By Augustine Okezie
Abuja
Three candidates have finally been shortlisted for the post of Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, from the 124 applicants that had earlier applied for the job, amidst scheming and power play by interest groups in the university.
Those shortlisted, after the stakeholders’ meeting involving the members of the university academic community, included Professors Umar G. Danbatta from Bayero University, Kano, Armstrong Adejoh from Benue State University, Makurdi, and Raheem A. Lawal from University of Ilorin.
A close source at the university who pleaded anonymity said that Danbatta enjoys the backing of the Registrar, Mallam Modibo, who appears to be tele-guiding the council chairman, General Samuel Ogbemudia (rtd), in favour of Danbatta. Lawal on his part is heavily favoured by the outgoing VC, Professor James Adelabu, who wanted a crony that can cover his misdeeds.
The only candidate that enjoys neutrality and places third is Armstrong, who, investigation by Blueprint shows, enjoys popular support of the various unions in the school including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The candidature of Lawal was flatly rejected by ASUU because of his perceived role in the ‘Unilorin 49’, when as a member of the university senate he allegedly participated in the expulsion of members of the local chapter of ASUU that went on the nationwide strike ordered by the national body at that period. The fear is that he might carry on with his anti-labour stance should he mount the saddle at the University of Abuja.
The university’s governing council is expected to announce the new vice chancellor tomorrow.
