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Prof. Muazu Abubakar, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Gusau, has firmly denied accusations that members of the House of Representatives Committee on University Education requested N480 million to approve the 2025 budgets for federal universities.

The allegations suggested that vice-chancellors were pressured to pay N8 million each, with one “stubborn” vice-chancellor believed to be Abubakar himself.

In a letter dated January 27 to Committee Chairman Abubakar Fulata, Abubakar addressed the media reports, calling them misleading and false. He clarified that no one from his university participated in such alleged activities and urged the committee to dismiss the claims. He expressed his intention to set the record straight to prevent false narratives from spreading.
“The Federal University, Gusau, categorically denies the claims in the media,” Abubakar said. “We ask that you disregard these malicious reports aimed at misrepresenting our commitment to education and transparency.”

The Vice-Chancellor also praised the committee for a constructive budget defense session, describing it as “robust, friendly, and engaging.”

Chairman Fulata also rejected the allegations, calling them an attack on the committee’s efforts to advance Nigeria’s educational sector. He emphasized that no financial demands were made during the budget discussions, calling the claims absurd.

Akin Rotimi, the House of Representatives spokesman, similarly denounced the media reports, labeling them as part of a deliberate effort to damage the House’s reputation. “These allegations are unfounded and aim to tarnish the integrity of the 10th House of Representatives,” Rotimi stated, reaffirming the House’s commitment to transparency and ethical standards.

Both the Vice-Chancellor and the House of Representatives have committed to addressing the false reports and ensuring that the public remains well-informed.