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How to verify social media profiles, pages

Fatimah QUADRI
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How to verify social media profiles, pages

FAKE social media pages pose a serious threat to all users as some impersonate individuals, businesses, and organisations to spread scams, misinformation, and identity theft.

These fraudulent accounts manipulate users into trusting false information, stealing personal data, or engaging with deceptive schemes.

Without verification, individuals risk falling for phishing attacks, financial fraud, or believing false information that can influence decisions from health choices to voting. Fake accounts often impersonate trusted figures, making it easy to manipulate unsuspecting users.

Learning to verify social media pages protects personal data, prevents financial losses, and ensures access to accurate information. It also helps stop the spread of harmful content, safeguarding both individuals and online communities. By staying informed, users can confidently engage with authentic sources on social media and avoid digital traps.

Want to know how to verify the authenticity of social media profiles and pages, you will find the steps below useful:

1. Check the username/handle

Fake profiles and pages often mimic real ones by making slight modifications to usernames, such as adding underscores, extra numbers, or special characters (e.g., “@JohnDoe_Official” instead of “@JohnDoeOfficial” or “@CNNNews1” instead of “@CNN”).

These small changes can be misleading, making it easy for users to mistake a fake account for the real one. Always check for spelling errors and inconsistencies, and compare the account with the official website of the person or organisation to confirm if they have link to the page.

2. Look for verification badges

Different social media platforms use verification badges to indicate authentic accounts of public figures, businesses, and government organisations.

Social Media Verification

However, it’s important to note that verification policies vary across platforms, and on some, verification can be purchased, making it less reliable as a sole indicator of authenticity.

Below are the verification types for major social media platforms:

Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp (Meta)

  • Blue Tick: Granted to public figures, celebrities, journalists, and brands to confirm authenticity.

TikTok Social Media Verification

  • Gray Tick: This was previously used for businesses but is no longer in use, as Meta now applies the blue tick to both individuals and businesses.
  • Meta Verified: Which is subscription-based is available to individuals and businesses who apply for verification by submitting an official ID.

X (formerly Twitter)

  • Blue Tick: Previously used for notable figures but is now available via paid subscriptions (X Premium) to all users. Some accounts still have legacy verification.
  • Gold Tick: Given to verified businesses.
  • Gray Tick: Reserved for verified government institutions, officials, and multilateral organisations.

TikTok

  • Blue Tick: Awarded to notable public figures, creators, and brands after an internal verification process to ensure authenticity. Unlike X, verification on TikTok cannot be purchased.

On platforms like X (Twitter), verification can be purchased through subscriptions, and thus having the blue tick does not always confirm authenticity. Always verify an account by checking additional details, such as usernames, posting history, and official websites of any individual, business or institution you’re researching about.

3. Review profile information

  • Bio and about section: Check for spelling errors, vague descriptions, or exaggerated claims. Authentic pages typically provide clear and professional details about their identity, purpose, or affiliations.
  • Account creation date: Fake accounts and pages are often recently created and may lack a history of consistent activity. A legitimate profile usually has a longer track record with regular updates or posts.
  • Contact information: Genuine pages often include official websites, verified email addresses, or other credible contact details. Be cautious of pages that lack such information or provide suspicious links.

4. Examine profile picture and media

Using Google Reverse Image Search or TinEye to verify whether a profile picture has been stolen or used elsewhere. Fake accounts often use stock images, AI-generated photos, or pictures of real individuals without their consent. Sometimes, they use photos of dead persons to create new social media profile or pages.

If the image is linked to multiple unrelated sources or appears on stock photo websites, the account may be fake. Also, check to ensure that the image has not been generated online using any of image generator such as this.

5. Analyse posting history and engagement

Authentic social media accounts typically maintain a consistent posting history, while fake pages sometimes post excessively within a short period to appear active or have very few posts overall.

Another red flag is the comment section as fraudulent pages often disable comments to avoid scrutiny or display spam-like engagement with repetitive, generic, or bot-generated responses.

Additionally, engagement patterns can reveal inconsistencies; a legitimate page usually has a balanced ratio of followers to interactions. If an account has thousands of followers but very little engagement, it may have purchased fake followers. Similarly, a sudden spike in activity from suspicious or bot-like accounts could indicate inauthentic behaviour.

6. Cross-check with official sources

To verify the authenticity of a social media account, start by conducting a Google search using the account name along with keywords like “official account” to see if reputable sources or the organisation itself recognise it. Next, visit the official website of the individual, brand, or organisation to check if they have links to their verified social media pages there, as legitimate entities often provide direct links.

Additionally, cross-check with reliable fact-checking organisations such as The FactCheckHub to determine if the social media account has been flagged for spreading misinformation or impersonation. These steps help confirm whether an account is genuine or potentially deceptive.

7. Use third-party tools

You may use websites like Botometer.org to analyse X (Twitter) accounts to assess the likelihood of them being bots by examining their activity patterns, engagement behaviour, and posting frequency. This tool helps identify inauthentic accounts that may be part of misinformation campaigns or spam networks.

If a social media profile includes a website link, performing a Whois Lookup can provide valuable insights into its domain ownership. This tool reveals details such as the registration date, ownership information (if not private), and the organisation behind the website. Checking these details can help verify whether the linked site is legitimate or associated with suspicious activities.

If you come across a Facebook page claiming to be the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) offering instant loans, several red flags can indicate it’s a scam.

The page may lack a verification badge, use a misleading username like “@CBN_loanFree2024” instead of the official handle and have an “About” section filled with grammatical errors and no official contact information.

Additionally, its posts may be only a few days old yet have thousands of fake likes. A quick Google search could reveal warnings from CBN about fraudulent pages impersonating the institution.

In conclusion, to avoid falling for such scams, always cross-check usernames and website links before trusting a social media page or profile. Avoid engaging with suspicious accounts; don’t like, comment, or share their content until you’re certain of their authenticity. Instead, report fake pages to social media platforms to help prevent misinformation, fraud and other forms of scam from spreading or harming truth.

This is republished from the FactCheckhub

FG wants corporate governance incorporated in government business

Harrison EDEH
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FG wants corporate governance incorporated in government business

THE Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) has stated that government institutions that prioritise an efficient corporate governance structure are supporting the Federal Government’s quest to attract private capital for Nigeria’s infrastructural development.

Managing Director of MOFI, Armstrong Takang, said this at the official launch of the Corporate Governance Scorecard in Abuja.

The two day event, held on April 7 and 8 themed ‘Ensuring Value Creation in State-Owned Enterprises Through Better Corporate Governance,’ was organised in partnership with the World Bank and is part of the Nigerian government’s efforts to reposition federal government-owned enterprises and government-linked companies as key instruments in driving inclusive economic growth and national development.

Established in 1959 and recently restructured, MOFI serves as the asset manager for the federal government. Its renewed mandate is centred on the enumeration, professionalisation, and optimisation of the federal government’s commercial assets.

MOFI is tasked with transforming underperforming assets into high-performing entities, attracting investments, and maximising returns to the Nigerian public.

According to Takang, a corporate governance culture in public institutions will attract private capital into Nigeria’s public sector financing.

He explained further that the initiative aims to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public resources.

Takang added that the mechanism would focus on evaluating the performance of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), identifying areas for improvement, and implementing reforms to boost productivity.

“State-owned enterprises form a critical component of the national economic framework. They wield considerable influence across key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, and financial services,” he noted.

The forum brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, development partners, corporate governance experts, and executives from federal government-owned enterprises and government-linked companies across Nigeria and West Africa.

Speaking at the event, Shamsudeen Usman, a former Minister of National Planning who now heads the board of MOFI, said the government wants its actions to reflect corporate governance efficiency.

“We want our action to speak for us henceforth so that we can attract private capital for government enterprises through our transparency,” Usman said.

He added that MOFI is prepared to ensure performance-based corporate governance in the public sector, noting that agencies that prioritise this should be rewarded.

The former minister further declared that the code of ethics and professionalism in corporate governance is henceforth the watchword for government enterprises.

Recognising the importance of ethics and professionalism in corporate governance, Usman noted that MOFI has embarked on strategic reforms to reposition SOEs for value creation.

“MOFI is tasked with serving as an active asset manager for the Federal Government, ensuring the professionalisation, optimisation, and efficient administration of government-owned enterprises.

“With the MOFI corporate governance scorecard initiative, the government is putting in place a mechanism to assess, monitor, and enhance the performance of its SOEs,” he said.

In delivering one of its key duties of managing government enterprises, The ICIR reported that MOFI has officially restructured and taken control of the government’s 40 per cent equity holding in the 11 privatised successor electricity distribution companies (DISCos).

Notably, MOFI is the investment and enterprise vehicle of the Nigerian government domiciled with the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Before now, the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) has maintained such control of the government’s 40 per cent shares in the 11 Discos.

Stop paying ransom to bandits, kidnappers, Ribadu tells Nigerians

Mustapha USMAN
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Stop paying ransom to bandits, kidnappers, Ribadu tells Nigerians

THE National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has asked  Nigerians to stop paying ransom to bandits and kidnappers.

Ribadu appealed on Tuesday, April 8, while handing over 60 kidnapped victims rescued from captivity in Zangon Kataf, Southern Kaduna, to their families.

According to him, the rescued victims proved that security agencies can save abducted people without ransom payments.

“Today, we are releasing 60, and hopefully that will be the final one from that part of Nigeria. Last week, we did about 50.

“I want to once again use the opportunity to thank our armed forces, our security forces, and indeed, the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who work daily to restore order, security, and stability.

“We are getting freedom back for our people. We will continue to do so. We will not relent, and we will not stop,” NAN quoted him to have saying.

Ribadu stressed that the victims comprised 35 males and 25 females.

While noting that the security agencies are working to arrest the perpetrators, he asked Nigerians to stop paying ransom to the kidnappers.

“I also want to use this opportunity to talk to our people to please, stop giving money to these people. It is one of the worst things happening.

“The families of many of these people, as you see them, gave money to their abductors, but it did not lead to their release. It is the security forces that rescued them.

“I want to make a very strong appeal to all, it is understandable that when your person is in captivity, you will do whatever it takes to get him or her back. But this is counterproductive,” he added. 

Over the years, Nigeria has faced kidnappings and banditry attacks, particularly in the northwestern and northeastern parts of Nigeria.

These incidents have led many families to resort to paying ransom to secure the release of their loved ones.

In December 2024, The ICIR reported how the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data showed that between May 2023 and April 2024, Nigerians paid approximately N2.23 trillion in ransoms to kidnappers.  

The NBS survey further revealed that 65 per cent of households affected by kidnapping incidents resorted to paying ransom, with an average payment of N2.67 million per incident.

The northwest region topped the list with 14.4 million reported cases, followed by the northcentral region with 8.8 million incidents.

 Meanwhile, the South-East region recorded the lowest number of crimes, with 6.18 million incidents.

The report showed that crime disproportionately affected rural areas, with 26.53 million incidents occurring in rural households compared to 25.36 million in urban areas.

Plateau killings genocidal, sponsored, Governor Muftwang alleges

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Plateau killings genocidal, sponsored, Governor Muftwang alleges

PLATEAU State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, has described the recent wave of violence that has claimed over 50 lives and displaced thousands as a genocidal attack, alleging that the assault on the region is sponsored and deliberate.

The ICIR reported that attacks, which began on March 28, 2025, escalated with a series of coordinated invasion of villages across Bokkos Local Government Area of the North-Central state.

On Wednesday, April 2 the attack escalated in several communities of the LGA, displacing many and leaving a trail of destruction behind in Ruwi, Hurti, Tadai, Manguna, and Dafo communities.

The death toll from the recent attacks reportedly rose to 52, according to local authorities on April 4.

This followed the recovery of 40 more bodies on Wednesday and Thursday night while the search and rescue team kept combing the bushes for missing persons.

The governor made the remarks during Tuesday night’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today, stressing that the attacks in were sponsored and aimed at wiping out entire communities.

Muftwang, who expressed outrage over the continued killings, attributed the attacks to unidentified terrorist groups.

“I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists. The question is, who are the persons behind the organisers of this terrorism? This is what the security agencies must help us to unravel,” the governor said.

“We must come to the point where we know the sponsors because it is not just the work of ordinary people. This is being sponsored from somewhere, and I am sure that in the coming days, the security agencies will work together – not at cross purposes but in unison –  to be able to bring out the requisite intelligence that will help us to put this matter behind us.”

The chairman of the Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC), Farmasum Fuddang, on Wednesday April 2, accused suspected Fulani herders of carrying out the assaults.

Fuddang, said that more than 50 villages in Bokkos have been attacked in the past six months. 

Muftwang, decried that bandits have taken over 64 communities in his state.

“These communities that have been recently attacked were part of those that were invaded in 2023 but survived. The Ruwi community that was first attacked lost about 17 people in 2023 but they bounced back to show you the resilience of the people,” the governor said.

The ICIR reported that President Bola Tinubu pledged to bring those responsible for the gruesome attacks to justice, vowing they would face the full weight of the law.

In a statement on Saturday, April 5, Tinubu described the violence as “unacceptable” and directed security agencies to hunt down the perpetrators.

He commiserated with Governor Mutfwang and the people of Plateau State, assuring them of his support in ending the spate of ‘wanton bloodletting on the Plateau.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and others blamed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the deteriorating security situation in the country.

Atiku, reacting to the tragedy, said the persistent loss of lives across Nigeria is a direct consequence of the government’s failed security architecture, which he described as “an endemic nationwide phenomenon.”

South Korea heads for presidential polls June 3 after ex- leader ouster

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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South Korea heads for presidential polls June 3 after ex- leader ouster

THE SOUTH Korean government has announced readiness to hold its presidential election on June 3, following the removal of former leader Yoon Suk Yeol from office after a controversial declaration of martial law.

The country’s acting President, who is the Prime Minister, Han Duck-soo, announced this on Tuesday, adding that it would be declared a temporary public holiday to facilitate voting.

The ICIR reports that the democratic nation has effectively been without leadership since December 2024, when former President Yoon Suk Yeol tried to undermine civilian authority but was swiftly impeached by lawmakers and suspended from office.

Yeol’s suspension resulted in Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stepping in as acting president over the past few months.

The country’s Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment last week, Friday, April 4, officially removing him from office and prompting new elections, which are required to take place within 60 days.

In his latest announcement, Duck-soo said on Tuesday that the chosen date considers “the need to ensure smooth election operations and provide adequate time for political parties to prepare.”.

Duck-soo urged government ministries and the National Election Commission to “make thorough preparations to deliver an election that is fairer, more transparent than ever, and capable of earning the people’s trust.”

The ICIR reports that hat the winner of the election will be sworn in the very next day, unlike in other climes, where the president-elect usually has a two-month transition period.

Yoon’s Labour Minister, Kim Moon-soo, is among the few contenders who have expressed interest in running, noting that he resigned from his position on Tuesday to launch his campaign.

Although not currently an official member of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP), Kim has been outperforming other conservative candidates in recent polls.

“I tendered my resignation and decided to run because the people want it, people I know want it, and I feel a sense of responsibility to solve national difficulties,” Kim told reporters.

Economic conditions during a “severe national crisis” are hurting people’s livelihoods, he said.

“I thought that all politicians and people should unite to overcome the crisis and work together to help the country develop further,” Kim said.

PPP lawmaker and the first in the party to support Yoon’s impeachment, Ahn Cheol-soo, also announced his candidacy on Tuesday, claiming he is “a cleaner candidate than anyone else.”

He also pledged to drive new economic growth by investing in areas like artificial intelligence, aiming to counter Trump’s trade policies.

Recall that Ahn contested the last three presidential elections, securing over 21 per cent of the popular vote in 2017, but withdrew and endorsed other candidates in the two subsequent elections. 

Kim and Ahn will enter a highly competitive field of conservative candidates seeking to overcome their party’s second impeachment in consecutive presidencies.

Youth minister counters colleague on 2 years NYSC service for corpers

Mustapha USMAN
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Youth minister counters colleague on 2 years NYSC service for corpers

THE Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has called for a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme to better equip corps members with the skills necessary to create jobs and thrive in the modern workforce. 

Olawande, who spoke with journalists, made the remarks during the 2025 Annual Management Conference of the NYSC in Abuja on Monday, April 7.

He stressed the importance of priortising the skill-for-job component in training corps members.

He also complemented the recent calls for reform of the youth service and growing concern among many over the lack of practical training and job readiness among corps members.

He emphasised the need to shift the focus from service to the fatherland, towards empowering corps members with relevant skills and knowledge that would prepare them for life after service. 

He further advocated for a National Internship Scheme that would better prepare corps members for post-service life by providing them with relevant training and certifications that could lead to more fulfilling career opportunities.

“The only way we can make things better, even better than applause and praise, is to reform the NYSC. I’m not saying that things aren’t being done properly, no, I’m not saying that things are not going well,” he said.

While Olawande’s call for reform to make the NYSC’s one year more effective, his stance appeared to contradict the recent proposal from the Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa. 

On Friday, April 4, Alausa had suggested extending the mandatory service period from one to two years.

Alausa made the call when the NYSC Director-General, Olakunle Nafiu, visited him in Abuja on Friday, April 4.

According to a statement on Saturday, April 5, by the NYSC Public Relations Director, Caroline Embu, the minister advocates for the extension of national service from one to two years.

He believes it will enable the expansion of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training programme content for corps members.

“You have done so well as an organisation. Let NYSC give people more opportunities to become job creators that will meet the needs of the country,” Alausa told the NYSC boss.

His reaction, however, generated public concern as some Nigerians expressed their displeasure with the proposed extension.

Established in 1973, the NYSC is a programme designed by the Nigerian government to foster national unity, promote patriotism, and equip young people with self-employment skills, among other objectives.

In recent years, various stakeholders have called for the reform of the NYSC to better align it with the skills and training needed by young Nigerians to succeed in the workforce. 

Bauchi Accountant General, others arraigned over N8.3bn fraud

Bankole ABE
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Bauchi Accountant General, others arraigned over N8.3bn fraud

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the Accountant General (AG) of Bauchi State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, on Monday, April 7, 2025, before O.A. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court (FHC), sitting in Maitama, Abuja, over alleged N8.3bn fraud.

Jaja was arraigned alongside a bureau de change operator, Aliyu Abubakar, and his company, Jasfad Resources Enterprise.

According to a statement released by the EFCC through its head, media and publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Monday, others involved in the case, who are currently at large, include a former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Ibrahim Kashim; the incumbent SSG, Aminu Hammayo, Saleh U. Mohammed; and Balarabe Abdullahi.

The defendants are facing a nine-count charge paon money laundering, diversion of public funds, and criminal misappropriation of funds to the tune of N8. 3 billion.

They pleaded not guilty to all charges, following which prosecution counsel, Abba Mohammed, a senior advocate, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand them to a correctional facility, while defence counsel, Mohammed Ndayako, also a senior advocate representing the first and second defendants, and Chris Uche, senior advocate, representing the third defendant, moved for their bail.

Uche told the court that the third defendant, the Accountant General of Bauchi State, played a central role in the state’s financial operations and was already on administrative bail.

He urged the court to grant him bail on self-recognition or release him to the Attorney General of Bauchi State, who would undertake to produce him in court.

The prosecution counsel, in opposing the applications, drew the attention of the court to the fact that the first defendant had previously jumped administrative bail and further informed the court that the third defendant did not reside in Abuja, which made him a flight risk.

“We filed a 17-paragraph counter-affidavit on April 4, 2025, deposed to by Ogundana Peter Kolawole, alongside a written address. We adopt both and urge the court to refuse the third defendant’s application for bail,” he said.

After hearing the arguments from both sides, Egwuatu granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N200 million each with two sureties in like sum.

The sureties, the court held,  must be residents of Abuja, of which one must be a federal government employee not below Grade Level 17 and must present evidence of tax payment for the past three years.

The court further held that the defendants must deposit their passports with the court registrar.

Pending the perfection of their bail conditions, the third defendant was released to the Attorney General of Bauchi State, Hassan L. Yakubu, while Jaja, the first defendant, was remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

The matter was adjourned till June 17, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

Ndume to Tinubu: Your appointments violating federal character

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Ndume to Tinubu: Your appointments violating federal character

THE SENATOR representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adhere to the federal character principle in political appointments, warning that failure to do so could have repercussions in the future.

Ndume, who criticised President Tinubu for what he termed a failure to adhere to the federal character principle in political appointments, stressed that such actions are necessary to ensure equitable representation for all Nigerians.

The lawmaker who appeared on Arise TV’s Prime Time, late Monday, insisted that the current appointments do not comply with the federal character principle by the law,  accusing the President of violating the constitutional mandate for fair representation in government appointments.

“The figures are there. It’s not that I’m just making accusations. And it’s not that I’m saying, well, the president has no right to do that kind of thing. When you look at it vis-a-vis the appointments made so far, and there are political appointments, the constitution is very clear,” he said.

Ndume referred to Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that political appointments should mirror the country’s diversity.

“It is because of avoiding such infractions that the constitution clearly states that appointments, especially political appointments, should reflect the federal character, and that is not the case here.

“And all I am saying is to call the attention of Mr President to such infractions so that it can be corrected; otherwise, you know, these things can boomerang at a certain period”, Ndume stated.

Ndume, a senior member of the National Assembly, emphasised that his remarks were not intended as a personal attack on the President, but rather as part of his responsibility as a lawmaker.

“I know, as you rightly say, people look at me as somebody critical of the government. I have the right to do that in the first place. And in fact, that’s why I’m in the National Assembly in the first place.

“Collectively, we are supposed to oversight the acts of Mr President and point out some of these irregularities. That is what we swore to do. It’s not personal”, he added.

Ndume further expressed concerns that his comments might provoke attacks from individuals loyal to the President, stating, “But from tomorrow, those so-called Tinubu boys or people will start attacking Ndume. These are the facts.”

“Each one of us will stand before God, and God will ask him to account for what he is responsible for. Besides, we are all in this government. What will we tell our people? When you have these figures out, it is already viral, it is already in circulation.

“But you know what, after this interview, those attack dogs or maga-dogs will start attacking Ndume, not the message.

The ICIR reports that on March 28, President Tinubu appointed Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as Board Chairman of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Tinubu approved the appointment of Fatuhu Mohammed Buhari from Katsina State as Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council and other Nigerians as board chairmen of various federal government institutions.

The federal government’s latest pending nominations and appointments, reported on April 6, indicate that screening has begun for applicants to diplomatic posts across all 109 missions, including 11 international consulates, 22 high commissions, and 76 embassies.

Although the names of all nominees remain confidential,  presidency sources reveal that the list includes a mix of career diplomats and political appointees.

According to reports, former Minister of Aviation under the Obasanjo administration, Femi Fani-Kayode, and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro, are among the nominees. Other names reportedly under consideration include Fola Adeola, founder of Guaranty Trust Bank.

 

Diamond Bank founder Pascal Dozie dies at 85

Ehime ALEX
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Diamond Bank founder Pascal Dozie dies at 85

PASCAL Dozie, the founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc and a former chairman of MTN Nigeria, has died

The business leader reportedly passed away in the early hours of Tuesday at the age of 85, according to a statement released by his family on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

The statement from his son, Uzoma Dozie, who represents the family reads, “With deep sorrow, but with gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Pascal Gabriel Dozie, on 8th April 2025.

“He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a man of unwavering Catholic faith. His life was marked by service–to God, his family, and his country.”

Dozie played a critical role in Nigeria’s banking and telecom industries. In 1990, he founded Diamond Bank, which became one of Nigeria’s most respected financial institutions before its eventual merger with Access Bank. He later handed over the management of the bank to his son, Uzoma who was the chief executive officer at the time the bank was merged with Access Bank.

Furthermore, Dozie was instrumental in the launch of MTN Nigeria, serving as its pioneering chairman and playing a key role in the country’s telecommunications revolution.

“He is survived by his loving wife, Chinyere, his children, grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know him.

“We thank God for the gift of his life and the legacy he leaves behind. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Uzoma stated.

His son said he was born April 9, 1939 in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State and was raised in a Catholic home.

Acting VCs, Rectors, must resign before seeking permanent roles—FG

Mustapha USMAN
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Acting VCs, Rectors, must resign before seeking permanent roles—FG

THE Federal Government has barred acting Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts from applying for substantive leadership positions in their institutions unless they resign from their current acting roles. 

The directive, contained in a circular dated April 28, 2025 and signed by the Ministry of Education Director, Press and Public Relations Boriowo Folasade, noted that the new policy is aimed at eliminating the unfair advantage acting heads often wield during selection processes.

According to the circular, anyone serving in the capacity of an acting Vice Chancellor, Rector, or Provost shall not be eligible to apply for the substantive position while still holding the acting appointment.

The government mandated that to be eligible for appointment into any of these principal offices, an acting head must voluntarily step aside before the end of their non-renewable six-month acting tenure.

“This policy has become necessary following a pattern of undue advantage observed over the years, where officers serving in acting capacities often leverage their positions to influence appointment outcomes, thereby compromising the fairness and transparency of the selection process.

“To eliminate this practice, ensure a level playing field for all qualified candidates, and strengthen institutional governance, the policy stipulates that any officer serving in an acting capacity as Vice Chancellor, Rector, or Provost shall not be eligible to apply for the substantive position while still holding the acting appointment. However, in the interest of fairness, such officers may choose to recuse themselves from their acting positions before the expiration of their non-renewable six-month tenure, thereby becoming eligible to apply for the substantive roles,” the circular read in part.

The circular further noted  that the policy is intended to complement the existing 2013 Federal Guidelines, along with all other extant regulations on the Appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts.

“Governing Councils, Managements, and relevant stakeholders are hereby requested to ensure strict compliance with the new directive. For clarity and ease of implementation, the policy document is enclosed as Annex I, while the 2013 Guidelines are enclosed as Annex II,” it added.

The ICIR reports that this move followed widespread allegations that some acting heads use their positions to manipulate internal systems, intimidate competitors, and influence the appointment process in their favour. 

Over the years, critics have described the system as skewed, giving incumbents undue access to resources and decision-makers that tilt outcomes before the selection process even begins.

In October 2024, UNIZIK’s Governing Council appointed Professor Bernard Odoh as the university’s seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor. However, this appointment was marred by allegations of procedural irregularities and concerns about Odoh’s academic credentials. 

The Federal Ministry of Education nullified the appointment, citing breaches in the selection process and discrepancies in Odoh’s professorship claims. 

Subsequently, President Bola Tinubu dissolved the university’s Governing Council over the controversy. ​

Similarly, UNIABUJA faced turmoil in late 2024 during the appointment of its Vice-Chancellor. The Governing Council’s selection of Professor Aisha Maikudi was contested by some senate members and council members, who alleged that the selection process was manipulated to favor Maikudi.

Some university senior officials had accused the governing council of favouring Maikudi, alleging that she lacked the required years of experience necessary for the position of vice-chancellor.

Consequently, Tinubu sacked her and dissolved the institution’s governing council.

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