ASUU Demands Removal Of ABU VC
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education (YUMSFUEK) branch, has demanded immediate removal of Chairman, Governing Council of the institution, Professor Ahmad Adamu.
The union said Prof. Adamu currently serves as Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, and is also the Chairman YUMSFUEK Governing Council.
The lecturers argued that Adamu’s dual roles constitute a conflict of interests that is stagnating the transition process of YUMSFUEK.
ASUU also rejected alleged plan by the university’s council to appoint a new VC without due process and reposition Dr. Sadi Mohammed Sirajo as acting deputy VC.
The demands were contained in a petition signed by ASUU Chairman, Dr. Bashir Ibrahim and five other members, addressed to the Minister of Education, Dr. Marauf Tunji Alausa.
ASUU said the Governing Council has violated statutory provisions of the University Act and was acting in bad faith to impose a predetermined candidate as VC, after the expiration of Dr. Said Mohammed Sirajo’s tenure four months ago.
“The entire process was a charade orchestrated by a compromised Governing Council that deliberately excluded critical stakeholders, violated statutory provisions, and acted in bad faith to impose a predetermined candidate.
“The council is incomplete and illegitimate, as it deliberately excluded statutory members representing the University Senate, Congregation, and Convocation—a gross violation of the Federal Universities Act.
“Refusal to appoint representatives exposes a sinister agenda to truncate the upgrading and transition of the institution to a university and manipulate the VC selection process. This renders all the decisions taken by the Council null and void,” the petition said.
On the position of the ABU VC, ASUU said the chairman of the Governing Council, who currently serves as the VC of ABU Zaria, has shown lack of competence, foresight and fairness in governing YUMSFUEK’s affairs.
“His primary loyalty remains with ABU, not YUMSFUEK. The Council, under his leadership, is operating in secrecy, bias, and disregard for due process.
“His lopsided administration has entrenched divisions, sidelined dissenting voices, and facilitated the imposition of his favoured candidate as VC.
“His continued chairmanship is a direct threat to the stability and progress of YUMSFUEK. He must be removed immediately”.
The petition accused the outgoing Acting VC, Dr. Sirajo of exceeding his legal tenure, and obstructing the university’s upgrade as well as misleading the Council and suppressing progress.
ASUU accused Dr. Sirajo of victimising some members and denying them their rights and privileges for opposing his continued stay in office.
ASUU called for reconstitution of the Council with consideration of all statutory members, including representatives of the Senate, Congregation, host community, and alumni.
The union members urged the federal government to probe all the fraudulent processes in the university and slam sanctions on those found culpable.
