Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) has found itself at the center of controversy following revelations that a recent conference allegedly promoting All Progressives Congress (APC) praise singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara was misrepresented as an official university event. The keynote speaker, whose name was initially used to lend credibility to the gathering, has publicly disassociated from the program, labeling it “fraudulent and politically motivated.”
The speaker, a respected academic and public intellectual, stated that they were unaware of the event’s true nature and had not given consent for their name to be used in promotional materials. “I was invited under the guise of an academic symposium,” the speaker said. “It is deeply troubling to discover that the platform was hijacked to promote partisan interests and glorify a political entertainer.”
FUDMA’s administration has launched an internal inquiry to determine how the event was organized and whether university resources or branding were misused. In a brief statement, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aminu Ado, emphasized the institution’s commitment to academic integrity and nonpartisanship:
“Federal University Dutsin-Ma does not endorse any political party or figure. We are investigating the circumstances surrounding this event and will take appropriate disciplinary action if necessary.”
Dauda Kahutu Rarara is widely known for his musical support of APC campaigns and political figures. His presence at the event, which featured performances and speeches praising the party’s leadership, sparked criticism from students, faculty, and civil society groups who viewed the gathering as a misuse of academic space.
Student unions and advocacy organizations have called for greater transparency in how events are approved on campus. “Universities should be bastions of free thought, not platforms for political propaganda,” said a spokesperson for the Katsina Youth Forum.
The university has pledged to publish its findings and reinforce protocols to prevent future misuse of its name and facilities. Meanwhile, the keynote speaker has urged fellow academics to remain vigilant and protect the sanctity of scholarly engagement.