By: Amin
 |
| Federal University of Technology Badagry and Manoah Kikekon |
BADAGRY, Lagos – Prominent journalist and social advocate, Manoah Kikekon, has declared a full vindication after a year of public criticism, following the official confirmation that the proposed Federal University of Science and Technology (FUST) has been established in Epe, Lagos State, and not in Badagry as initially proposed.
Kikekon revealed his sense of validation in an exclusive conversation with News Peddlers on Tuesday, marking the culmination of a year-long saga that began with a crucial alarm he raised in 2024.
The controversy began just one year ago when Kikekon received intelligence from a source in Abuja. "Just a year ago, I got an intel from a source from Abuja who told me to inform all Badagry stakeholders to take swift action," Kikekon recounted. "The Federal University of Science and Technology, which was being proposed for Badagry at the Federal House of Representatives, was about to be moved to another location."
Related News:
Tinubu's Approval for Epe, Kachia, and Ogoniland Universities Preceded Seven-Year Ban: Minister
After conducting further findings that confirmed the process was already underway, Kikekon took to his social media handles to alert the community. The information quickly spread among Badagry stakeholders.
However, his warning was met with swift denial from their elected representative. A few days later, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, the Federal House of Representatives Member for Badagry Constituency, issued a press statement dismissing the claims. The statement labeled Kikekon a "mischief maker" and asserted that the information was "total misinformation."
"At the time, people called me various names," Kikekon recalled. "Some said I was the enemy of Badagry. But I realized the case was further tabled at some high places, which was why I just kept quiet on other information I got on moving the institution."
The journalist's silence was broken by recent events that proved his initial warnings correct. Just days ago, the Federal Government officially announced the establishment of the Federal University of Science and Technology in Epe, Lagos State.
This announcement serves as the definitive confirmation that the institution was indeed relocated from its originally proposed site in Badagry, vindicating Kikekon exactly one year after he first raised the alarm.
In a statement that dashes any remaining hopes for a reversal, Kikekon added, “And for those hoping that Badagry's own will still come, I will like to let you know that the Federal Government has placed a seven-year ban on the approval of new universities in Nigeria.”
This federal moratorium effectively closes the window for any immediate rectification, cementing the loss of the project for the Badagry community.
Addressing potential community reactions, the advocate said. “For those that are planning to fight against the establishment of the institution in Epe, I'll like to remind you all that Badagry people are peace-loving people,” Kikekon stated.
The bill for the establishment of the institution, which has now culminated in the siting of the university in Epe, was said to have been facilitated by Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan. It was sponsored by Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, the Member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Finance. The bill was presented for its crucial third reading on May 6, 2025, by the House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere.
For the people of Badagry, the establishment of FUST in Epe represents a significant lost opportunity, compounded by a federal ban on new universities. For Manoah Kikekon, it is a hard-won moment of truth after a year of being vilified for sounding an alarm that has now been proven tragically accurate.