Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi has refuted claims of any wrongdoing in the selection process for the impending vacant Vice Chancellor position at the university.
The university’s management asserted that they adhered to all necessary procedures in the advertisement for the vacancy.
Recently, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at ATBU, Bauchi called out the university’s management for allegedly violating the institution’s regulations concerning the appointment of a new vice-chancellor.
The union also raised concerns about certain officials holding acting positions beyond the stipulated six-month period, which they labeled as illegitimate.
These allegations were brought to light during a press briefing titled ‘The Advertisement of Vacancy for the Post of Vice Chancellor in ATBU Bauchi: An Illegality’ held at the Yelwa Campus on Monday.
In response to these accusations, Zailani Bappa, the Director of Information at the university, clarified in an interview with NewsNow that the university did not breach any laws.
“At present, there is no Governing Council in place. In its absence, the Minister of Education assumes the Council’s responsibilities until a new Council is constituted,” Bappa stated.
He went on to explain, “Even in the absence of a Council, promotions were conducted across all universities. During the recent Convocation, all communications regarding the event were overseen by the Minister of Education, despite the convocation falling under the Chancellor’s jurisdiction.”
Bappa emphasized that, “Although the Council normally handles staff employment, promotion, and discipline, in its absence, these duties are managed by the Minister of Education.”
Regarding concerns about acting appointments, he clarified, “While acting roles may be filled, if a permanent appointment is not made after six months, the acting appointment can be renewed for another six months.”
The Director of Information further highlighted, “All these processes are carried out in the absence of the Governing Council, under the supervision of the Minister of Education on behalf of the Federal Government, as universities are under federal jurisdiction.”
He added, “Hence, the vacancy announcement was legally made six months before the Vice Chancellor’s tenure expires, as required by law.”