By Our Correspondent

The Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, has dismissed four top management staff of the institution over allegations of gross misconduct, following the recommendations of investigative panels set up by the Federal Ministry of Education and the Council itself.

Those affected by the sweeping decision include the Registrar, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Bello; the College Librarian, Yusuf Shehu Aliyu; the Director of Works and Services, Builder Muhammad Ibrahim Malam; and an internal member of the Governing Council representing the Non-Teaching Staff Congregation, Ibrahim Shehu.

The decision was reached during the 7th meeting of the Governing Council held on January 31, 2026, at the headquarters of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) in Abuja.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Public Relations and Protocol of the College, Dahiru Gurama, the dismissals followed earlier suspensions of the officers and were based on the findings of a fact-finding committee established by the Federal Ministry of Education, alongside the Governing Council’s own investigative committee.

The committees reportedly indicted the officers on multiple counts of gross misconduct, prompting the Council to approve their immediate dismissal in line with public service rules and regulations governing federal tertiary institutions.

In a related development, the Governing Council approved the appointment of Mallam Haruna N. Ayuba, the most senior Deputy Registrar, as Acting Registrar of the College. The appointment is aimed at ensuring administrative continuity and stability in the running of the institution.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, transparency and adherence to due process in the administration of the College, stressing that no individual would be shielded from disciplinary measures where misconduct is established.

By Our Correspondent

In a dramatic political development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has relieved the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, of his duties, appointing Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan as his replacement.

This decision, which comes amid heightened national discourse on electoral reforms and integrity, was confirmed on Monday evening through a statement issued by the Presidency.

According to the statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, the removal of Prof. Yakubu is part of Tinubu’s renewed commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring greater transparency in the electoral process.

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who has served as INEC Chairman since 2015, oversaw two general elections during his tenure — in 2019 and 2023 — both of which attracted mixed reactions from stakeholders, especially the youth and civil society groups who have consistently demanded reforms within the electoral system.

President Tinubu, while thanking Yakubu for his service, noted that the decision was made in the national interest and in line with the administration’s agenda to reposition key institutions for better performance.

The newly appointed INEC Chairman, Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan, is a seasoned academic and constitutional law expert. Prior to his appointment, he served as a professor of political science and legal studies and has been an active voice in promoting electoral accountability.

Reacting to the announcement, Prof. Olamilekan pledged to uphold the independence of the Commission and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

“I am deeply honoured by this appointment. My focus will be on building an INEC that is transparent, responsive, and committed to credible elections. Nigerians deserve nothing less,” he said in his first public statement after the news broke.

Political analysts say the move could signal a shift in how electoral affairs will be managed moving forward, especially with key off-cycle elections and potential constitutional amendments on the horizon.

This development has already sparked reactions across the political spectrum, with some hailing it as a bold step towards reform, while others raise questions about timing and political motivations.

More details are expected to emerge as the National Assembly is briefed on the change, and as Prof. Olamilekan prepares to assume office in the coming days.