The Security Division of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, on Saturday prevented journalists from covering the institution’s 45th convocation ceremony at Mamman Kontagora Square, sparking widespread criticism from media practitioners.
Correspondents from major media houses, including the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Daily Trust, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC), Nagarta Radio, and NTA Zaria, were denied access despite presenting valid press credentials and accreditation tags issued by the university.
A security officer, identified as Mr. C.K., explained that the directive came from the Chief Security Officer, Malam Ashiru Zango, requiring journalists to obtain clearance from the Vice-Chancellor’s office before entry. The affected media personnel protested the move, insisting they had been duly accredited.
The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) intervened and engaged Mallam Auwalu Umar, the university’s Director of Public Affairs, who assured them that efforts would be made to allow media coverage.
As the situation unfolded, some journalists left the venue in protest, describing the restriction as “obnoxious” and an impediment to press freedom.
This incident has intensified debates around media access to public events in Nigeria, highlighting ongoing tensions between institutional security protocols and the rights of journalists to cover official functions.
