By Agaju Madugba, Katsina
The authorities of the Federal University of Dutsinma (FUDMA) in Katsina State have denied issuing restrictions on the religious activities of the Christian community in the school.
A statement purportedly signed by the university’s director of security services, CSP Abdu Salisu, reportedly banned Sunday worship and ordered that all Christian gatherings be held only on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., while that Sunday should henceforth be known as the “general day”.
But reacting in a counter-press statement on Monday, FUDMA’s director of public relations and protocol, Habibu Garba Matazu, distanced the university’s management from the contents of the directive, arguing that it had not been officially communicated through the institution’s approved channels.
The statement said, “Management wants to state categorically that it is not aware of the statement nor has it authorized its release.”
“University management also distanced themselves from the statement and urged
all this because it was not officially communicated through the authorized channels of the Institution.
“The University would also like to clarify that it has two approved communication channels, the Office of the University Registrar and the Public Relations and Protocol Department.
“As such, any statement not duly signed through approved communication channels should be ignored and rejected as lacking the necessary authority.
“FUDMA is a detribalized and religiously tolerant institution that values the spiritual values and practices of all its staff and students, as such the university authority cannot be behind such a statement.
“University leadership hereby calls on all to disregard the statement and ensure its continued support for all members of the University community, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
“Management has resolved to deal with anyone so found to have written such a statement.”
