Analyst Demands Review Of Yakubu Gowon Varsity VC Selection Process

BY GBODIYAN OLUWAKEMI KAREN,  Abuja

A researcher and public affairs analyst, Dr Yusuf Auwal, has called for a comprehensive review of the selection process that led to the appointment of Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi as the substantive vice chancellor of Yakubu Gown University (formerly University of Abuja).

Auwal, in a press statement yesterday, cited concerns over alleged breaches of eligibility requirements.

He alleged the violation of clearly defined criteria governing vice-chancellor’s appointments, particularly the requirement that candidates must possess a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

It will be recalled that the position was advertised in 2025 with explicit conditions, including a PhD qualification and a minimum of 10 years’ experience as a professor. Over 50 applicants vied for the office and  10 were shortlisted,

The shortlisted candidates underwent a rigorous two-day interview by the Joint Council/Senate Selection Board.

Three candidates emerged, and the Governing Council adopted a merit-based system, selecting the highest-scoring candidate, which led to Fawehinmi’s emergence as the preferred choice.

However, the analyst raised concerns over whether the appointee met the fundamental academic requirement outlined in the advertisement.

According to him, both the Federal Ministry of Education and the university’s Governing Council have received a formal petition challenging the legality of the appointment, placing the matter under possible official review.

“In view of the foregoing, the question that needs to be answered is ‘who is behind this fragrant disregard of the law and the fundamental requirement ignored?”

“Or better still, whose interest was this turning of the blind eye to this fundamental requirement meant to satisfy?

“More questions will certainly need to be asked and answered by the Governing Council and the supervisory ministerial department?”

He added that the controversy centres on the distinction between academic and professional qualifications.

He said the appointment is being challenged on the grounds that a medical fellowship reportedly held by the appointee does not constitute a PhD or its equivalent, thereby calling into question his participation in the selection process.

According to him, a judgment of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria delivered on 8 May 2025 in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/421/2024, held that medical fellowship qualifications cannot be equated with a PhD.

Adding, he said the court made a clear distinction, stating that a postgraduate diploma conferring medical fellowship status does not meet the threshold of an academic doctorate.

Auwal said if the advertised requirement was strictly a PhD or its equivalent, and a fellowship does not meet that standard, then the eligibility of the appointed candidate, and by extension, the integrity of the entire process, may be fundamentally flawed.