The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) management in Bauchi has refuted claims that they breached any regulations in the process of selecting a new Vice Chancellor for the institution.
The management emphasized that they strictly adhered to due process in the advertisement of the vacant position.
It was recently reported that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at ATBU, Bauchi criticized the university management for allegedly disregarding the institution’s regulations concerning the appointment of a new vice-chancellor.
Furthermore, the union accused the management of allowing certain principal officers to exceed the stipulated six-month period for acting positions, which they deemed unlawful.
These allegations were raised during a press conference titled ‘The Advertisement of Vacancy for the Post of Vice Chancellor in ATBU Bauchi: An Illegality’ held at the Yelwa Campus.
In response to the accusations, the University’s Directorate of Information, Zailani Bappa, stated in an interview with NewsNow that the University did not breach any laws.
Zailani Bappa clarified, “Currently, there is no Governing Council in place. In the absence of the Council, the duties are assumed by the Minister of Education until a new Council is constituted.”
“During this period without a Council, ASUU has also focused primarily on the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, among other issues,” he added.
He further elaborated, “In the Council’s absence, promotions were conducted across all universities. Even during the recent Convocation, communications were overseen by the Minister of Education, despite the event falling under the Chancellor’s jurisdiction.”
Zailani Bappa emphasized, “It is important to note that in the absence of the Council, the Minister of Education is responsible for staff employment, promotions, and discipline.”
Responding to concerns about acting appointments, he stated, “Acting officers may be appointed, and if within six months no substantive appointment is made, the acting period can be extended for another six months.”
He continued, “All these processes are carried out in the absence of the Governing Council, authorized by the Minister of Education on behalf of the Federal Government. It is crucial to remember that Universities are under the purview of the Federal Government, and the Council can be reconstituted as needed.”
“The recent advertisement for the Vice Chancellor position was in compliance with the law as it is mandated to be announced six months prior to the end of the Vice Chancellor’s tenure,” he added.