The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has welcomed the public apology issued by Vanguard Media Limited following the publication of a digitally altered photograph of Miss Maryam Yusuf, one of Nigeria’s representatives at the 2026 World Spelling Bee Competition in Shanghai, China.
In a statement issued on Thursday, MPAC Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, described the apology as a positive development that reflects the importance of ethical journalism, respect for religious identity, and the integrity of visual reporting.
However, he noted that the organisation’s petition against the newspaper remains before the Nigerian Press Council for determination.
According to Kamor, MPAC had initially demanded the immediate removal of the altered image, its replacement with the authentic photograph, and an unequivocal public apology to Maryam Yusuf, her family, the Muslim community, and the Nigerian public.
The organisation had given Vanguard a 48-hour ultimatum to comply, warning that failure to do so would result in a formal petition to the Nigerian Press Council.
Yusuf’s family, through its legal representatives, also reportedly initiated similar action.
MPAC explained that although Vanguard subsequently replaced the altered image with the original photograph, it did not immediately issue a public apology or correction.
Consequently, the organisation filed a formal petition with the Nigerian Press Council on July 23, 2026, alleging a breach of the code of ethics for journalists and seeking regulatory intervention.
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The group noted that Vanguard later published a public apology acknowledging the error and expressing regret over the publication of the altered image.
It described the apology, together with the restoration of the authentic photograph, as significant steps toward addressing the concerns it had raised.
Kamor stressed that MPAC’s intervention was never intended to undermine the newspaper but to safeguard the dignity and religious identity of Maryam Yusuf, preserve the integrity of factual reporting, and encourage adherence to professional journalistic standards.
He added that responsible media organisations strengthen public confidence by promptly acknowledging and correcting errors.
The organisation also commended the Nigerian Press Council for admitting its petition, describing the council’s oversight role as vital to promoting professionalism, accountability, and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
Despite welcoming Vanguard’s apology, MPAC said it would await the council’s determination on whether the publication violated the code of ethics and whether the corrective actions taken by the newspaper constitute an adequate ethical remedy.
MPAC expressed appreciation to the public, media practitioners, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders who contributed constructively to the public discourse surrounding the incident.
The organisation further congratulated Maryam Yusuf and Team Nigeria on their performance at the 2026 World Spelling Bee Competition, expressing hope that their outstanding achievement would remain the defining story of the event.
It urged media organisations to ensure accurate, fair, and respectful representation of all Nigerians, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or appearance.
