By Ibraheem Hamza Muhammad, Abuja
Professor Salisu Bala, Director Arewa House, Centre for Historical Documentation and Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Kaduna has debunked allegations that Arewa House and Ahmadu Bello University has sold a portion of the land of Arewa House consisting of a Clinic and Fives Court to a private owner.
Below is the full text:
Debunking Misleading Allegations Against Arewa House and Its Leadership
The management of Arewa House has been made aware of a publication in the FCT News Gazette written by Aminat Sama’ila and Ada Sunday Kaduna on the 19th and 20th of May 2025, which purportedly claims the sale of Arewa House’s clinic and Fives Court. The recent report alleging the sale of Sir Ahmadu Bello’s historic clinic and Fives Court at Arewa House at the cost of ₦40 million by a former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is entirely false, sensational, and devoid of factual basis. This claim is a mischievous fabrication designed to tarnish the reputation of Arewa House, a globally respected institution dedicated to preserving Northern Nigeria’s heritage and fostering academic excellence. Below, we provide a detailed rebuttal and reaffirm the integrity of Arewa House and its leadership.
- The Allegations Are Baseless and Contradict Arewa House’s Mandate.
Arewa House, established in 1970 as a center for historical documentation and research under ABU Zaria, has consistently upheld its mission to preserve the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello and promote scholarship on Northern Nigeria’s history. The institution’s governance structure includes an independent board of trustees and a governing council, ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations. • Financial Accountability: Arewa House operates under strict budgetary oversight, with funding sourced from statutory allocations, partnerships, and donations. Claims of embezzlement by former leadership are unsubstantiated and contradict the institution’s long-standing record of financial prudence. - Arewa House: A Bastion of Integrity and Scholarly Excellence
Arewa House remains a model institution for its commitment to academic rigor, cultural preservation, and community engagement: • Preserving Sardauna’s Legacy: The center houses invaluable artifacts, including Sir Ahmadu Bello’s personal effects, historical manuscripts, and records of Northern Nigeria’s development, ensuring that his visionary leadership continues to inspire future generations. • Promoting Constructive Research: Through initiatives like the Sardauna Memorial Annual Lecture and partnerships with international bodies, Arewa House fosters dialogue on governance, peace, and regional development. • Advocacy for Transparency: The center’s leadership, including current Director Prof. Salisu Balarabe and former Director Dr. Shuaibu, has consistently advocated for ethical governance and historical accountability, aligning with Sir Ahmadu Bello’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption. - Leadership with Visionary and Missionary Qualities
The former Vice Chancellor of ABU Zaria implicated in the false report is widely recognized for transformative leadership and unwavering integrity: • Zero Tolerance for Corruption: Throughout their tenure, the leadership prioritized due process, the rule of law, and institutional accountability. Allegations of financial misconduct are inconsistent with their documented record of reforming ABU’s administrative frameworks and securing grants for academic projects. • Legacy of Institutional Growth: Under their stewardship, Arewa House expanded its archival collections, digitized rare manuscripts, and strengthened collaborations with global research institutions—achievements celebrated by scholars and policymakers alike. - The Danger of Misinformation and Call for Restraint Misinformation poses a significant threat to the integrity of institutions and public trust. We urge all stakeholders to exercise caution in spreading unverified claims that can lead to misunderstanding and damage reputations. It is essential to prioritize accuracy over sensationalism in our discourse.
In conclusion, Arewa House remains committed to its mission of preserving Northern Nigeria’s heritage while upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability. We appreciate the continued support of those who value truth and transparency.
Professor Salisu Bala,
Director Arewa House,
Centre for Historical Documentation and Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Kaduna
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.