The Forum of Governing Council Members in Nigeria Tertiary Institutions (FOGOCOM) has raised the alarm over what it described as an alleged political campaign to discredit its National Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Akin-Thomas Babajide.
FOGOCOM alleged that Babajide has become a target of opposition forces following the Forum’s open declaration of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its advocacy for continuity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Forum, in a statement on Friday, said the alleged attacks were particularly disturbing because they came ahead of its National Conference scheduled for September 29, 2026, in Abuja.
The conference is expected to bring together Governing Council Members from tertiary institutions across the country to deliberate on good governance, institutional development, education-sector reforms and the responsibilities of governing councils in strengthening Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
FOGOCOM alleged that some individuals opposed to the Renewed Hope administration, including what it described as opposition elements within the APC and some political actors among Pro-Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors, were attempting to undermine the personality of its National Chairman and create controversy around the forthcoming conference.
The Forum, however, did not identify the individuals allegedly behind the campaign or provide independent evidence to substantiate the claims.
It maintained that its members, as citizens and political stakeholders, have the constitutional right to support any political candidate, government programme or policy direction of their choice.
FOGOCOM said its support for President Tinubu was based on its assessment of the administration’s interventions in the tertiary education sector and its commitment to institutional development.
The Forum further disclosed that its membership comprises more than 1,000 Governing Council Members appointed across tertiary institutions and alleged that discussions were ongoing on political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to the Forum, a proposal is being considered for members to return to their respective polling units and mobilise support for President Tinubu.
FOGOCOM claimed that if each of its members were able to mobilise at least 100 votes at their respective polling units, the initiative could potentially translate into a one-million-vote bloc.
The claim has not been independently verified.
The Forum warned that it would not allow political disagreements to disrupt its activities or intimidate its leadership.
It called on members to remain calm, united and focused, while urging anyone with genuine concerns about the National Chairman or the September 29 conference to use appropriate channels instead of resorting to personal attacks and unsubstantiated allegations.
FOGOCOM reaffirmed its commitment to good governance, accountability, institutional development and the advancement of Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
The Forum declared that it would remain united and focused despite the alleged attempts to distract its leadership and membership.
More details later.
