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Campus Revolt Brews – Students Vow Nationwide Protest, Insist on NMDPRA Boss’ Suspension
The Sokoto State Students Forum (SSSF) has demanded the immediate removal of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Ahmed Farouk, accusing him of a grave betrayal of public trust.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a statement signed by its president, Abdullahi Al‑Majeed, the group alleged that Farouk had “mocked the suffering of Nigerian students” by diverting public funds to finance his children’s luxury education abroad, even as millions of children—particularly in the North—remain out of school.
“The allegations against Engr. Farouk Ahmed are deeply troubling to every well‑meaning Nigerian, especially students who are already disillusioned by systemic corruption,” Al‑Majeed said.
The SSSF leader explained that the forum had reviewed documents provided by credible civil society organisations, including school records showing that Farouk’s children—Faisal Farouk, Ashraf Farouk, Farouk Jr., and Farhana Farouk—were enrolled in elite institutions such as Aiglon College, La Garenne International School, Institut Le Rosey, and Montreux Secondary School, where annual tuition alone exceeds $130,000, excluding other expenses.
“It is outrageous that a public servant in a country with over 10 million out‑of‑school children would lavish $5.5 million on foreign education for his children,” Al‑Majeed said.
“The facts are public. The figures are staggering. The Presidency’s silence is deafening, and the damage to public confidence is profound.”
According to Al‑Majeed, young people across the North are watching to see whether President Bola Tinubu will apply the same standard of accountability he enforced in the case of former minister Betta Edu:
“This is not just about Farouk Ahmed; it’s about the moral credibility of the government. If the President could act swiftly in Betta Edu’s case, he must do the same here. No public official is above the law,” he said.
The group insisted that Farouk’s continued stay in office was “untenable and dangerous” for the integrity of Nigeria’s public service. It also accused the NMDPRA of spending public funds on full‑page newspaper adverts designed to distract and deflect rather than provide evidence of legitimate income that could cover such extravagant expenses.
“Instead of gaslighting the public, the agency should have published verifiable proof of how the NMDPRA boss could legitimately afford such luxury. That silence speaks volumes,” Al‑Majeed added.
He further disclosed that students in Sokoto and neighbouring states were already mobilising for peaceful mass protests if the Federal Government fails to act:
“We are consulting. And if nothing is done, we will come to Abuja. Enough is enough,” he declared.
Meanwhile, in a twist to the controversy, recalls that the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had previously apologised to Farouk Ahmed over similar allegations.
In an earlier letter, NANS accused the NMDPRA leadership of mismanaging public funds, engaging in contract and job racketeering, and abusing office. The letter claimed civil society organisations had sought NANS’s support to mobilise students for mass protests demanding Farouk’s resignation.
However, in a statement signed by NANS Public Relations Officer Adeyemi Ajasa, the association admitted those allegations were unverified and misleading:
“After further investigations and engagements with relevant stakeholders, we have discovered that the issues raised in my earlier correspondence were unfounded and do not accurately reflect the true state of affairs within the agency,” Ajasa said.
“As the voice of over 40 million Nigerian students, NANS remains committed to truth, fairness, and constructive engagement.”
Ajasa added that Farouk Ahmed was, in fact, spearheading reforms to modernize the midstream and downstream sectors of the petroleum industry—a vision, he said, that aligns with students’ aspirations for a more transparent and prosperous Nigeria.
Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Olabode George, has urged President Bola Tinubu to take urgent steps to prevent Nigeria from sliding into political instability, warning that current developments in the country’s political space are deeply troubling.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In an open letter on Friday, George expressed concern over what he described as growing suppression of opposition voices, adding that any system that weakens dissent risks long-term instability.
He stressed that democracy cannot function effectively where opposition is weakened or silenced, warning that such a situation could make the country volatile.
According to him, leaders who ignore criticism and surround themselves only with praise risk making avoidable mistakes that history often corrects harshly.
George said the President is at a critical point where he must choose between strengthening democratic institutions or allowing the current political tension to deepen.
He urged Tinubu to act decisively to restore confidence in governance and reduce rising divisions in the country.
He also advised the President to avoid being misled by praise-singers, urging him to listen to honest voices, correct wrong directions, and protect Nigeria’s democratic space for the future.
Political strategist and CEO of Global Investment and Trade Company, Baba Yusuf, has warned that worsening insecurity in Nigeria could reach a point where bandits may eventually find their way into the National Assembly.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking in an interview on Arise News, Yusuf said the situation has degenerated to the extent that people in parts of the North now pay “taxes” to armed groups and even seek their intervention in local disputes.
He lamented that while attacks continue to claim lives across several states, both government and opposition figures are politicising the crisis instead of finding lasting solutions.
Yusuf pointed to repeated attacks even after official assurances, arguing that criminal groups are increasingly emboldened and openly challenge state authority, including issuing warnings before carrying out attacks.
He further claimed that in some cases, armed groups operate with little fear of consequences, while public trust in state protection continues to weaken.
According to him, the growing influence and acceptance of such groups in some communities is a dangerous trend that could worsen if not urgently addressed.
He warned that failure to tackle insecurity decisively could lead to a situation where criminal elements gain even more legitimacy within society and political structures.
Nigerian international Alex Iwobi has weighed in on the long-running GOAT debate, choosing Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo after sharing the pitch with both football icons.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on the Beast Mode Podcast, Iwobi said personal experience facing the two superstars influenced his opinion.
He admitted Ronaldo’s presence and aura were “crazy,” recalling matches against him during Premier League clashes between Everton and Manchester United.
Iwobi noted that by that stage of his career, Ronaldo was highly efficient, focusing mainly on goal scoring whenever he got the ball.
However, the Fulham midfielder said his experience against Messi left a deeper impression, especially during his Champions League debut for Arsenal against Barcelona at Camp Nou in 2016.
He described being overwhelmed by the atmosphere and the star-studded Barcelona team featuring Messi, Neymar, Suarez, Iniesta, Xavi, and Dani Alves.
Iwobi said Messi’s control of space made him feel untouchable on the pitch, adding that defenders could barely get close to him whenever he had the ball.
He also recalled facing Messi again at the 2018 World Cup, where the Argentine scored in Nigeria’s 2–1 defeat.
Despite respecting both legends, Iwobi said his encounters convinced him that Messi stands out slightly above Ronaldo.
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