The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has welcomed the public apology issued by Vanguard Media Limited over 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, by MPAC Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, the organization described the apology as a positive step toward addressing concerns over ethical journalism, respect for religious identity, and the integrity of visual reporting. However, the organisation noted that its petition against the newspaper remains pending before the Nigerian Press Council.
According to MPAC, it initially wrote to Vanguard demanding the immediate removal of the altered image, replacement with the authentic photograph, and an unequivocal public apology to Yusuf, her family, the Muslim community, and the Nigerian public.
The organisation said it gave the newspaper 48 hours to comply, warning that it would petition the Nigerian Press Council if corrective action was not taken. Yusuf’s family, through its legal representatives, also reportedly took similar action.
MPAC said Vanguard subsequently replaced the altered photograph with the original image but did not immediately publish an apology or correction. As a result, the organisation filed a formal petition with the Nigerian Press Council on July 23, 2026, alleging a breach of the Nigerian Code of Ethics for Journalists and seeking regulatory intervention.
The group said Vanguard later issued a public apology acknowledging the error and expressing regret over the publication of the altered image. MPAC described the apology, alongside the earlier restoration of the authentic photograph, as significant steps toward addressing the issues raised.
The organisation maintained that its actions were not intended to undermine Vanguard but to protect the dignity and religious identity of Maryam Yusuf, uphold the integrity of factual reporting, and encourage compliance with professional journalistic standards. It added that responsible media organisations build public trust by acknowledging and correcting mistakes transparently.
MPAC also commended the Nigerian Press Council for admitting its petition for consideration, describing the Council’s oversight role as essential to promoting professionalism, accountability, and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
Despite Vanguard’s apology, MPAC stated that it would await the Council’s decision on whether the publication breached the Code of Ethics and whether the corrective measures taken by the newspaper constitute an adequate ethical remedy.
The organisation thanked members of the public, media practitioners, civil society groups, and other stakeholders who participated constructively in the public discourse surrounding the incident.
It also congratulated Maryam Yusuf and Team Nigeria on their performance at the 2026 World Spelling Bee Competition, expressing hope that their achievement would remain the defining story of the event. MPAC urged media organisations to ensure accurate, fair, and respectful representation of all Nigerians, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or appearance.