The Academic staff Union of University (ASUU), Usman Danfodio University branch has faulted the recent actions of the federal government with regards to appointment of certain key positions in the country ‘s univerties
The ASUU also faulted the federal government over the dissolutions of governing boards of the universities in June last year, an action which it described as “uncalled for and violated certain Miscelleneous Provision Acts and established procedure.”
This was contained in a press statement co-signed by the branch chairman Muhammad Nurudden Almustapha and secretary Shaibu Adona Sadiku and made available to newsmen in Sokoto
The statement further said government’s unauthorized advertising of vacancies for the offices of Vice Chancellors and other Principal Officers in the apex institutions also violates proper procedures and threatens the integrity and academic freedom of Nigeria’s universities
It added that the action had flagrantly violate Section 3, subsections 1 and 2 of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 (as amended).
The statement said the University Law distinctly delineates the composition, roles, and dissolution procedures of the University Governing Councils.
It also said the law prescribes the protocol in the event of Council’s absence, particularly regarding the appointment of principal officers.
The ASUU pointed out that at no point does the law transfer the council’s functions to Minister or the Visitor.
“The Federal Government’s actions undermine the principles of transparency, equity, and merit-based selection of university principal officers.
“Moreover, the recent advertisement for the Vice Chancellorship and other principal Officers at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, as authorised by the Minister of Education on behalf of Council, flagrantly violates university statutes concerning the appointment process of a new Vice Chancellor,
“It will cast doubt on the integrity, fairness, and legality of these proceedings.” the statement further stated
The ASUU however, called on the federal government to respect the autonomy and independence of the institutions to rescind the decision and revert to the established procedure in the interest of sanctity and integrity of the universities
The ASUU called on all stakeholders to join hand with it in the struggle to safeguard integrity and make the universities to operate legally and smoothly aligning with provision of the law
