News
Adeleke Suspends College Provost Over N200m Fraud

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has suspended the Provost of the State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, Prof. Jimoh Afolabi, on the grounds of financial impropriety.
A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Olawale Rasheed, said Afolabi was also found culpable of concealment of official information/records; and failure to update the Governing Council on the important issues of the college.
The management of the college had recently accused the chairman of the Council, Dr. Peter Babalola, of mismanagement of about N200 million about five months after assuming office.
But Babalola denied mismanaging the college funds and accused Afolabi and the erstwhile Bursar, Dr. Olanrewaju Oyedeji, of graft.
He also announced the suspension of the provost.
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Adeleke subsequently set up a probe panel chaired by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Kazeem Akinleye, which investigated the allegations.
The panel reversed the suspension of Afolabi, while parties in the crisis were told to appear before the three-man committee.
Unveiling further details as contained in the interim report of the probe on Friday, Rasheed said Adeleke approved the committee’s decision which absolved Babalola of any wrongdoing and, “approved the immediate suspension of the Provost of Ila College of Education. The governor also approved the recommendation of the committee that the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Peter Babalola, should remain in office as there is no proven case of abuse of power or financial wrongdoings against him.
“The allegation of over N200m fraud leveled against the council chairman was found to be unsubstantiated with documentary proof or transaction details. The cash advance of N3m to the council chairman was found to be within the college’s financial regulations with all documentation verified by the committee.
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“Based on a thorough review, the committee discovered that the allegation of N200m fraud leveled against the Chairman of the Governing Council is untrue, diversionary, baseless, and fallacious. Documentary evidence (voucher) revealed that he only collected N3m as a cash advance which is officially allowed.”
On the provost, the committee said it reviewed three previous reports of investigations into allegations of financial malfeasance, abuse of power and corruption leveled against him dating from past administrations.
“Sequel to the findings of the investigative panel, the Provost of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, Prof. Jimoh Afolabi, is hereby suspended on the grounds of financial impropriety, concealment of official information/records; and failure to update the Governing Council on the important issues of the College. The Committee is billed to submit its final report at a later date,” the statement signed by Olawale read.
News
Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.
A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.
“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.
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“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.
“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”
The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA
News
JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.
Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.
Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.
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“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”
Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.
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The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.
The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.
Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.
News
UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.
The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.
In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.
Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.
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“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.
He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.
“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.
According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.
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“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.
“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.
He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.
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“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.
Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.
“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.
“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.
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