Prof. Umar Ka’oje of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria has voluntarily returned N1,153,953.36 wrongly paid to him to the coffers of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

The money was paid to the don after expiration of his teaching contract with the nation’s apex military academy.

The Commandant of NDA, Maj.-Gen. John-Ochefu Ochai, on Wednesday made the disclosure when he visited the university.

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The commandant was received by Dr. Rahanatu Lawal, Head, Department of Political Science and International Studies.

Lawal said: “Only a few people today could exhibit Prof. Ka’oje’s uncommon moral courage. Such exemplary character should be emulated.”

In his remarks, the commandant said that he had to follow up the letter of commendation earlier written to the professor with the physical visit to further show appreciation for such act.

According to him, the act exhibited by Ka’oje was extremely rare in Africa’s clime.

He, therefore, pledged the NDA’s readiness to further honour the professor at an appropriate time.

The commandant also expressed gratitude to the department for its well-established culture of training leaders to be honest and accountable.

In his response, Ka’oje commended the academy, saying, “the Commandant equally deserved commendation for recognising and rewarding honesty.”

A letter of commendation from NDA dated September 11 was earlier sent to the don.

The Star