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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, has debunked allegations of a contract scandal published by Sahara Reporters on 2nd March 2025. The online news outlet claimed that NAU’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, awarded a perimeter fencing contract twice—first to Abdullahi Hawawo Construction Co. Ltd. in 2024 for N180,031,437.50 and later to Dukonni Nigeria Limited in February 2025 for N370,738,367.05—without revoking the initial contract.
But setting the record straight, the University’s Acting Head, Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, Njielita Louis, in a press release on Monday, described the report as “false and malicious,” accusing Sahara Reporters and Abdullahi Hawawo Construction Co. Ltd. of orchestrating a scheme to tarnish the reputation of the university and its Acting Vice Chancellor.
The statement clarified that no contract was ever formalised with Abdullahi Hawawo Construction Co. Ltd. as the university only made an offer of contract for the remodelling and construction of the Southern Boundary (Frontage Perimeter Fence, Lot 1) to Abdullahi Hawawo on 25th October 2024, but the company failed to accept the offer within the stipulated seven-day period, rendering the offer void.
NAU further revealed that Abdullahi Hawawo Construction Co. Ltd. sent a letter dated 19th February 2025, titled “Re: Unilateral and Arbitral Breach and Termination of Duly Awarded Contract. Demand for Rectification,” which was received by the university on 20th February 2025. In the letter, the company accused NAU of breaching a contract that the university insists never existed. According to NAU, the letter of offer was not a contract but an invitation to enter into an agreement, which Abdullahi Hawawo failed to accept. The university questioned how the company could claim a contract when no formal acceptance was received, noting that the Procurement Unit’s records show no acknowledgement of acceptance within the required timeframe.
“For reason best known to Abdullahi Hawawo Construction Co. Ltd, they failed neglected and disregarded to accept the offer within the stipulated seven (7) days the offer was open. And for the failure and refusal on the part of Abdullahi Hawawo Construction Co. Ltd. to accept the offer, the offer elapsed. Consequently, no agreement was entered into between the Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Abdullahi Hawawo Construction Co. Ltd for the ward of the contract.”
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Adding to the discrepancies, NAU highlighted that Abdullahi Hawawo Construction Co. Ltd. requested 30% mobilisation funds amounting to N54,009,431.25 on 28th October 2024—two days before officially collecting the offer letter on 30th October 2024. The university found this action suspicious, as the company had not yet accepted the offer, let alone mobilised to the site or commenced any preparatory work. NAU accused Abdullahi Hawawo of attempting to mislead the public and media, including Sahara Reporters, by claiming a contract that was never awarded.
The university explained that due to Abdullahi Hawawo’s failure to accept the offer, it proceeded with a fresh bidding process, eventually awarding a contract for a new perimeter fence—not a remodelling of the old one—to Dukonni Nigeria Limited in February 2025 for N370,738,367.05. NAU emphasised that this was a distinct project necessitated by the planned demolition of the old fence by scavengers, which made the initial remodelling plan unfeasible. The university described the new contract as a legitimate process, refuting Sahara Reporters’ claim of double awarding.
NAU also criticised Sahara Reporters for what it called a lack of journalistic integrity. The university noted that the news outlet published the report without seeking its official response, despite the Acting Vice Chancellor being available for comment. According to NAU, Sahara Reporters relied solely on Abdullahi Hawawo’s claims, failing to verify the allegations with the university. The press release accused the media outlet of attempting to suppress NAU’s response by rushing to publish the story, thereby damaging the institution’s reputation.
In its defence, NAU reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and compliance with contractual obligations. The university stated that it maintains a reputable track record in the award of contracts and procurement processes, and it has never been caught in any contract scandal. NAU described the allegations as a fabrication by Abdullahi Hawawo Construction Co. Ltd. and Sahara Reporters, accusing them of engaging in a corporate conspiracy to malign the university’s image.
The press release advised contractors who feel aggrieved by the university’s actions to seek legal recourse rather than resorting to unfounded media campaigns. NAU urged the public to disregard the allegations, asserting that the facts presented in its response, along with the attached documents, clearly debunk the claims. The university also called for greater scrutiny of media reports, emphasising the need for balanced and verified journalism to avoid misleading the public.
“The Nnamdi Azikiwe University is a reputable institution with a track record of compliance to with the law in awards of contract and procurements. The university keeps to its contractual obligations and is not caught in any such contract scandal,” the statement clarified.
