…”No due process in APU,” Source insists
By Nafiu Toyin Abdulqadri
Pro-Chancellor of the Ahman Pategi University (APU), Ambassador (Dr) Nimota Nihinlola Akanbi OON, has wade into the ongoing controversy surrounding the management of the institution.
Reacting to an earlier story published by this medium, Ambassador Akanbi said the University has maintained the highest standards since its inception.
“Let me categorically state that Ahman Pategi University operates in strict compliance with the NUC Code of Governance, and all our activities align with the approvals of relevant regulatory bodies.”
The former ambassador to the Netherlands affirmed that the current management has worked tirelessly to improve the standards of the University and ensure its continued growth and excellence. She maintained that the recent protest, involving non-stakeholders such as commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders), was clearly sponsored by detractors aiming to undermine their progress.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the university continues to escalate, with fresh allegations emerging about the institution’s management. Recently, members of the host community protested, calling for the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor, citing lack of foresight and poor management.
New claims have surfaced about the university’s affiliate programs. According to an anonymous source, the Vice-Chancellor, who assumed office in March 2024, is accused of abusing his position by running satellite campuses without adhering to established standards. The university allegedly operates affiliated programs without necessary approval from the Senate Council and other regulatory bodies.
The university, which has yet to graduate its first set of students, reportedly lacks eligibility to run such programs. The source revealed that they personally visited one of the satellite campuses in Ilorin and obtained a form for N15,000. However, the form bore the name of Ahman Pategi University, while the payment was made into a different account.
The source emphasized that the issue lies not with individuals but with the absence of due process. “We are not against the person of anybody. What we are saying is that for every action, let the due process be done.”
The community’s concerns are deeply rooted in the recent history of the institution. The founder of the university, who had been ailing before his death, reportedly attempted to prevent these actions but was unable to do so due to his failing health. This has further heightened the worries of the Patigi community, who see the situation as a grave threat to the future of the university.
Critics argue that the Vice-Chancellor’s brief tenure has already caused significant damage to the institution’s reputation and operations. With tensions running high, stakeholders are calling for urgent reforms to ensure that the university’s future is not jeopardized.