The Voice of African Universities (VAU) has decried the alleged malicious and targeted blackmail attempt of a lecturer and Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria(MAAUN), Kano.
The organisation’s Vice President for Higher Education Development, Fafana Khalidou, in a statement on Saturday said the incident arose after a parent and a student allegedly attempted to bypass standard examination procedures.
The parent reportedly appeared uninvited at an examination venue, demanding that his daughter be allowed to sit for an exam without the requisite exam clearance card.
When the supervising lecturer, Dr. M. Adamu, insisted on compliance with the university regulations, the situation allegedly escalated into a verbal confrontation.
The parent and student were accused of covertly recording the exchange, editing the footage to misrepresent the lecturer’s actions, and circulating it on social media in an apparent bid to discredit both the academic and the university.
VAU has described the act as “a calculated attempt to undermine institutional integrity and academic governance.”
It said, “No individual — regardless of wealth, family background, or social connections — is above institutional rules.”
“Respect for ethics and due process is the foundation upon which higher education stands,” the statement said.
The organization commended Dr. Adamu’s “measured and principled response,” which it said exemplified professionalism under provocation.
VAU expressed zero tolerance for attempts to intimidate or blackmail educators performing their lawful duties, adding that such incidents threaten the very fabric of academic freedom and fairness.
Mr Khalidou said, “the lecturer’s response — reminding the parent that ethics must be respected regardless of status — was both appropriate and commendable,” Khalidou said.
“It is unacceptable for educators to be vilified for upholding standards,” he added.
The organization also commended MAAUN for taking prompt disciplinary and legal measures to address the matter. The body called for a thorough investigation and appropriate sanctions against those responsible, in accordance with university statutes.
The organisation urged universities across Africa to stand together in defending merit-based systems and protecting educators from undue pressure.
“We will continue to monitor developments and advocate for stronger safeguards across African universities against similar abuses,” the statement said.
The incident, VAU warned, reflects a growing trend of individuals using influence or social media manipulation to subvert academic rules.
