Allegations have been made by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi, accusing the institution’s management of breaching the rules governing the selection of a new vice chancellor.
During a press conference held at the university’s Yelwa campus, the union also criticized the prolonged stay of certain acting principal officers beyond the legally allowed six-month period, which they consider to be unlawful.
Chairperson of ATBU’s ASUU, Ibrahim Inuwa, highlighted concerns regarding the recent advertisement for the vice chancellor position at ATBU Bauchi, which appeared in the Leadership Weekend newspaper on January 13, 2024.
ASUU objected to what they perceived as illegal actions that defy the university’s governing laws. The advertisement, supposedly initiated by the Minister of Education, was signed by the acting registrar, Hajiya Aisha Idris.
Moreover, Ibrahim expressed worries about the improper application of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 and the ATBU Bauchi Conditions of Service. He emphasized that neither the Minister of Education nor the registrar has the authority to advertise the vacant vice chancellor position as indicated in the relevant laws.
Pointing out specific provisions in the act and the university’s conditions of service, Ibrahim stressed the crucial role of the university council in the advertisement of such vacancies.
According to him, unless under exceptional circumstances, the law permits the university senate to appoint an acting vice chancellor for a maximum period of six months.
The ASUU chairperson further urged the President and the Minister of Education to intervene and preserve the university’s governance integrity, expressing deep concern over the management’s actions.
He criticized the management of ATBU Bauchi for perpetuating illegality in the absence of the council, going against the clear provisions of the laws.
Noting another instance of illegality, he highlighted that the university management has disregarded existing laws and directives from the university council regarding the tenure of acting principal officers. The current acting registrar and other officers have exceeded the stipulated six-month period, with the registrar failing to uphold the university laws.
Regarding the appointment of an acting bursar who was previously indicted in a Presidential Visitation Panel white paper, he described it as another act of impunity by the university management.
He expressed ASUU’s concern over the management’s actions, criticizing the blatant violations of laws and the emergence of nepotism and impunity in decision-making.