The University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) management responded on Friday to the Academic Staff Union of Universities’ (ASUU) rejection of the vice chancellor vacancy advertisement.
Dr. Habib Yakoob, the university’s Public Relations Officer, addressed the university’s stance in an interview with the Abuja City Journal, claiming that he cannot speak on behalf of ASUU or comment on the grounds for the rejection of the vice chancellor’s advertisement.
“I can’t speak for ASUU’s decisions in the University”, he told our reporter on Friday.
Recall that the University of Abuja branch of the Union, has vehemently opposed the recent advertisement for the position of vice chancellor at the institution. This rejection comes in response to the advertorial placed by the current management, led by Vice Chancellor Prof Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, in a national daily.
Speaking at a press conference held in Abuja, Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh, chairperson of the University’s ASUU branch, declared the advertorial and the ensuing process for appointing a new Vice Chancellor as unacceptable to the Union and its members, citing violations of relevant laws. He cautioned potential applicants to refrain from participating until proper due process is observed in the recruitment of a new VC.
The decision to reject the advertisement was reached during a congress held on March 19, 2024, in Abuja, where urgent issues were extensively reviewed. The Union expressed dismay over what it perceives as the federal government’s detrimental impact on university administration in Nigeria, particularly at the University of Abuja. It highlighted recurring issues within the institution that have disrupted academic operations and traditions.
Ugoh emphasized the importance of adhering to established protocols in the appointment of key university officials, stressing the need for transparency and fairness. ASUU’s stance reflects its commitment to upholding academic integrity and ensuring that university governance aligns with statutory provisions and best practices.
