10/10/2025
Controversy Trails Report on Ex-CTC PRO’s Scholarship Promise
©️ INTERWATCH
By Oladimeji kabir
A report published by Habibulahi Tamako a reporter from News Digest UDUS Chapter on April 1, concerning the former Ex-CTC PRO Comrade Abdullahi Ọpẹ́yẹmí, and his unfulfilled scholarship promise has stirred controversy among students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). The tension heightened after the ex-officer threatened legal action, alleging the publication defamed his reputation.
When contacted for clarification, the News Digest reporter, Comrade Habibulahi Tamako, explained the background and intent behind the story. According to him, “Earlier this year, we reported about Comrade Opeyemi’s pledge to initiate a scholarship program for brilliant and less privileged students. He personally invited us to his birthday celebration and asked that we cover the story, which we did. Indeed, he made the promise publicly. However, when information later reached us that the promise had not been fulfilled, we decided to publish a follow-up report reflecting that development”.
Tamako further noted that the follow-up story was professionally handled. “Before publishing, I reached out to him for comments, which were included in the story. Nevertheless, after publication, he messaged me, alleging defamation and threatening to pursue legal action”, he added.
In response, Comrade Abdullahi Opyemi explained that the delay in fulfilling the scholarship pledge was not deliberate but due to communication lapses. He stated, “The immediate past president of the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS-UDUS), Zakari Yari, failed to submit the list of beneficiaries as agreed. I later contacted the current president to provide the names starting from the next academic session.”
He maintained his commitment to the promise, emphasizing that the delay stemmed solely from administrative issues. “I never said I would not fulfil my promise, the problem is that no beneficiary list was submitted, and since I have now graduated, I have limited contact with the students”, he clarified.
It is safe to say the controversy surrounding the unfulfilled scholarship appears to have resulted from miscommunication and administrative lapses rather than intentional neglect and the news digest acted within its journalistic duty to inform the public.
