ASUU Tasks UNIABUJA Over VC Selection

University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for transparency in the selection of the next vice chancellor of the institution, as 18 candidates vie for the position.

ASUU urged the governing council to ensure that the process is conducted with fairness, integrity and openness to safeguard the university’s credibility and uphold academic standards.

Speaking in an interview with LEADERSHIP Weekend yesterday, the chapter’s chairman of ASUU, Dr. Syvanus Ugoh, reaffirmed confidence in the chairman of the governing council, stressing the importance of following extant laws in the selection process.

He expressed neutrality in the race, saying the union had no special interest in any of the candidates.

He said; “Our stance has always been to ensure transparency, that the process is done according to the law, and that due process is followed. We know that both parties are aware of the extant laws governing the University of Abuja.

“We implore all interested parties to play by the rules. We don’t want a situation where the University of Abuja is constantly in the news for the wrong reasons.

“We have come a long way, and we urge everyone to stick to the rules. The rules are clear- if you consult the University of Abuja Act or the University Miscellaneous Provisions Act, the rules for selecting principal officers are clear.”

Ugoh reiterated the need to follow due process, adding, “The union is watching the process closely. We will not hesitate to raise the alarm if we notice any deviation from the established procedures or if there is a compromise in the selection process.”

“There are 18 candidates, all of whom are members of the union. We cannot single out one person and leave the others. Doing so would not be in the best interest of the university or the union. Our position is clear, we are neutral, and we want to ensure that due process is followed.”

The university’s governing council, responsible for overseeing the selection of the new vice chancellor, has been under increasing pressure to act decisively and ensure that the process remains free from undue influence.

While the council has stated that the selection process was proceeding according to established protocols, there were growing concerns about its ability to maintain independence in the face of mounting pressures.

ASUU has been at the forefront of calling for an immediate halt to any actions that might compromise the integrity of the selection process and was pushing for a more inclusive and transparent approach.

They argued that the university must avoid repeating past mistakes, where political influence and favouritism often marred key appointments.