Facts available to SaharaReporters show that the Governing Council of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, at its 21st (Regular) meeting held on Friday, June 11, 2021, approved the termination of Prof. Hamzat's appointment with effect from the same date.

Documents exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters show that the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State, terminated Professor Rasheed Hamzat's appointment with the university on June 11, 2021, and subsequently banned him from entering the school premises without authorisation.

Professor Hamzat recently threatened to take legal action against SaharaReporters over alleged defamation, following an April 30 report with the caption: "Tinubu’s Education Minister Accused Of Power Play In Federal University Dutsinma Vice Chancellor Appointment".

SaharaReporters' report highlighted concerns over political interference in Nigeria’s higher education sector. It followed allegations that Education Minister Dr. Olatunji Alausa was orchestrating a behind-the-scenes campaign to install his preferred candidate as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA).

Sources within the university told SaharaReporters that the Minister was pushing for the reinstatement of Professor Rasheed Hamzat, an academic whose appointment was previously terminated for misconduct.