolling in. What remains is the political and budgetary will to scale this from pilot to permanent.

Without doubt, the impact, if new cohorts of fellows are trained every year, would be tremendous. The ripple effect of turning these 774 fellows into thousands over the next decade will be epic. Nigeria would not just be training health professionals. It would be building a generation of problem solvers, data warriors, and service-driven leaders. More importantly, the data being collected by these fellows across LGAs must be treated as a goldmine that it is. All the information must be analysed, shared, and applied to shape smarter and targeted policies, responsive budgeting, and real-time decision-making, and I believe that as time goes on and more capstone projects unfold, we will be witnessing a subtle but strong shift in our health governance story.

When young people are not just beneficiaries of change, but creators of it, the shift cannot be undervalued. When they are not just consulted, but trusted. When they are not just inspired, but given the steering wheel.

Even though Nigeria’s health system still has other challenges, even though the journey is long, this initiative is proof that with the right strategy, and the right people, progress will not just be a possibility in the abstract. It will become a happening event. Something visible. Something contagious.

Renewed Hope in Motion is not just a slogan, but a movement. A youth-led revolution quietly taking shape in every LGA, one fellow at a time. The sound of a country remembering how to believe again.

And best of all, it is only just getting started.

•Oladoja M.O.mayokunmark@gmail.com

May 12, 2025
‘Africa must react positively to Trump’s foreign policy’

Sir: Magnus Onyibe, an international public affairs analyst and Commonwealth Institute Scholar, has advised African countries and leaders to react positively to President Donald Trump’s policies.

He made the call in Lagos while delivering a lecture at the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) titled “Trump 2.0 and Africa: Dangers and Prospects.” The hybrid event aimed at policymakers, business leaders, academics, and citizens from various African and Commonwealth countries who participated online and physically.

In his intervention, Onyibe pointed out that the USA does not view Africa or Africans as a threat and that African leaders need to engage with the Trump administration to negotiate and reaffirm previous agreements with the USA. Trump’s primary interest is to win back the lost ground that past administrations have ceded to countries like China. He urged African governments and businesses to position themselves to take advantage of the new realignment and world order that Trump was creating.

“Now is the time to reflect on Africa’s underwhelming role in global trade and find pragmatic ways to reposition the continent as a vital node in the evolving global value chain,” he stated. He added that President Trump’s sweeping tariff policies, while disruptive, are also catalytic, creating both risks and opportunities for economies willing to adapt.

The major problems Africa faces, according to him, are energy and infrastructure, and these are issues that limit Africa’s potential to succeed on the global stage. He, however, proposes that collaboration between African business and political leaders and their counterparts in the USA can help solve this issue, creating a win-win situation for both sides of the Atlantic. He pointed out that before China became a success story, it faced the same situation that Nigeria is currently in, adding that today China is a major producer of energy and the fastest-growing economy in the world.

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He challenged US business magnates to consider Africa a frontier for economic expansion, paralleling President Nixon’s normalisation of US-China relations. “If Trump’s second term results in a decoupling from China, why shouldn’t Africa aspire to become America’s new strategic partner?” he questioned. To realise this vision, he recommended that African governments prioritise: Trade facilitation – by simplifying customs procedures and eliminating bureaucratic red tape; Infrastructure

development – investing in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure to support industrial growth and Business environment reform – enacting pro-investment policies and regulations to attract global capital.

The Institute Director of CIAPS, Anthony Kila, noted that the event “reflects our dedication to shaping public discourse and influencing narratives to drive informed action.”

•Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS)

May 12, 2025
Developmental Objectives and Corporate Social Responsibility: Miss or Main?

By Tobiloba Olaosun

There is a compelling call for corporates and business institutions to deeply engage with the rapidly changing dynamics of our world, particularly in how they deliberately drive their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives. By integrating these goals into their annual objectives and backing them with relevant data in sustainability reports, they get to enhance their recognition within their respective sectors. However, we must confront a critical question: Who truly owns these initiatives? Is it the funder or the implementers?

In my experience in the developmental sector in Nigeria, one glaring challenge is the persistent misalignment between desired CSR goals and their actual implementation by corporations and their implementing partners. I have witnessed organizations that simply state, “We just want to get this done, and that’s it,” without providing the necessary information to ensure effective implementation. While the intention behind funding is commendable, it is essential to consider all contributing factors that lead to a successful project and to cultivate a meaningful connection between funders and implementors. Effective CSR cannot be an afterthought; it must be a deliberate and well-strategized endeavor.

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Timing is another critical issue. There are instances when organizations reach out towards the end of a quarter with a pressing urgency to execute a CSR project, primarily to quickly complete it and report impact numbers in their annual business report. This hurried approach not only jeopardizes the opportunity for creative and meaningful thinking but also deprives everyone involved of the chance to connect genuinely with beneficiaries. To make a real impact on communities, organizations must prioritize integration over superficial interactions.

Furthermore, it is imperative to recognize the necessity of being actively involved in the process. Corporates often express enthusiasm for CSR projects but fail to send representatives or participate in implementation. Those who do attend frequently exhibit a desire to leave quickly, which undermines the true essence of CSR. You cannot authentically tell a success story about an impact of which you were not a part. To effectively measure impact, engagement is essential—attend meetings, review project reports, and highlight testimonials. Moreover, impact takes time; it is not a quick fix. Organizations must be prepared to revisit communities after several years to assess the long-term effects of their CSR initiatives. This is how you earn the respect and trust of those you set out to impact; this is the true essence of social responsibility.

Lastly, budgeting remains a contentious yet critical aspect of funding CSR projects, demanding our utmost attention for meaningful outcomes. Effective CSR projects require adequate funding to produce compelling impact narratives. Organizations must thoroughly analyze and define their core objectives to create a significant impact experience. Clear and detailed objective mapping will shape the storytelling aspect of CSR initiatives. To craft powerful narratives, organizations must commit to spending quality time with the community, which requires both time and sufficient resources.

It is time for all of us to uphold the true essence of corporate social responsibility and take ownership of our role in effecting meaningful change in our society. We must shift our focus away from being just about the numbers to also emphasizing the profound journey of making a difference in our communities

May 12, 2025
Poor JAMB exam results

Sir: The just concluded Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, which recorded a great number of below average marks, 75% candidates scoring less than 200 marks, is undoubtedly a wake-up call for the government and the ministries or agencies that see to the management of education in Nigeria. The unfortunate situation needs to be arrested without delay with a view to putting a stop to such occurrences in the future.

Like the previous year’s JAMB poor results, 76% candidates securing marks below 200, the current performance which was expected to show a great improvement is also not encouraging whatsoever. Based on shared characteristics between the 2024 and the 2025 JAMB results, it’s obvious that the anticipated improvement in academic performance of the Nigerian students is not yet in sight.

What could have been the reason or reasons for mass failure in examinations despite the huge amount of money being budgeted each year to cater for education in states across Nigeria to meet the UNESCO benchmark on education? For instance, out of the 2025 total budget of N678billion of Oyo State, 21.44 percent (second highest appropriation in the budget) was earmarked for education in the state. Isn’t this glaring evidence that money alone, without proper monitoring of how the money meant for education is expended, cannot solve the problems that hinder education in Nigeria?

Until the factors that influence mass failure in examinations among Nigerian students are squarely and forthrightly looked into and tamed, poor academic performance may persist and not end soon. And this may continue to portray Nigerian education standards in a bad light.

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How many times do inspectors visit schools in each academic year to check whether or not the management in schools across Nigeria follow the government’s well-designed procedures for education? The primary purpose of establishing schools is to instill knowledge into students to improve their academic performances; it’s unfortunate that many schools, notably privately owned, are allegedly established nowadays to seek alternative means of making ends meet.

What about the trainers (teachers)? Is there provision for upgrading the teachers who teach the students? How do we expect good results from students whose subjects are taught by teachers who, for years, have not upgraded themselves?

The culture of vigorous reading has to be inculcated and implanted in students. All schools, particularly secondary schools, must be mandated to erect well-equipped libraries to allow students to have easy access to good books that can broaden their scope. This will curb poor study habits among students.

In summary, all the factors that endanger good academic performance like students-related issues as well as schools-related issues and parents-related issues must be dealt with accordingly to improve students’ performances in examinations.

•Ademola ‘Bablow’ Babalola babalolaademola39@gmail.com

May 9, 2025
Tinubu’s Anambra visit and inclusive leadership

Sir: President Bola Tinubu has steadily demonstrated a rare rallying quality; pulling together and not setting asunder. Whether north, south, east, or west, he has remained consistent as an even-handed arbiter, dealing graciously and honourably with everyone.

On May 2, he visited Katsina State, where he made bold and decisive declarations against banditry and terrorism in the North-West zone. He reiterated his resolve that Nigeria would never succumb to the designs of terror and asked the military to intensify its efforts to remove the vestiges of the menace.

The President visited Enugu State on January 4. The visit, his first port of call in the year, underscored the importance accorded to the South-East zone, as well as the President’s genuine effort at bringing all Nigerians together.

In Enugu, President Tinubu interacted with a mélange of leaders in the South-East, listening, taking note of their concerns, and ending with a fine lexical smorgasbord of unity, hope, and compassion.

In Anambra, his second visit to the South-East in 2025, the President reprised his accustomed nationalistic aspect – not a performance or a contrivance, but an organic and time-honed disposition.

President Tinubu paid a visit to Anambra State on Thursday, May 8. He was received with flourish, elegance, and exceeding excitement — an undisputed affirmation of the Igbo saying, “Nkea bu nke anyi” (He is our own).

It was a carnival in the streets of Awka as the President’s convoy entered the city, a welcome deserving only of a well-striped warrior — Dike. The President was honoured with the foremost traditional title — Dike Si-mba of Anambra — mighty warrior/hero.

Earlier, he had inaugurated the Emeka Anyaoku Institute of International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the new Government House, and Solution Funcity.

Speaking at Ekwueme Square, a stadium, where an open meeting was held with an array of South-East leaders, opinion moulders and other citizens, President Tinubu thanked the people of Anambra for the warm welcome and their support.

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“I know our diversity will lead to prosperity.

“South-East, I salute your enterprise, your innovation, and commitment to progress,” the President said.

In his address, Governor Chukwuma Soludo thanked the President for honouring the state by visiting. He said the last state visit by any President was in 2012.

He commended the President for having the courage to take tough decisions that were already turning around the economy and encouraged the President to stay the course.

The governor said his support for President Tinubu was rooted in ideology and principle and described the President as the “Professor of Federalism.”

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, also thanked the President, underscoring his expansiveness, accommodating, and fatherly disposition.

The significance of the President’s domestic trips is the exigency of solidarising, as well as of building bridges and fostering unity. Nigerians across the country can see, feel, and hear their President in the flesh. He comes to them with words of hope, encouragement, understanding, compassion, and action.

The President has shown time and time again that he is the leader that Nigeria sorely needs at this time to mend the fault lines, the fissures, and to disentangle the national antinomy.

Leadership is by example. It is in the doings. It is in the results. Little wonder Nigerians across all artificial aisles are rallying towards the President. The ability to bring people together, regardless of any unnatural boundaries, is the great stuff of leadership.

President Tinubu epitomises this outlier quality of leadership.

•Fredrick Nwabufo Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement

May 9, 2025
Celebrity fights in Nigeria: Between spectacle and criminality

Sir: When news broke of the boxing match that happened between Nigerian street-pop artist Habeeb Badmus, popularly known as Portable, and Nollywood actor Charles Okocha—and more recently, between Portable and another singer known as “Akpi” —the primary focus in public discourse was entertainment. Yet, what piqued my scholarly interest was a less explored dimension, which is the legality of it all under Nigerian criminal law.

Section 83 of the Criminal Code provides that any person who takes part in a fight in a public place is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for one year. The decision in Areh v. C.O.P. (1959) W.N.L.R. 230 further established that the offence is complete once fighting occurs in a public space—whether or not it causes public alarm. More broadly, in Button v. D.P.P. [1965] 3 W.L.R., the House of Lords held that, under English law, the offence may be constituted even if the fight did not occur in a public place.

In Nigeria, Section 85 of the Criminal Code Act illustrates the seriousness of orchestrated violence by criminalising any challenge to a duel. It states that any person who challenges another to fight, or provokes another to issue such a challenge, is guilty of a felony and liable to imprisonment for three years.

Now, can entertainment serve as a defence to affray? My answer is no. Self-defence is an example of a good excuse in law. While the law recognises the right to use reasonable force in self-defence, this only applies within the limits of lawful conduct. If a fight occurs as mutual combat without provocation or imminent threat, it does not qualify as self-defence but becomes a punishable act under the law

The 8th edition of Black’s Law Dictionary defines affray as a fight by mutual consent in a public place, to the terror of onlookers. The fight must be mutual. If one party is the aggressor and the other merely defends themselves, it constitutes assault and battery, not affray. This leads to a critical question: Must there be a terrified bystander for the offence of affray to be complete?

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What if the crowd is not terrified but rather entertained as it seems to be the case in celebrity fights?

This brings us to the notional bystander test. In R v. Sanchez [1996] Crim LR 572, the court emphasised that the test does not rely on the actual victim’s fear but on whether a hypothetical reasonable bystander would feel threatened. In I and Others v. DPP [2001] UKHL 10, the House of Lords affirmed that a “victim” must exist, but in Leeson v. DPP [2010] EWHC 994, the High Court clarified that if violence is focused solely on one participant without endangering others, affray may not be made out.

Interestingly, Nigerian law does not heavily emphasise the psychological impact on bystanders. It adopts a more categorical stance. Section 35 of the Criminal Code Act criminalises participation in, subscription to, or promotion of a prize fight—with a one-year prison term as punishment. Similarly, under Section 54 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State where the fight took place, anyone who takes part in a public fight is guilty of an offence and liable to six months’ imprisonment.

The recent boxing match between Portable and Akpi, branded “Chaos In The Ring,” took place at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos. The key legal question becomes this – Was this truly a fight in the legal sense?

To answer this, we must interrogate definitions. The Oxford Law Dictionary defines a fight as “a violent struggle involving the exchange of physical blows or use of weapons.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “the use of physical force to try to defeat another person or group.”

The Criminal Code Act defines a “public place” as: Any building, place, or conveyance to which the public is entitled or permitted to have access, with or without condition or payment, including those used for public or religious meetings. A “public way” includes: Any highway, marketplace, square, street, bridge, or other way lawfully used by the public.

Clearly, a convention centre with ticketed entry such as where this celebrity fight took place, open to the general public, qualifies as a public place. Therefore, the legal ingredients of affray or prize-fighting seem prima facie present.

What then excludes such events from criminal liability under Nigerian law? The short answer is: nothing. No statutory exception currently legalises prize fights or public brawls for entertainment, no matter how professionally staged. That the police turn a blind eye to these events does not confer legality upon them. In criminal jurisprudence, acquiescence is not immunity.

So, the point I am labouring to make is that, while celebrity fights may amuse the public, they occupy a precarious space in Nigerian criminal law. As a people, we may derive joy even from chaos, but the law is seldom so accommodating. Until the legislature provides a regulatory framework for such entertainment events, perhaps akin to athletic commissions abroad, those involved may well be treading the fine line between spectacle and criminality.

•David Bassey Ant Topfaith University, Mkpatak,Akwa Ibom State

May 9, 2025
Assaults on Nigeria’s constitution: The case of Benue

Sir: Recent developments in Nigeria—particularly in Benue State—have brought to the fore an alarming pattern of constitutional violations by organs and institutions that ought to uphold the rule of law. Among the most egregious is the recent illegal summoning of the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly by the National Assembly, an action that violates both the letter and the spirit of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Even more disturbing is the trend of deliberate disobedience to clear constitutional provisions by agencies such as the National Judicial Council (NJC) and certain judicial officers, undermining the very architecture of Nigerian federalism.

The Summoning of a State Speaker: A Constitutional Aberration:

The National Assembly’s oversight powers are expressly defined under Sections 88 and 89 of the Nigerian Constitution. These powers are limited to matters over which the National Assembly has legislative competence—that is, issues within the exclusive or concurrent legislative lists as they relate to the federal government or its agencies.

The Speaker of a State House of Assembly, being an officer of a sub-national legislature, does not fall under the jurisdiction of the National Assembly’s oversight, except in the rarest of cases involving misuse of federal allocations or participation in intergovernmental misconduct.

To summon the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly—on matters purely within the legislative competence of the state—is a clear violation of the principle of federalism, and an abuse of legislative privilege by the National Assembly. It sets a dangerous precedent of federal overreach, undermining the autonomy of state institutions and disregarding the Constitution that binds this federation.

NJC’s Overreach and the Judiciary’s Constitutional Misadventures:

Even more confounding is the recent rejection by the National Judicial Council (NJC) of the constitutional and lawful removal of the Chief Judge of Benue State by the Benue State House of Assembly. One wonders: Since when did the NJC assume the power to override the constitutional functions of a State Legislature?

Let it be made clear: Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution grants the State House of Assembly the authority to remove a Chief Judge for misconduct, without recourse to the National Judicial Council (NJC). This provision is unambiguous and has been upheld in previous constitutional interpretations.

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The Chief Judge, once lawfully removed by the State House of Assembly and with the concurrence of the Governor, ceases to exercise judicial powers. Yet, in an act of unprecedented judicial insubordination, the removed Chief Judge of Benue State is alleged to have unilaterally directed the relocation of Local Government Tribunal sittings to Abuja. This is not only a travesty but an act of jurisdictional rebellion—a self-appropriation of powers no longer constitutionally held.

A Call to Constitutional Fidelity:

What we are witnessing is not merely institutional confusion—it is a creeping culture of lawlessness among institutions that ought to be the custodians of law. The National Assembly, the NJC, and even sections of the judiciary must be reminded that constitutionalism is not optional. Their actions, if left unchecked, risk eroding public trust in democracy, and worse, fracturing the federation.

We cannot build a just society on selective obedience to the Constitution. Institutions that bend the law to suit political loyalties or personal pride are betraying their mandates and leading the nation down a path of constitutional anarchy.

The drafters of Nigeria’s Constitution envisaged a nation governed by law, not by institutional arrogance or political convenience. The illegal summoning of a State Speaker, the NJC’s meddling in matters outside its jurisdiction, and the removed Chief Judge’s unauthorised directive are all symptomatic of a disturbing institutional drift from constitutional discipline.

It is time for all patriotic Nigerians—legal minds, legislators, educators, and civil society—to rebuke these acts of constitutional recklessness. Fidelity to the Constitution must be our creed, or we risk losing the moral and legal compass of this federation.

•Leonard Karshima Shilgba shilgba@gmail.com

May 8, 2025
NELFUND: No room for failure

Sir: The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), one of Nigeria’s key financial and economic crimes fighting agencies, recently went for the jugular of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which manages the Nigerian students loan ecosystem established by the Student’s Loan Act of 2024. According to the ICPC, it uncovered acts of corrupt diversion running into billions of naira meant for the fund.

However, in a robust statement after the ICPC’s revelation generated the kind of furore allegations of mismanagement of public funds do in Nigeria, NELFUND was quick to clarify that no amount of money under its custody had been misappropriated in any way. The ICPC backtracked a bit to say that it would look at other players in the NELFUND ecosystem.

But at that point, it appeared the damage was done.

To improve access to education, the Tinubu administration established the education loan fund to provide interest-free loans to students to support school fees and upkeep in public tertiary institutions. The beneficiaries are expected to commence repayment of the loan two years after NYSC.

Such a crucial intervention in such a critical area was long overdue as indigence and infrastructure gaps had contributed to stunt tertiary education in Nigeria with devastating consequences for the country’s economy eventually.

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In the short period it has been in existence, the fund has been a lifeline for many students. It has improved access to tertiary education, preserving the dreams of countless students. With its understated purpose of making education financing accessible to Nigerian students, the fund is poised to prove one of the most important achievements of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

NELFUND has been just the shot in the arm education in Nigeria needed. It is a nascent programme, but its trajectory and experience with similar student loan programmes around the world show that it is scalable. With time, its socio-economic benefits to Nigerians and the Nigerian economy and national development will be properly visible.

In a country awash with inflation and corruption, one where students are struggling with education financing as well as adequate purchasing power to take care of their basic needs, shouldn’t a lifeline such as NELFUND be shielded from every and all acts of corruption? Shouldn’t the student loan scheme be administered with utmost transparency to build the trust of Nigerians in the programme and other similar programmes already rolled out and in the works?

It is in the interest of every Nigerian that the student loan scheme succeeds. Thus, while Nigeria’s economic and financial crime fighting agencies must not shy away from their robust oversight roles, they must refrain from comments or actions that have the tendency to smear NELFUND in corruption allegations in the absence of credible evidence.

But beyond yet-to-be established allegations of corruption, it is in the interest of every Nigerian that NELFUND be shielded from the cankerworm of corruption and all its destructive tendencies. It is critical that such a scheme tailored to give the hope of tertiary education to the most vulnerable Nigerians and Nigerian students be kept free of the inefficiency that has rocked previous such schemes to death.

Nigerians should not see NELFUND as a government programme. Rather, they should take ownership of it and embrace it as their own. This mindset will give them the resources needed to root out the developing threats to a programme that is about human capital development and enhancing national development.

•Ike Willie-Nwobu Ikewilly9@gmail.com

May 8, 2025