The process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor at the Federal University Wukari (FUW), Taraba State, has been thrown into turmoil following accusations of political interference.
A petition to the Federal Ministry of Education by the Concerned Persons with Education Interest alleges that Governor Agbu Kefas is attempting to secure the position for his brother, Dr. Benjamin Ate Kefas.
“Recent events surrounding the ongoing selection process have raised serious concerns among stakeholders as there are growing fears that external political influence, particularly from the State Governor, Agbu Kefas, may be affecting the integrity of the process,” said Comrade Bulus Zakari, the group’s National Coordinator.
The petitioners argue that Dr. Kefas, despite holding advanced degrees in pharmacy and serving as an Assistant Professor of Neuro-oncology at the University of Virginia, has not attained the rank of professor; a statutory requirement for the Vice-Chancellor role.
“Our concern is not directed at any individual on personal grounds, but rather at ensuring that the appointment process remains transparent, competitive, merit-based, and compliant with the statutory requirements guiding appointment of Vice Chancellors in federal universities,” the petition stated.
They further claimed that the screening process was compromised, with 36 out of 40 applicants disqualified, leaving only four candidates, three from Taraba and one from Adamawa.
“We therefore respectfully urge the Federal Ministry of Education, as supervisory authority over federal universities, to intervene promptly and ensure that the ongoing appointment process adheres strictly to the Universities Autonomy Act,” the petition read.
The group warned that failure to uphold transparency could trigger an industrial crisis within the institution.
By Ngozi Nwankwo, Abuja
