Founder says the New Niger Campus Anthology Project stalled due to unresolved funding challenges, while allegations of financial misconduct remain disputed.
Founder of the proposed New Niger Campus Anthology Project, Fodio Ahmed, has denied allegations that he defrauded Abdulbaqy Usman Ebbo, insisting that the literary initiative was halted because of unresolved funding issues rather than any form of financial misconduct.
Ahmed, a writer and founder of the literacy advocacy platform MpapeReads, made the remarks during an interview on Lapai TV’s One-on-One programme, where he addressed public concerns surrounding the project and the allegations that emerged following its suspension.
According to Ahmed, the anthology project was conceived in 2025 as a platform for students across tertiary institutions to contribute essays on governance, public policy, and social development. He said the idea originated from discussions aimed at encouraging young people to participate in development discourse through writing.
Ahmed explained that the initiative later evolved into the New Niger Campus Anthology, with its inaugural theme titled “REAPING WHAT YOU SOW: Agriculture as a Positive Alternative to Drug Abuse.”
He stated that a public call for submissions was issued in July 2025 and remained open for one month. During that period, organizers received 61 entries from students and contributors associated with institutions including Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, University of Jos, Covenant University, and the American University of Nigeria, among others.
According to him, 36 entries were eventually selected for publication after the review process.
Addressing allegations that the project was used to obtain funds under false pretences, Ahmed firmly denied any wrongdoing. He maintained that all relevant project documents, including budgets, participant information, and manuscripts, were submitted to the proposed sponsor and that the project followed the intended process.
Ahmed claimed that while some preliminary funds were reportedly provided for project-related activities, the main publishing budget required to produce the anthology was not released. He argued that the inability to secure full funding ultimately prevented the book from being published.
He further stated that he repeatedly sought clarification regarding the status of the sponsorship arrangement and requested formal communication if support for the project had been withdrawn.
Ahmed also appealed to interested stakeholders, organizations, and potential sponsors to support the publication of the anthology, noting that the selected manuscripts remain available and ready for publication.
The allegations referenced during the interview have not been independently verified by Lapai TV. The response of Abdulbaqy Usman Ebbo, who was mentioned by Ahmed in connection with the sponsorship discussions, was not presented during the programme and was not available at the time this report was filed.
The controversy has renewed conversations about transparency, accountability, and funding arrangements for literary and educational initiatives involving public stakeholders. As of the time of reporting, the New Niger Campus Anthology Project remains unpublished, while calls continue for clarification from all parties connected to the initiative.
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