The Association of Northern Nigerian Students (ANNS) has described Professor Aisha Sani Kailudi’s removal as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja as unlawful and a setback to the educational system.
ANNS further described the Federal Government’s action as unwholesome, which has sent shockwaves throughout the academic community, sparking concerns about the educational system’s implications.
Addressing a press conference on the subject matter, the association’s National President, Comrade Jabir Aminu Maiturare, averred that “this abrupt and unjust decision not only undermines the principles of academic freedom and autonomy but is also capable of setting a disturbing precedent for the treatment of university administrators.”
According to the student association, her removal has consequences for the Educational System, including erosion of Academic freedom, instability and uncertainty, damage to Institutional reputation, and the potential undermining of Governance.
“The dismissal of a Vice-Chancellor without due process can have a chilling effect on academic freedom, as administrators and faculty members may hesitate to express their opinions or make bold decisions. It can also create uncertainty and instability within the institution, affecting staff and students’ morale.
“Such actions can tarnish the university’s reputation, making it harder to attract top talent, secure funding, and maintain public trust. The unlawful dismissal of a Vice-Chancellor can undermine the governance structure of the university, creating power vacuums and conflicts that can hinder decision-making”.
Consequently, the student association leader called on the attention of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu to consider the reinstatement of the University’s Governing Council and the Vice-Chancellor.
“We also advise setting up an Independent Investigation Panel to determine the circumstances surrounding the controversies over the appointment of the new Vice-Chancellor and to identify measures to prevent similar incidents.
“For its part, the University of Abuja should review and strengthen its governance structures to ensure that it does not fall victim to such arbitrary decisions in the future. The academic community should rally together to protect academic freedom and autonomy, ensuring university administrators and faculty members can work without fear of reprisal.
“The unlawful dismissal of a Vice-Chancellor is a serious setback for the educational system, with far-reaching consequences for academic freedom, institutional stability, and governance. Swift action must be taken to address this situation and prevent similar incidents from occurring”.
The association President also urged President Tinubu to intervene because “we believe that the removal of the Vice-Chancellor happened without his knowledge, and we, as members of the Association of Northern Nigerian Students, believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.
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