Cirdev Resource Centre

14/02/2026

25/11/2025

ANGOLA CALLS THE WORLD'S ATTENTION TO THE LEGACY OF GENERAL MURTALA RAMAT MUHAMMED

🇳🇬 🇦🇴
The government and people of Angola have conferred an award of honour and recognition on Nigeria’s late former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed.

The award ceremony, held over the weekend in Luanda as part of activities marking Angola’s 50th Independence Anniversary, also recognised two other distinguished Nigerians: former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

The honours highlighted Nigeria’s historic contributions to Angola’s liberation struggle and its longstanding commitment to African solidarity. General Murtala Muhammed was celebrated posthumously for his decisive support for Angola’s independence from Portuguese colonial rule.

Nigeria played a critical role during Angola’s liberation movement in the mid-1970s. At a time when the new nation faced economic blockade and international isolation, Nigeria,under General Murtala Muhammed’s leadership,became one of the first countries to recognise the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) government.

Nigeria also extended a financial lifeline of $17 million to support Angola’s reconstruction efforts and strengthen its resistance against external pressures.

©CIRDEV Resource Centre

02/10/2025

PRESS RELEASE

CIRDEV & KWDAG CALL OUT KWARA STATE GOVERNMENT ON FAILURE TO SECURE LIVES AND PROPERTY

The Civil Right and Development Resource Centre (CIRDEV) and the Kwara Development Advocacy Group (KWDAG) express deep concern over the alarming breakdown of security in Kwara State, particularly in Edu , Patigi, Ifelodun Local Government Areas and other communities in Kwara North and Kwara South now under siege by bandits, kidnappers, and terrorist groups.
Innocent citizens are being killed, abducted, and displaced daily. Farmers can no longer access their farms, traders are unsafe on our roads, and families live in constant fear. Yet, the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has failed to rise to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

The Nigerian Constitution is clear: the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. Any administration that cannot guarantee this has failed. Sadly, some parts of Kwara today is unsafe, and this failure rests squarely on the state government.
While insecurity festers, the government continues to engage in political propaganda and self-promotion, leaving vulnerable communities to defend themselves. This is unacceptable and a betrayal of public trust.
We therefore demand the following urgent actions:

1. Immediate deployment of adequate security personnel to the affected communities.

2. Strengthening and equipping of local vigilante and community policing structures.

3. Establishment of a functional intelligence system to prevent, not just react to, attacks.

4. Transparency and accountability in the use of security funds.

5. Relief and rehabilitation support for displaced persons and victims.

6. Direct engagement of the Governor with affected communities to restore confidence.

Kwara cannot afford to slide into a state of lawlessness. We warn that history will not forgive leaders who fold their arms while citizens are butchered and displaced. Kwara people will not remain silent in the face of government negligence.

We call on the State Government to act decisively now. Excuses are no longer acceptable.

Signed:
Barr. Luqman M. Shaffii

For: Civil Right and Development Resource Centre (CIRDEV)

and

Kwara Development Advocacy Group (KWDAG)

[email protected] , [email protected]

Dated: 29/09/2025

13/05/2025

🚫🚫🚫ATTENTION

The ongoing renovation of Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Ilorin, requires immediate attention regarding safety measures. We urge the government to instruct the construction company to install necessary safety signals and signage at strategic locations along the road. The current negligence has led to accidents, and it's the government's duty to protect citizens. Please intervene to ensure public safety.





CIRDEV Resource Centre.

16/04/2025

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI) HAS COME TO STAY IN ALL STATES.

Just as Kwara State and her siblings ( 36 states of the federation) were trying to sweep the Freedom of Information Act under the rug, the Supreme Court has brought it back to the forefront.
The cats can no longer hide their stolen meats. We move...

15/04/2025

https://blueprint.ng/civil-rights-centre-applauds-supreme-court-judgment-on-foi-act/

Civil Right and Development Resource Centre (CIRDEV), a non-governmental organisation based in Ilorin Tuesday applauded the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, which ruled that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) applies not only to the federal government but also to all 36 states of the federa...

12/04/2025

LANDMARK JUDGMENT: SUPREME COURT EXPANDS FOI Act TO ALL 36 STATES

Nigeria's Freedom of Information Act empowers citizens to access public records and information, promoting transparency and accountability in government dealings. A landmark judgment has clarified that this Act applies not only to the federal government but also to all 36 states of the federation.

Key Implications:

State Governments' Financial Dealings:
State governments can no longer hide their financial transactions from the public eye. Citizens can now demand transparency and accountability in state-funded projects and expenditures.

Citizen Empowerment: With this judgment, citizens can drag state governments into the spotlight, ensuring they're held accountable for every Naira spent. This move promotes good governance and prevents embezzlement.

Transparency and Accountability: The era of looting state coffers in the dark is over. Transparency and accountability will now be paramount, ensuring public funds are utilized for their intended purposes.

How the Act Works:

- Citizens can request information from government agencies, and institutions must provide it within 7 days, subject to certain exemptions.

- Exemptions include matters of national security, personal privacy, and law enforcement investigations.

- Public institutions must keep and maintain public records, ensuring access to information on request.

This judgment marks a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria's governance structure.







©Ibn Shaffii

11/04/2025

FOI Act Applies to States, Supreme Court Rules in Landmark Decision

In a historic judgment that reinforces transparency and democratic accountability at all levels of government, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has unanimously affirmed that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2011 applies to all tiers of government, including state institutions.This decision marks a decisive reversal of the 2018 majority ruling by the Court of Appeal, Benin Division, which had controversially held that the FOIA only applies to federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Read more 👇

One of the goals implemented by the passage of the FOIA 2011 was to ensure transparency in the governance of our country

31/03/2025

Eid Mubarak!

14/12/2024

ATTENTION NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION: Doctorate Degree For Sale - 1






A Doctoral Fellow, also known as a Postdoctoral Fellow, is an individual who has completed their doctoral studies (Ph.D.) and is pursuing additional research and training under the guidance of an experienced scholar or researcher. This fellowship provides an opportunity for the individual to gain more experience, build their professional network, and enhance their research skills.
In Nigeria, the UK, USA, Canada, and other countries, a Doctoral Fellowship is not a degree in itself but rather a programme that provides funding and support for individuals to pursue their research interests. The fellowship is usually awarded to individuals who have already completed their doctoral programme (Ph.D.) and are looking to further their research career.
There are various organizations and institutions in Nigeria that offer Doctoral Fellowships, such as the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) and some international NGOs and developed countries. These fellowships can provide a stipend, research funding, and other benefits to support the fellow's research activities.
Professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Human Resources Management (CIHRM) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Nigerian Institute of Marketing (NIM), Institute of Bankers, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and Institute of Public Administrators of Nigeria (IPAN) can only award certificates, diplomas, and fellowships, but they do not have the power to award degrees such as Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral degrees.

*The Legal Stance*
1. Legislative restrictions: The National Universities Commission (NUC) Act (1974) and the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (1993) empower only universities to award degrees (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degrees).
2. Regulatory framework: The NUC regulates university education and degree-awarding institutions in Nigeria.
3. Accreditation: Only institutions accredited by the NUC can award degrees (Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral degrees) recognized by the Nigerian government.
Note: A Doctoral Fellow is never a degree and is not equivalent to a Ph.D. A Doctoral Fellow is funding scheme/scholarship support for Ph.D. holders to further their research work.

*Exceptions to the Rules*
1. Collaborative programme: Professional bodies can partner with universities to offer joint degree programs, and in this case, it is the university that awards the degree.
2. Certificate programme: Professional bodies (e.g., Chartered Institute of Human Resources Management, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) can award certificates, diplomas, or fellowships in their areas of expertise.
3. Professional qualifications: Professional bodies can award qualifications, such as certifications or licenses recognized within their profession and not degrees (Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral Degrees).

*Examples of professional bodies' qualifications:*
1. ICAN: Awards ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) and FCA (Fellow Chartered Accountant) certifications.
2. CIHRM: Awards CIPM (Certified Industrial Personnel Manager) and FCIPM (Fellow Chartered Industrial Personnel Manager) certifications.
3. Nigerian Institute of Marketing (NIM): Awards CIM (Certified Industrial Marketer) and FCIM (Fellow Chartered Industrial Marketer) certifications.
*Degree-Awarding Institutions in Nigeria*
1. Universities (public and private)
2. Polytechnics (for National Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas)
3. Colleges of Education (for National Certificate in Education)
Please note that professional bodies (e.g., *Chartered Institute of Human Resources Management*) are not legalized to issue any degree (Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral)
To confirm the legitimacy of any degree programme in Nigeria, kindly verify accreditation of such a degree with the relevant regulatory bodies, i.e., the National Universities Commission (NUC). The NUC is the only entity legally authorized to regulate the issuance of degrees: Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral (i.e., Ph.D & etc)
Please note that professional bodies can only issue practice licenses, certificates, diplomas, and can also give the following to their members:
- Fellow
- Member
- Associate

*Some professional certifications recognized in Nigeria:*
1. Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) - ACA, FCA

2. Chartered Institute of Human Resources Management (CIHRM) - CIPM, FCIPM

3. Nigerian Institute of Marketing (NIM) - CIM, FCIM.

4. Institute of Bankers (CIBN) - ACIB, FCIB.

5. Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) - MNIM, FNIM.

6. Institute of Public Administrators of Nigeria (IPAN) - CPA, FCPA.

7. Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) - CNA, FNA.

8. Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Chain Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) - CIPS, FCIPS.
````Non of them has the right to award Doctoral...````

*Conclusion*

``Any professional institution claiming that Doctoral Fellow is a doctoral degree in itself is engaging in deceit, ruse, and scam. Awarding a Doctoral Fellowship as a degree is a stratagem and unlawful. A Doctoral qualification is a programme that lasts at least three years, unlike a a day or two-day programme called "Doctoral Fellow" designed by certain professional institutions in Nigeria to deceive and exploit some Nigerians of their hard-earned money.
Any professional body engaging in such illicit activities may be held liable and subject to legal action for deceit in a court of law.

Lastly, please note that no award from any professional body legally or academically entitles the awardee to use 'Dr.' or 'Ph.D.' as an appellation to their name. The use of 'Dr.' or 'Ph.D.' is academically and legally restricted to those who have obtained it from a recognized academic institution.

My Advice
If you wish to apply for any of the professional bodies' awards, go for their "fellow award", as that is the highest award they can offer.

The Above is just for your information please.Be informed, Information is power.

Thank you .