Education
Appeal Court Orders CBN, ABU Zaria to Pay N2.5bn to 110 Illegally Sacked Workers
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the fresh bids by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria to stop the implementation of N2.5 billion judgment debt against the school and in favour of the 110 workers of the University unlawfully sacked in 1996.
In two separate unanimous judgements by a three-member panel of justices, the appellate court ordered the CBN to immediately release N2.5 billion to the former workers of the higher institution of learning without further delay.
In the lead judgments delivered by Justice Okon Abang, the appellate court threatened to impose heavy sanctions on the prime movers of CBN should the apex bank further refuse to release the money kept in its custody since 2018 by ABU, for onward payment to the aggrieved workers.
Justice Abang dismissed the CBN’s claim that the 110 workers unlawfully sacked by ABU in 1996 but ordered reinstated by the National Industrial Court in Abuja, cannot use garnishee proceedings against it to collect the money.
The claims of the apex bank that consent of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) must first be obtained by the workers before payments can be effected were also dismissed by the Court of Appeal.
The CBN and ABU had, in separate appeals, challenged the implementation of the judgment of the Industrial Court, which ordered ABU to pay the entitlement of the 110 workers, having found that they were unlawfully laid off by the Sole Administrator of the University, General Mamman Kontagora, in 1996.
The two appellants also faulted the use of garnishee proceedings against them by the workers to effect payments.
The two appeals were dismissed for being unmeritorious.
Justice Rakiya Haastrup of the Industrial Court had on January 27, 2022, issued a “garnishee order absolute,” directing the CBN to pay the judgment sum to the workers from ABU’s funds.
Justice Abang held that the workers were right in filing garnishee proceedings against CBN to enforce payments of their entitlement as required by law.
The Court of Appeal admonished the apex bank for wasting public funds to engage lawyers to file a suit to frustrate the payments of the entitlement to the aggrieved workers.
According to the appellate court, the conduct of the CBN in opposing payments of the money was reckless and reprehensible to the workers since the ABU had deposited the money with it for the settlement of the judgment debt.
“In this matter, it is not the duty of the CBN to play the role of the advocate but to implement the court judgment that awarded the money to the workers in the absence of any contrary court order.
“It is also unethical for the lawyer to the CBN to have supported the bank in frustrating the judgment of the Industrial Court. The unfortunate action of the CBN had prolonged the sufferings and hardships of the workers.
“The lawyer ought to have advised the CBN not to play the role of the advocate, no matter how juicy the CBN brief. The action of CBN is cowardice. It took the matter personal against the workers who have been suffering since 2013.
“There is no lawful reason for the CBN to have filed this appeal against the judgment of the Industrial Court since the workers made no claims against the bank.
“The lawyer owes a duty to the court, to the country, and to the 110 workers to see that they are not unjustly punished or denied the fruits of their court victory. He ought to have withdrawn his services if CBN went against his advice. They ended up wasting the valuable judicial time of this Court.
“How can CBN be asking that the order of the court not made against it be vacated when it has been holding the workers’ money since 2018? The situation must not continue. There must be an end to it. The workers deserve the fruit of their labour,” he said.
The Court of Appeal awarded N5 million against CBN and another N5 million against ABU to be paid to the workers as costs of litigation in addition to the N2.5 billion.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The monthly subvention to the Edo State University, Iyahmo, has been increased to N250 million from N100 million by the state governor, Mr Monday Okpebholo.
A statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Mr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, said a grant of N2 billion has also been approved to improve infrastructure in the institution.
Speaking at the commissioning of an e-library and the flagging off of a fitness centre and a health facility in the school, Mr Okpebholo said the funding support is to strengthen the institution’s capacity and improve learning conditions.
“Today is a great day for Edo State University, Iyamho. Since assuming office, our administration has remained committed to repositioning the education sector in Edo State.
“The Ehi Aganmonmen Business Administration E-Library, the Peter Omoh Dunia Fitness Centre, and the Edo State University Health Centre are clear symbols of progress, partnership, and shared responsibility in advancing education and health in Edo State,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo further acknowledged the collective support from stakeholders, including a parent who volunteered to sponsor the architectural designs and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adetimirin, who donated one month of his salary.
“If you, the vice chancellor, can donate your salary, why will the Edo state government not donate towards the university projects they are carrying out? On this note, the Edo State government will give you (the school) N2 billion,” he declared.
“I also understand that a parent has offered to sponsor the designs, and our amiable Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adetimirin, has donated his one-month salary to support the projects. These are not small things — these are sacrifices that speak louder than words,” he added.
On healthcare infrastructure, the Governor expressed support for the university’s plan to upgrade its medical facility.
“I commend the university for the new Health Centre to replace the existing sick bay. This is an important step toward providing better healthcare services to our university community. I assure you of our continued support as we work together to bring this vision to reality,” the Governor said.
He charged students of the institution to use the facilities well, and tasked the university management to “ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of these facilities.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
Forty-five student-led ventures emerged as beneficiaries of a total pool of N2.2 billion in grants at the 2026 Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG) Finalist Bootcamp.
The programme of the federal government marks a significant boost to youth innovation under its entrepreneurship drive, announced earlier this year.
At the bootcamp’s closing ceremony and awards presentation held at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Ikoyi, Lagos, the winners emerged after a rigorous selection process involving 65 finalists and assessment by a 12-member expert panel.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Mr Tunji Alausa, said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to transforming tertiary institutions into centres of innovation, entrepreneurship and practical problem-solving.
He described the S-VCG programme as a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at enabling students to convert ideas into viable businesses.
Mr Alausa noted that each beneficiary can access up to N50 million in equity-free funding, alongside mentorship, incubation support and digital tools.
He added that the programme attracted more than 30,000 applications from 404 tertiary institutions nationwide, reflecting the growing culture of innovation among Nigerian youth.
Also speaking, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, commended participants for leveraging technology to develop solutions to real-world challenges.
He urged them to build scalable, tech-driven ventures capable of contributing to national development.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Education, Mrs Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, praised the finalists’ resilience and creativity, noting that initiatives like S-VCG are critical to nurturing problem-solving skills and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, Mr Muntari Dandutse, called for sustained investment in youth innovation to strengthen Nigeria’s knowledge-based economy.
On his part, the National Project Coordinator of the Special Programmes Operations and Implementation Unit, Mr Adebayo Onigbanjo, outlined the structure and long-term objectives of the programme, stating that it is designed to equip students with the resources and confidence needed to build sustainable ventures.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The University of Jos has suspended all examinations scheduled for Monday and Tuesday following growing tension in Jos, after a deadly attack in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The management of the institution also advised students and staff to remain indoors and stay vigilant.
According to reports, the attackers, who rode on motorcycles, stormed the community at about 7:30 pm while residents were going about their normal activities, firing indiscriminately and causing panic.
Many people were killed, while several others sustained injuries in the attack.
“The attackers just rode past and started shooting sporadically. People were running in different directions,” a source told Channels Television.
The broadcaster also reported that in the aftermath of the attack, angry youths reportedly blocked major roads within the community, raising fears of escalating tension.
UniJos, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Mr Emmanuel Madugu, said the incident had heightened tension, necessitating the decision.
“In view of the late evening fatal attacks by unknown gunmen on residents of Angwan Rukuba (an area that hosts many staff and students of the University), and the consequential tensions it has generated in and around the area and environs.
“The Vice Chancellor has directed that all examinations scheduled to hold on Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31, 2026, are postponed, and will be rescheduled accordingly. That members of the University community be advised to be very vigilant and extra careful with their movements (On and off Campus) with IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
“For emphasis, members are strongly advised to AVOID COMING OUT VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING, and should REPORT IMMEDIATELY any sign or shadow of breach of the public peace to the University Security Division on 08035895323.
“University Management is actively liaising with the relevant Security agencies and monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the lives of members of the University community. Further relevant updates will be communicated in due course,” the deputy registrar added.
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