Wukari varsity VC: Stakeholders flay selection process

Some co-stakeholders have raised concerns over an alleged breach of relevant rules in the appointment process of a new vice chancellor for the Federal University Wukari, Taraba State.

The group under the aegis of Concerned Persons with Education Interest in a petition to the Minister of Education and signed by their coordinator, Comrade Bulus Zakari on Friday in Jalingo, requested the intervention of the ministry to avoid developments that could trigger industrial unrest and undermine the integrity of the institution as well as its stability.

The body listed Governor Agbu Kefas’ alleged influence in the selection of his brother, Dr Benjamin Ate Kefas; the lack of transparent, competitive, merit-based process; and the shortlist of four individuals including a non-indigene out of the 40 applicants for the role as some of the challenges in the appointment process.

“From available information, there appears to be uncertainty regarding whether Dr Benjamin Ate Kefas, who is being promoted through alleged external influence, meets these established requirements,” Zakari said.

“While acknowledging that Kefas, the governor’s brother, has academic qualifications in pharmacy and experience in research and teaching outside Nigeria, available records reportedly indicate service at the level of Assistant Professor rather than a full professorship within a university system.

“Furthermore, there appears to be no verifiable evidence that the candidate in question, Benjamin Ate Kefas, the governor’s brother, has served in critical academic leadership roles such as Head of Department, Dean of Faculty, or Director of academic programmes within a university structure, positions typically considered essential preparatory experience for occupying the office of Vice-Chancellor. These roles are important because they equip prospective Vice-Chancellors with the administrative, governance, and conflict-management experience required to lead complex academic institutions.”

The body asked the minister, as the supervisory authority, to intervene and ensure the process adhere to the University (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 and its amendments, (also known as the Universities Autonomy Act) by conducting an independent review of the selection and screening process to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with statutory requirements; and verify that all shortlisted candidates meet the academic and administrative qualifications prescribed for the office of Vice-Chancellor.

The body also urged the minister to ensure that no external political influence compromises the autonomy of the university governing council or the integrity of the appointment process.

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