The high-powered committee set-up by Nasarawa State University, Keffi, to introduce necessary reforms expected to enhance academic pursuits and improve the performance of both staff and students to move the institution to first class status has submitted its report. The submission of the report has however sent shivers down the spine of several workers who fear that implementing the recommendations of the committee would entail drastic reduction of workforce especially employees who allegedly came into the university through the backdoor, those with questionable academic qualifications and others with problematic performance records.
Inside sources, who do not want to be named, disclosed that a state of apprehension has since gripped a large section of workers of the university with many visiting churches and spiritual centres for prayers to enable them retain their jobs and positions.
Vice chancellor of NSUK, Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed confirmed this in Keffi, during an interview that the report was submitted and was being closely studied to see how the recommendations can be implemented without fear or favour.
He cautioned lecturers and non-academic staff who engage in dishounorable practices that undermine intellectual pursuits in the institution to calmly find their way out or face dismissal.
Mohammed disclosed that the committee’s report would help the management introduce sweeping changes and reforms after the committee reviewed the performance of the Senate and the conduct of randy lecturers warning that anyone collaborating with students to cut will be sacked and prosecuted.
Mohammed, a professor of Political Sociology and Development, who was appointed from the University of Abuja, said the problems and challenges encountered in the institution include sex-for-marks and financial gratifications from students for higher grades, encouraging cultism and other vices.
“There are lots of challenges that I met on ground even with facilities. Some of these problems are that many things have been done wrongly. My first task is to correct these anomalies and to improve on accountability and transparency as well as ensure that robust academic climate is put in place for the students to enhance learning.
“Henceforth, immoral activties will not be tolerated from students and lecturers and we will ensure that lecturers deliver on their mandate by teaching well withut resort to unethical conduct,” he assured.
“We still hope to organise a workshop to address unethical conduct in our schools especially in the universities. “This will help us to educate the academic community about their responsibilities in ensuring that the environment is adequately prepared for sound educational pursuits and does not become a criminal den.
“I am here [Nasarawa state] to improve and consolidate on the development processes on ground in the university. I intend to expand the level of achievements and there are lots of things that require improvement.
“My emphasis will be on system building to improve on the academic culture and standards. We must ensure that the principles of accountability and due process are maintained and also ensure that transparency are entrenched to help us create a 21st century university that produce students who will be globally competitive.”
